When we came back at the mansion, i suffered from the massive pain at the back of my head and I started crying. I caused an uproar that made Sir Everett called a physician. It goes on for days that I can't go to the knights training ground and to school. The physician stayed at the mansion for days, even he do not know what's causing my head to almost split it half, tracking me and giving some approved medications to help me ease the pain. It isn't working.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAjyIfeNPYt4
On the fourth day, my sight started spinning in the middle of the day when I woke up. It made me want to die. I have longed to scream but I can't. My throat was too hoarsed, so I only cried silently, minding my sound. I just close my eyes.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAHdbZN2trAX
Dame Blanche blamed herself for taking me out. She kept coming back into my room to check on me.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAAeSQmL03CI
I heard from Sister Hilda that she overhear the physician said I needed a wizard's potion to stop the pain but it can only be obtain from the magic tower. Sir Everett told Sir Maven to have a letter ready for the magic tower, But Sir Maven told him that it would be better to contact the wizard in the palace for the immediate concern.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA7ggeGYT3em
That night when Sir Maven went to the palace, he came back in less than an hour with a wizard i can't clearly the face. My eyesight was so bury i might as well be blind. I felt a really warm hand on my forehead as I close my eyes, slowly falling into a deep slumber. Before losing conciousness, I felt I drank a sweet juice into my throat.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA0tE09vyed6
When I woke up, Sir Everett told me that the wizard came immediately when they called for help. After drinking the potion, I slept for three days, with the wizard coming back in the first two days. He left just yesterday. Even though they didn't really say the name of the wizard, I can clearly tell who is it.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAoJ1RB6VyXK
The physician also stated that I could move freely and he already left too.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAHoaO8qNyzF
Everything goes back to normal after that, even though my head occasionally hurts from time to time. I've been like this before since I was in the slum, I just don't know why it got worse. I hope it'll disappear.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAsfIS5nFC1s
I came back to my room after eating my dinner. I was welcomed by the cold temperature of my room because of the opened window. The crows were cawing as I gave them some corns and nuts. I wonder who feed them for the past few days when I just laid on the bed.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA0jmkkJquCX
Weeks have passed, I never got to see the wizard again. I wanna give him a gratitude for what he did, even though it felt weird being with him in the library back then. I tried sneaking out and going to the library every Sunday, hoping he'll be there. I also tried coming back and then to the training grounds everytime I was allowed just so maybe I could hear stories about him but there was none.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAmq2z0n2JxW
On the night of Old Hilda's birthday, that's when I've got to ask Dame Blanche where he is cause it took me a long time to approach her, she's been very busy in the training for the Knights' departure for the next month to Lelaruiveen Kingdom.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAqfjtyQoJKO
"Wizard Graves, you mean? He already left more than a month ago!" My heart dropped.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAZRcnjeV4g1
"Why did he leave?"
161Please respect copyright.PENANApkGAvjeCkN
Dame Blanche lean on the wall as she eats the tangerine we bought at the marketplace. "Well he has something, I heard he's off to bind the seal of the integral magic tower. It'll take him years to come back again, just like last time. Last time we see him was eight years ago, when the war was being planned beyond the Persuvia, he stayed here for just five or six months I think? He's never giving us any clue when he's going to come back. He just appears like a long lost friend."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAO5bZx2mRt9
"But...I'll be able to see him again to thank him, right?"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAnHFsRt8Pii
She smiled. "Of course! It's Sir Graves, he'll come back."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAOlouAyQc8z
I slept lightly that night, looking forward for the days to come.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAx4YtmH3jqO
161Please respect copyright.PENANAJEEcpDDPEZ
---------
161Please respect copyright.PENANAC6cBUlt5z6
161Please respect copyright.PENANAMjgwPPN8SD
My days and nights goes on as a loop. School, training ground, marketplace, and we visit the palace occasionally to have a dinner with the royal family.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAP6RY5ALGU3
On one evening when we were at the palace, I've encountered the daughter of the palace maid crying in the middle of the hallway after I have gone to went to the comfort room. My heart started to ache when I heard her sob so hard. It gives me a familiar feeling I have at the slum. It gives me an unfamiliar yet familiar feeling for something I can't exactly tell.
161Please respect copyright.PENANACdNkCHP1w8
I carried her back to the kitchen where the maids are. The maid in a ponytail came running as she hugged her daughter. It made me smile from the sight.
161Please respect copyright.PENANATMW7mmFlJW
The maid gave me some fruits she personally picked at the palace garden where the servants were allowed to eat, I thanked her for her kindness. She said I should visit frequently but I replied that I'm afraid it's not possible. I always have some tasks to do, but I'd be happy if I could play with the young girl whenever I visit the palace.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAP1YCrY91uu
I climbed back to the tree house Older Wallace made in Sir Maven's command more than a month ago. He said that this tree house is for the crows, but since I'm taking care of them, it became my spot too. I think the crows never minded me being in here, but they always throw their beak to the knights who dares to climb back up. I wait for them here to come at noon and night to feed them, because they're at my room in the mornings. I saved up a pile of crystals and jades they brought up to me every now and then.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAjMvs5VJirk
"Did they came back?!"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAtLHbfIFoW0
I lifted my head to look outside the window when I heard Sir Maven's excited voice. He's leaning his arms by the window and he's flying again even though Sir Everett told him to stop flying around now that he's out of the magic tower. But he's a wizard, I think it's one thing he can't get out of him.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAJYv33h06Vs
I shook my head in response.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAk0iJazUtvV
"No, Sir. But they always came in 7th of the night. It's still a little early."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAhOhJp0qwUw
Sir Maven sighed. "They really don't like playing with me, do they? They always come to you!"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAZyLV9fLt1x
I laughed. He always act like a child. He came back down when Dame Blanche called him from the mansion.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAUM7pVck9Z4
I fixed the foods by the jar that Sir Maven collected. The orange-lid one got broken yesterday. It was done by the Older Wallace because he thought someone he didn't knew was up here.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAQMtzuTc56C
I heard a cawing nearby as I look outside the window. The crows stoped by the window and let go of something from their beak. It was crystals again.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAkf7AWSz9xx
"When would you two stop bringing me beautiful jewels?" I smiled as I picked it up but something had struck me. "Oh, no."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAfOvHiKF6Vm
I look at them with a dazzled expression. "Where are you stealing this?"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAAcfYR1qcnz
They tilted their heads and cawed again. I guess that's their way of signing what I asked was false.
161Please respect copyright.PENANALCnkjuL7dx
"Ah, that's a relief."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAcVaP2oXKMU
They stopped and flew to the table where I poured their food. I swiped the floor of the tree house while they were eating. Sir Maven appeared after a few minutes. He's flying again. When he saw the crows, he laughed with joy.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAU5dBO9M0mZ
"Aha! You two!--- Wait." Sir Maven tilted his head. He gazed at me.
161Please respect copyright.PENANApL3DJ0cdEx
I blinked.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA1VgShnDi47
"Rin, did you named them?"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAdV96I6EzSr
I shook my head. "No, Sir. I think you're the one who should name them. Besides---I don't know what I should, I can't really tell if they're male or female."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAOF3DKZYR00
"They're both male. Ugh, I'm sorry I didn't told you that important thing."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAAKPY95utxt
I shook my head and told Sir Maven that it's alright.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAlo150uqCfM
"You can name them now, Sir."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAO2LiIoq9fp
He intensely shook his head. "No, you name them. I'm terrible at naming. I don't want Blanche laughing at me."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAt6lNlvHXV9
I gazed at the crows and to him. "I suppose...you do have something on your mind?"
161Please respect copyright.PENANA4XpCcOA4Jq
I saw him paled, even amidst the moonlight that shines through the tree house. "T-Technically, yes."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAyYNDSpqe3Q
"What is it, Sir?"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAr5LEAySR6E
"Bird the First and...Bird the Second? I don't know! I told you, I'm terrible at it!"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAyG2otIZ0aT
I paled from what he said.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA7kalzdaBWn
It's not terrible. It's the worst. Dame Blanche is right, he really shouldn't name the crows.
161Please respect copyright.PENANACH4wjtL6Ut
"That's uhh, really nightmarish naming, Sir..." I sprouted and he became more paled.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA3GpvwgELkr
"W-Well, name them then! Bye, I'm going to sleep!"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAyuyEx7iwO0
Sir Maven flew away, feeling embarrassed.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA5EVHggYjyG
I scratched my hair and went back to gave the crows some food while deeply in thought of naming them.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAOsh1WO4cac
When the next day arrived, I told Sir Maven to give me enough time to think about naming the crows. He replied that it's alright and that I should take my time in doing that. He even replied he'll excuse me to school for the sake of it. Sir Everett overheard our conversation and slightly hit his shoulders using the cane.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAgc6xyx6C1T
"Go to school, Severine." Sir Everett told me, glaring at Sir Maven.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAWd3wATiqYk
I headed my way to school and sneak in to the public library after that. I read a short children's fantasy book for more than two hours, occupied with so much delivery of the magical words written inside. I was hoping I could get an idea on the crows' names, but still, I couldn't think of something. I also tried scrolling through the books of naming babies, but nothing on those names suited the crows. It's just full of 'Elizabeth', 'Amelia', 'Bernadette', 'Francisco', 'Franco', and some other names I couldn't even pronounce. It's too royal, some were too common, cliché, even.
161Please respect copyright.PENANArsNyflC1rP
I was so discouraged exiting the library. It got so worse when it started raining so hard. It really pissed my mind that whenever I'm not bringing up any umbrella, it's always like this. I sheltered on the library by the window, waiting for it to stop.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA3HpU4w9rEe
I can't just shove through the rain, I don't want to get sick anymore. I'm just gonna be bother to anyone in the mansion again.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAKnswskNX6n
I stared at the hard pouring rain for three hours straight that the night started to approach. I was so close to crying in despair and hopelessness when something appeared by the window. Even though the window was covered by the sprinkly drops of water rain, I could still see them clearly.
161Please respect copyright.PENANADbIiyTgyxw
I got so dumbfounded when the two crows penetrated through the window glass, entering in without even opening it. It's my first time witnessing their magical ability that my jaw almost fell open.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAuBBP5k9ayA
They cawed intensely that made some people at the library stared at our direction. Their eyes widened as they saw the crows, they whispered on each other. That's when I realized we've made a scene. They're not just ordinary animals that entered through the library, they're crows. Crows are bad omens in their tea, while crows in wizards is a gift.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAmRHDd6Mcni
The people in the library and in the mansion were different.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA2OAiRvgzpL
I covered the crows with the short fabric of my thin coat while we exited the library. I run through the nearest abandoned shop where we sheltered. I took a deep breath while holding them in my arms.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAy5nL0Jeyrn
"Don't ever do that again."
161Please respect copyright.PENANA5KQInkSGm8
They cawed once more and I told them to stop. Luckily, they followed me.
161Please respect copyright.PENANANS6DJk9Wc2
I leaned through the wall of the abandoned shop and stared at the pouring rain. It started thundering, lightnings were at the sight too. My feelings were dreaded. It's already nighttime and I'm really sleepy. I hope the people at the mansion isn't in a wreck in finding me. I could already guess they're trying to search in every corner of Perculiana.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAjpJ3ctigJp
I'm so stubborn.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAIfLkwBqQk6
I sat on the dry ground and hugged the crows while staring at the sky. I didn't dare to close my eyes even though I'm very sleepy. I waited an hour more as the rain stopped. It relieved me. I stand up and started to walk, they're both at my shoulders now.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAKoWFfjkCok
As I walk through the path to the mansion, I noticed the skies have cleared. The stars were shining brighter than last night. It made me want to lose myself in it.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAOHyI5lcdLQ
I stopped when the sky turned into somewhat slightly bright, a comet dashed through the blackened night.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAB9ToVnLar7
I blinked, slowly minding my lips and smiled.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA1upPc0qCad
That late at night when I came back to the mansion, they crowded me. Sir Everett scolded me for running late, they were so worried. As I apologized, I started asking where Sir Maven and Dame Blanche's at. They said they were trying to find me at the palace.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA1JdzxvEbch
They came back 30 minutes later after I arrived. Dame Blanche gave me a really tight hug while Sir Maven's nose were so red. He's still too soft that we know he's going to cry if I didn't told him that his nose is a cherry.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAZ80x6dI20F
I don't want to see anyone crying because of me.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAMcGNz9eKho
The next day after I climbed back up to the tree house, I saw Sir Maven feeding the crows. He greeted me with an awe expression.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAscfGy1lyuq
"We were really on berserk last night, y'know? Father almost called the royal knights to search for you. You're more like our sibling now than the other people he brought from the orphanage and raised."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAm8avGzBlX9
I look down the floor. "I apologized, Sir Maven. I didn't knew it was going to rain so hard. I'm trying to search for the crows' names."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAoinOWbaaEL
His eyes widened, revealing an exciting mood. "Well then, did you already...???"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAWuOgOkvCvE
I nodded my head. "It's silly names but I hope you don't mind."
161Please respect copyright.PENANAZwOc22fVlw
"Tell me!"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAf7f19vseLF
"I named them Storm and Comet. But...I still don't know how I can differentiate them both."
161Please respect copyright.PENANATMXFbIBk7u
Sir Maven stared at me with a really dumbfounded look that I began to ask myself if I was even stupider at naming them.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAr0K8EfvW1U
"No, I don't think it's ugly. I'm just thinking of how are we going to differentiate them. Don't get discouraged already!"
161Please respect copyright.PENANAm5Xnq0wvwh
I slowly nod my head. He knows how to read my mind.
161Please respect copyright.PENANARA0GbMjQfs
"A-ha!" A really bright lightbulb appeared on his head and he invited me over to slightly hold the crows' wings while they were eating.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA47VntNPmSN
A soft blow of a wind passes through the treehouse going through both the crows' right wings that flapped. My eyes widened in surprised and being overwhelmed when a tiny white drawing sign appeared in their right wings.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA88WxcKMpm9
A cloud with a thunder and a falling star.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA6ZkrBQxIdf
It almost made me teary-eyed to the tragedy we go through naming them.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAe3LAvh4zBI
The crows flew right away after they ate. Sir Maven went back to his office too. He was really excited to tell Dame Blanche the crows' names.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAIayInuxFMR
I passed my afternoon in the treehouse and sleep there for hours, waking up feeling so refreshed and calm. When I gazed upon the small table, I saw a fist-sized crystal laying on there. It was so bright and glowy. My eyebrows furrowed.
161Please respect copyright.PENANACx51Amsp6w
How did the crows carried it along?
161Please respect copyright.PENANAVarjPpYvQn
"Ah, that's right." I spouted when I realized they have the ability to do anything.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA4JSVNn7aJQ
I walked towards the small table and slowly placed the crystal on my hands. It was a really bizarre but bright crystal. I narrowed my eyes a little more when I saw a hint of a writing on top of the crystal.
161Please respect copyright.PENANACQmcX95oqG
Persuavia.
161Please respect copyright.PENANA25buHCN0IN
The empire's name.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAIwnYZEX0rE
I don't know why, but holding it gave me such a really warm comfort. I placed the crystal on the shelf and stare at it for more than an hour until the crows went back.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAVTU5Cp16G0
I climbed back down the tree house later before the evening, slowly pacing through my way back to the mansion. I turned my back to gazed at the large gate when I thought someone was staring from there.
161Please respect copyright.PENANATBr93Da8kE
I saw no one. Even the knights who's guarding the gate wasn't there because it's the time of their dinner. I look around and my eyes travelled through the corners of the mansion but no one was really there.
161Please respect copyright.PENANAd4n4LT42Mo
I started being weirded out and shook my head before I came running to the mansion.
ns216.73.216.12da2