"This is a story from a long time ago, in my past." Felora began. "It was early on in my life when I wasn't nearly as powerful as I am today. For many years I had been lucky enough to train under a master magician, for no particular reason it seemed, other than that she had taken a liking to me. Late in her mortal life she had discovered a new method for obtaining immortality, and so even though she had become ageless, her body was still old and frail. I loved her like a mother, and would've done anything for her, or so I thought, but for all that I wasn't the best of students. With the secret for immortality practically already in my hands I thought I had as much time as I pleased to master magic. I progressed, certainly, but I never applied myself as much as I could have. And as such, I wasn't much to speak of when it came to things like combat ability or wisdom.
"But my master was powerful, and few wizards dared to challenge us, so I grew up mostly in peace, enjoying the days as they passed without a care for the world outside our tower. But unbeknownst to me my master did have enemies. There were those who coveted her method for immortality, those whom my master had refused to grant the secret to. And as the years passed and their bodies aged, they grew more and more desperate to find a way to take it from her.
"At last they set their sights on me. Her beloved apprentice, who by this time had been granted her secret for immortality, and yet who still wasn't nearly as accomplished as her master." Felora shook her head. "I was a fool, then. I thought my master's power would be enough for the both of us. I thought no one would ever dare challenge her. But I was wrong.
"They captured me on one of my infrequent trips outside of the tower, and forced the secret out of me. I thought if I told them, things might turn out alright, and we'd finally be left alone. But people like that aren't so forgiving. They continued to hold me and set a trap for my master. Even with all her prowess and accomplishments there was only so much that she could do against a small army of mages specifically prepared to thwart her. Perhaps alone she could have done it. But, of course I was there, and she wasn't willing to let me die.
"We put up a hell of a fight, though. Killed probably half the mages there, and very nearly escaped with both of our lives. The b*tch Corona, who was behind it all had other plans though. She had put a blood curse in me, so that no matter what happened she could kill me remotely. My master was pretty heavily wounded too, and with her age and condition, healing her would likely put her life in danger just as much as leaving her untreated. So, self-sacrificial fool that she was, she took the fall for me. Transferred my blood curse onto herself, and died a few days later.
"That's why even though I've mostly been a recluse in the years that have followed since, I've never let up on my training or my learning. Because knowledge is power, and power is the only thing that can save your life, and life of those you love."
"So then, why are you training me?" Fiona knew an answer, but perhaps Felora was trying to give her more insight through her story.
Felora grinned like that was exactly the question she had wanted Fiona to ask. "Life's better with other people in it, kid. I've trained a number of apprentices over my years. Some turn out good, some not so much, but when you're own life is more or less unchanging it feels nice to seek out kids who seem to be changing every minute. Besides," she ruffled Fiona's hair with a sly glance towards Alfred. "It's always nice to have more allies, don't you think?"
Fiona was thoughtful. She wishes me to grow strong? Or did she say all that for Alfred's and by extension my family's sake? Allies, huh? Or is it because of her regrets? But allies would match with what she told me about my ability…While also providing an explanation for Alfred who's certainly wondering why she would seek me out!? She did all this to try to cover an explanation for why she's come here, while also giving me more insight into her character? Ahh, this is too much intrigue in too little time, my little head's going to explode.
Fiona had inadvertently put her hands up to her head, thinking about it all.
"Well, that's enough of story time, don't you think," Felora regained the child's attention. "Let's start learning to read."
AHH! No! Too much intrigue! I already know how to read! What is this false learning scenario! How am I supposed to act? What am I supposed to do? Fiona's head was melting as she looked down at the page of alphabet characters Felora had prepared.
"These are the letters…" Felora began explaining. Fiona's head swam as Felora continued explaining, her thoughts scrambled and distant, her head aching. The rest of the lesson progressed unproductively as far as learning was concerned, Fiona unbeknownst to herself doing a good impression of not knowing how to read, simply because of how overwhelmed she felt.
When it was finally over she went out to the garden again and just sat on the grass blankly looking out towards the manor's fence. This is too confusing! Too much! Let me go back to being a child please! No more acting, no more intrigue, no more lessons or stories or dreams, just let me play with my blocks and draw houses with crayons in peace!
On the other side of the kingdom, on the outskirts of Kvar, Kinder's capital, a child with jet black hair and stormy grey eyes stood at a window in a stone grey church, looking out into the cloudy street. She was dressed all in black, and at her waist was a small knife. "Come on Vior," a girl's raspy voice sounded behind her. "The Father's waiting for us in the sanctum."
The girl continued looking out the window another moment, then turned silently and stalked further into the church, her dark grey eyes ablaze with determination.