“Mom, I wore that last month” Alice said, shaking her head at the dress. “Brianna would never let me live it down if I wore the same dress twice in one season.”
“But dear, this is for Renee’s birthday. You don’t want to stand out, and wearing the same dress you’ve worn recently is a great way to do that.” Her mother argued. “Besides, you can just wear different accessories with this dress; that way it’s not quite the same as last time.”
The young witch pouted. “Why not this dark purple dress? It really brings out my curves.”
“You don’t need to accentuate your curves, dear.” Jessica frowned. “You look good as you are.”
“It’ll look good with what Lissa is wearing.” Alice tried again.
The older witch raised an eyebrow. “And what is she wearing?”
Alice walked to her closet and pulled out a yellow dress with purple highlights.
“You really convinced Lissa to wear that?”
“I know it’s not her usual color, but it will go great with her purple hair. And then I can wear this purple dress, and it will be like we’re dressing in each other’s colors.”
“And that will definitely not stand out at Renee’s birthday? Trust me dear, I’ve been to enough balls with your father, wearing the same dress in a season isn’t going to hurt your or his reputation.”
Alice grimaced, staring at the dresses on the bed and in her hands. “If I wear that, then Lissa will want to wear her usual dress… I worked so hard to convince to wear the bright color.”
“I believe you dear, and I’m confident there will be a ball in the future for you to show off with her. But now is not the time for that.” Her mother said, settling the matter. “Now that your dress is settled, you need to get to studying. I’m going out with your father tonight, so I expect to find you in your chair or the courtyard when we return.”
“Yes mom.” Alice sighed. “Where are you going? Could you bring me back some food?”
“We have excellent chefs here.” Jessica responded, getting off the bed and striding gracefully to the bedroom door. “Get to studying. I’ll have a maid come clean up the dresses.”
“Yes mom.” The younger witch said again as the older woman left. With a deep sigh, she put her friends bright yellow dress on her bed next to the other dresses. Walking around her bed, she sat at her desk, where a thick book lay open to descriptions of spell glyphs and circles. It was set in front of her window, and the afternoon sun shone brightly on the book making it easy to read. “Lady Grey, I really would have looked good in the purple dress, right?” Alice asked her familiar after a few minutes of reading.
The small dragon, with tea leaves growing around her horns, yawned from her pillow situated in the sunlight. She blinked a few times at the blond witch before laying her head back down.
“I would’ve.” Alice said to herself before returning to her book. She was interrupted by a clicking at her window. Looking up from the book she saw a hawk flapping its wings and pecking at her window. Quickly, Alice got out of her chair and got around the desk to open it for the bird of prey. Lady Grey hissed at it when it tried to land near her, forcing it to land on the nearby bed rail. Ruffling its feathers for a moment, the hawk lifted a leg towards the witch. “Oh, a letter from Peter? A quest perhaps?” Alice smiled, as she undid the note and read it a couple times. “Not a quest. Just a request for dinner with the group… This isn’t like him. He usually plan’s these out in advance, and usually for a reason. Not just because. Revali, what is going on?”
The hawk just shrugged.
“I’ll need to ask Lissa. Want to send my message to her?” she asked the familiar.
Revali lifted his other leg, where Alice noted a second letter was tied.
“Well, that is very like him. You can tell him I’ll go. I love fish.”
The hawk nodded and flew out the window Alice had left open. Lady Grey hissed at the bird on its way out, before grimacing at Alice.
“Lady, you are fine. The big bad bird isn’t going to hurt you.”
The witch soothed her familiar. “How about I bring you to dinner. I’ll share my crab with you.” The tea dragon continued her grimace for only a moment before getting up and stretching on her pillow. “Good girl. Let me get a robe, and a bag for you.” Alice said, opening her closet and grabbing a thick robe to ward against the evening chill. Next a sturdy silk bag went over her shoulder before she picked up her familiar and fit her inside the bag. Lady Grey popped her head out of the bag and chirped happily. Ready for dinner out, the young witch strode to the door to her room, reaching for the handle but finding the door being pushed into her.
“I’m sorry, Miss Alice.” A maid said she noticed Alice stumbling back. “Your mother asked me to put your dresses away for the evening. Are you going out?”
“Ah, yes. My quest group is having dinner tonight out.”
The pink haired maid nodded. “Very well. Enjoy your time out.”
“Thank you.” Alice nodded, slipping past the woman before she asked more questions. The young woman strode through her parents’ large home to the front gate, walking past an elaborate courtyard with multiple spell circles engraved in the stone. Mint was already perched on the gates post, his scaly tail wagging back and forth slowly.
“Lissa asked me to escort you to the eatery.” He said in his growly two-tone voice. His eyes, the same black and blue that advanced undead had, weren’t looking at her, but the surroundings.
“I appreciate that.” Alice smiled. The wyvern launched into the air and began to do slow spirals as the mage walked through the city. The young witch walked past affluent houses sporting banners from the royal families or representatives from the various kingdoms that lived around her parents. People were cutting bushes, maintaining their elaborate shapes or keeping flowerbeds full of plants native to the land where the banners represented alive.
The structures changed as Alice got into the shopping district near her home. They were squarer, and the races around her became more varied as commoners walked the streets, buying supplies for their lives and jobs. Lady Rose adjusted herself in the bag she was in, so she could more comfortably smell all the various cooking that was going on around them. Looking up, Alice saw Mint was weaving around several other flying animals, likely all familiars of nearby mages. Roano, taller than most around him, waved from his position on the street. His grey skin, similar to the sharks he was distantly related to, stood out among the more colorful races around him. Alice changed her direction to walk directly towards him and soon found herself in an open space as people created distance around him.
“I know how to get to the eatery.” She commented with a smile.
“I am aware.” He spoke. “I am just making sure Lissa finds her way. I am not sure she’s been here before.”
“She would find her way to Mint” Alice stated, pointing to the undead wyvern now perched atop a nearby roof. “She is very rarely lost in the city.”
“I suppose I should have considered that.” The tall man said as he rubbed his neck. “Well, I’ll meet you inside regardless.”
Alice pursed her lips. “Roano, do mer blush? I don’t think I’ve ever seen your face change color.”
“Blushing is when your face changes color due to embarrassment?” the mer asked back. “No, we do not blush. That seems to be a feature of surface dwellers. No one in the oceans blush.”
“That is very inconvenient.” Alice asked.
“From your perspective, certainly.” Roano said with a smile. “But from mine, it is very convenient.”
Alice grunted before moving on from the shark man to the eatery. In was tucked away in an alley way, and the only thing differentiating it from any other door was a hanging sign depicting a Sailor pining on a dock towards the ocean. The young witch pushed the door, revealing a well-maintained tavern with round tables surrounded by stools. A few tables had patrons, but Alice saw Peter waving to her from a table close to the kitchens, so she walked around tables and waitresses to sit across from him quickly.
“So, what brings on this sudden get together?” she asked as Lady Grey climbed out of the back and into her lap.
“Sudden for you is not sudden for everyone. Roano and I have planned this for a while.” Peter answered without answering. “Besides, it’s nice to get away from training now and again, and hang out with my friends.”
Alice tried to raise an eyebrow at the magic knight, but couldn't quite make it. “Really?”
They both turned when the door creaked open, revealing Roano. Alice noticed he gave a quick nod before he was followed by Lissa. Despite her dread knights not walking in with her, the atmosphere of the entire place changed. Alice glanced at Peter, who just smiled as his friend and hers sat down at the table.
Then, for no reason Alice could see, Peter started slamming a tankard on the table. He was almost immediately joined by everyone else in the tavern, including Roano. She felt there was a rhythm to it, as both she and Lissa looked around at everyone staring at the half lich.
Then they started to sing.
“What do you do for a happy birthday
What do you do for a happy birthday
What do you do for a happy birthday early in the morning”
Alice’s mouth dropped when she realized what was happening. But they didn’t stop.
“Way-hey happy birthday (clap)
Way-hey happy birthday,
Way-hey happy birthday early in the morning,
Give them cake and give them presents,
Give them cake and give them presents,
Given them cake and give them presents early in the morning,”
At this point, the head chef and owner of the eatery walked out of the kitchen with a round cake. He was singing along with the crowd as he placed the confection on the table in front of Lissa, who’s hands were under the table as she stared at the cake in shock.
“Way-hey happy birthday (clap)
Way-hey happy birthday,
Way-hey happy birthday early in the morning…”
The tavern finished singing and slamming their drinks on the table. They continued to congratulate Lissa, increasing in volume when the chef offered a round of free drinks for the occasion. New drinks in hand, they returned to their own activities. At their table, the chef was placing a large knife in front of Peter.
“Happy birthday, lass.” He said brightly. “When Peter told me he wanted to celebrate in style, I knew what to do. Drag some of my old crew to sing you a shanty!”
Lissa was staring at the cake, a blank look on her face that Alice recognized. She put on had on her shoulder, getting her attention. Then the young witch nodded.
“I really appreciate it.” Lissa finally said. “I’m sorry I’m not as exuberant as you all were. It was quite a surprise. I’ve just never really celebrated my birthday, so I don’t know how to react properly. It’s not something we care for in my father’s home.”
“By the old gods!” the chef said. “Even at sea we celebrate birthdays, even if it’s with naught but our regular portion of grog. Well, you come by every year and I’ll make sure you have a cake and a song!”
“Enough old man.” Alice stepped in. “Make us some delicious food while we enjoy your cake, in peace.”
“Aye, only the best for you today!” he said, moving to the kitchen.
Peter was frowning at her as the chef left. “Was this a bad idea? I found her birthday in some records and thought it would be a great opportunity to get together.”
“It’s fine, Peter.” Lissa said before Alice could answer. “I do really appreciate it. I’m just… not used to surprises like this is all. Please, cut this delicious looking cake, I want to find out if the chocolate under those fun little fishes is good.”
Peter leaned over the table with the knife and cut small, precise, slices from the cake making sure Lissa’s piece had one of the fish decorations. He put each one on a plate and handed them around, giving Lissa her plate first before serving everyone else. Once done, he sat down and lifted his plate a little.
“To Lissa. May your next year be a good one.” He cheered one last time.
“To Lissa” Alice said with Roano. The blond mage noticed a small tear in her best friends’ eyes as she used a fork to cut a piece and take a bite. Alice did the same, providing Lady Grey with a small section to eat on the edge of her plate. It tasted delicious to her and she took another bite.
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“What do you think?” Peter asked after his first bite.
The purple haired witch tilted her head as she continued to think. “I don’t usually bake with my chocolate. But this is quite soft. Like fluffy white bread. And it’s very sweet. It almost feels like I’m eating chocolate in bread form. I must ask him for the recipe. At the very least for the chocolate he uses. I usually prefer darker, bitter chocolate, but this is delightful.”
“Isn’t it!” Alice agreed. “You should definitely get the recipe. And share it with my chefs. I could eat this forever.”
“Not if you want to keep wearing the same clothes.” Lissa replied bluntly before enjoying a second bite.
Alice puffed her cheeks out. “Rude!”
The boys smartly said nothing as they enjoyed their slices of cake. The chef came out before long with plates on his arms, serving the group himself despite the waitresses working around the eatery.
“Here you go, kids. Let me know what you think.” He said, loudly, as he put the plates down.
“Since we’re celebrating my birthday, could you tell me about your cake recipe?” Lissa asked. “It is simply to die for.”
The chef waggled a finger. “That recipe’s been in my family for generations. I’m sworn to only pass it on to my kin so long as I live. Sorry lass.”
“Do not put him on a list.” Alice told her friend when she pouted a little. “Just take it home and figure it out like the alchemist you are.”
“A list you say?” the chef asked, pulling a nearby chair and settling down. He watched as the team pulled the various seafoods towards them. Alice made sure to grab a few crab legs for her familiar to work on.
“I wasn’t going to.” Lissa explained. “Just a little joke. I’m a necromancer, you know. When you’re dead, you’d be free of your oath. But I could find your spirit.”
“Ah.” The chef said, taken aback. “Aye, well. I’ll be having my body sent back to Njordic when I finally find the end. Into the deep with me.”
“This is delicious.” Peter slid into the conversation when the silence became awkward. “I daresay the best you’ve done.”
The old sea dog nodded, taking the bait. “I take birthdays seriously, young knight. You never know when it’ll be you last, traveling on the sea. I’ll leave you kids to it. Tabs already covered, so leave whenever you’re done.”
“Thank you, sir.” Alice said as she worked on the seafood in front of her. The chef retreated back to the kitchen, leaving the team to eat in silence.
“Njordic native.” Lissa commented around her food.
“I didn’t know. Sorry.” Peter said. “I knew he was a sailor, but not where his home port was.”
“It’s fine. I know not every culture sees my profession in the best light.” Lissa said. “But the people important to me do, and that is what matters.”
“I’ll raise a glass to that.” Roano said. “I must agree Peter; this is some of the best eatery fish I’ve eaten in my time here. We should celebrate everyone’s birthday here.”
“At least until I figure out this cake.” Lissa agreed. With that last comment, the group dug into their meals in companionable silence until every plate was clean. The tavern had grown more crowded as they worked on their meal. Now done, Alice saw people were throwing dice between their drinks and coins changing hands.
“Want to play a game?” Peter asked. “I know you have a thing for ‘peasant’ games.”
The young witch bit her lip. “Another time. Tonight is for Lissa. Rather, let’s go to the nearby park. I’d like some fresh air after this.”
“That sounds nice. Let’s leave.” Lissa nodded, standing up. She packaged the remains of the cake, and the group followed suit as Peter led the way out of the eatery and into the alley way. The sun was setting behind the mountains surrounding the crater the city was nestled in.
“I’m glad I brought my robe.” Alice commented, settling her shoulder bag. Lady Grey was hidden inside, stomach full of the crab she had devoured. “Let’s hurry.”
Peter continued to lead them and their familiars through the streets and alleys to the nearest park, a small area with only a few trees and a pond. Roano immediately headed towards the body of water, tossing a few clams into the water. They were snatched up by cherry red tentacles as his familiar Rock pulled himself from the water, burbling happily. Alice found a bench nearby and sat down with Lissa, her familiars standing nearby but unobtrusively.
“This one is nice.” She commented. “Not too big, and kind of tucked away.”
“I do like it. No animals to run away from my presence.” Lissa agreed. “This has been a lovely birthday, Peter, thank you.”
“I’m glad it worked out. What do you usually do for your birthdays?” the young man asked from his standing position nearby. “So, I know what to do next year.”
Lissa chuckled. “Alice wanted to host large balls, but I told her I wouldn’t go to them. So, the Proudstaffs host a little dinner every year. We’ve been doing that since we met in initial training at the tower.”
“She ruined a great opportunity to host low key parties for nobles.” Alice complained. “Show them how mages have a good time.”
“Peter Pendrahl!” a young voice yelled from across the park, interrupting their conversation. Alice looked around the knight in question, seeing another knight, armored, standing with a mage of some kind. “I’ll avenge my brother today!”
“Ash.” Peter responded, keeping a soft smile on his face. “Killing me isn’t going to avenge your brother. I rather think he’d prefer you focus on improving yourself to be the best you can be.”
“You don’t get to tell me what my brother would think after yours killed him.” Ash argued.
Alice noticed Lissa’s dread Knights had appeared next to the bench.
“If this is what you want, then so be it.” Peter sighed. Magic circles appeared near his hands as he summoned a sword and shield.
“How many times is this?” Alice asked Roano. “I heard about last time.”
“Ash has attacked Peter several times a year since he became an official magic knight apprentice.” Roano said. “The fights ended quickly in the beginning, but the young boy has been making progress. The mage is new, though.”
“Do we want to take bets on how long this one will be?” one of the dread knights asked.
The mage near Ash raised his staff, and a magic circle appeared. Alice stood quickly and pulled out her wand. Channeling the small amount of mana it could handle, she sent a fireball to the wizards’ feet, interrupting his own casting.
“Ash, I will fight you man to man, but if you’re going to bring help, then so will I” Peter said, nodding to Alice who has sat back down. “But let’s make this quick, I’m in the middle of something.”
“No, it’s fine.” Lissa commented to him. “This is just another surprise.”
Peter chuckled. “Not one I planned. Thank you. I’ll try to keep it short.”
The young knight walked forward, meeting Peter halfway. He drew a long, curved sword, and held it in both hands before him.
“What kind of weapon is that?” Alice asked as the two men squared off.
“Go ahead and answer, Robert.” Lissa said.
“It’s called a katana. It’s an elvish weapon; most curved swords are.” The dread knight explained. “I am curious as to how he came upon it. Human swords are all typically straight.”
“Maybe he’s from the border?” her other dread knight asked as Ash took the first swing, an overhead cut. It was blocked by Peter’s shield, followed up by a horizontal swing with his sword while his shield was still up. The younger knight immediately stepped out of the range, bringing his sword with him.
“That was a good cut.” Robert commented. “Good form.”
“But it was blocked.” Alice said.
“A cut can be technically good, if not successful.” The dread knight said as the fight unfolded before them. Ash swung his sword vertically, horizontally, and many other various angles. Yet he could not get around Peter’s shield. “He needs to work on his speed and flexibility though. Katanas aren’t a great match up for someone with sword and shield. It can be done, but you need to be really good. Or at least better than this.”
The two knights had circled around each other several times over the course of the fight, and now Peter was further away from them. Alice couldn’t see the other mage, since the two knights were between her and the unknown caster. Ash touched the ground with the tip of his sword, and suddenly, Peter seemed frozen in place.
“Revenge is mine.” The young boy growled, lifting his sword up to thrust it under Peter’s ribs. He stopped inches away from the knight when Lissa’s dread knights were suddenly next to him, weapons drawn. Robert’s twin swords were ready to scissor the young knight’s neck, and Sam’s huge two-handed sword was resting on the ground, ready to cut the boy in half. This all happened before Alice had time to stand herself, wand ready. From her current angle, she could see Mint had taken down the mage, laying across him and baring his teeth at the man’s neck.
“That was incredible.” Alice said. “Your dread knights always impress.”
Lissa stood up as well, setting her cake down and adjusting the glasses on her nose. “It was an enjoyable show until he cheated. As Robert said, he needs to train more. Depending on his next actions, he may have the opportunity.”
“You aren’t really going to kill him, are you?” Alice asked her friend worriedly. “He’s just a boy.”
“He’s an apprentice knight. With a vendetta against my friend. He was willing to kill him, using underhanded tactics.” Lissa explained as they walked forward. Her voice had the unmistakable double tone at the start, but it had faded as she talked. “And more importantly, he’s is ruining my birthday.”
Alice chuckled, knowing now her friend was no longer serious. “So, what should he do next if he wants to live?” she asked loud enough for all to hear.
“Peter needs to be released from the stasis spell. And the two of them need to leave.”
A moment later, Peter stumbled as he regained control of himself. He blinked a few times as he registered the new scene in front of him. Then he sent his weapons back to his armory.
“Ash. You did not improve at all since our last fight. You instead chose to employ someone else to help you. I am disappointed, and I’m sure your brother would be.”
Despite the swords at his neck, Ash spit at Peter. “What would you know about my brother.”
“Only what your mother has told me. I met her last year when I put flowers on his grave.” Peter told him somberly. “We had a good talk, and she told me about him. And about you. I had hoped with me as your goal, you would continue to improve, to honor your brother. And later mature past your vendetta. Your motivation wasn’t great, but it was focused on me and no one else would get hurt. But you’ve put someone else's life in danger. That is not honorable, and from what your mother told me, your brother would be ashamed.”
“Put your weapon away, and leave, please.” Lissa said. Ash complied, and her dread knights stepped away. The young knight helped his mage up, and they walked away into the city.
Alice heard Lissa take a deep breath, holding it for a moment, before releasing it in a deep sigh.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
“I hate conflict. It’s so draining.” Lissa said. “Peter, are you OK?”
“I am, thank you, Lissa. I’m sorry your birthday was ruined.”
“Oh, you don’t need to apologize. I really enjoyed dinner and the park. But I think I want to go home and recharge.”
The blond witch realized what time it was. “You know, you should sleep at my place tonight.”
“That’s fine.” Lissa answered. “See you guys later” she waved to the boys. They nodded, and Alice grabbed her friend’s hand to drag her back to her home.
“Thanks for coming home with me.” Alice said when they were walking through city streets.
“I recall you are studying for your test on spell form stacking.” Lissa answered. “I am willing to be a shield against your mother.”
The blond witch grunted. “Saw right through me, huh. Well, thanks.”
“You are my best friend. And I did have a good time.” Then she stopped. “Did we get the cake!?”
“I have it, Lissa.” Robert commented. “Worry not.”
“Phew. That really would have ruined my birthday.”
Alice laughed, and they continued on their way to her family’s home.
