The Basics

Thus started the long journey of which Marcus would first have to learn the basics of being a mage. Now as he trained and studied to be a mage he also had to still work on his basic education as well, but he wasn't alone as Rebekah sat through every class and taking section with him. No this wasn't so she could become a mage too for she didn't have the gift.

"You see Marcus in order to full understand your full potential you first have to learn the basics of magic." instructed Old Ben as they stood in the middle of a small study.

"Is Rebekah going to learn to be a mage too? Is that why she's here?" asked Marcus as he looked over at where Rebekah was sitting in a chair watching with a smile.

"Unfortunately no. You see Marcus in order for someone to be a mage they have to be granted a special conection to the Ari or Life Force. Normally its a genetic link passed on one generation to the next but my son never had the link nor my grand children and nor does little Rebekah." explained Old Ben, "Part of me wonders if it is because I used my magic to prolong my life that now my line of mages has ended."

"Fear not maybe it was something on their other parent's side of the family the hinder it from being passed on. Besides neither of my parents are mages and I seemed to have the link." replied Marcus with a smile.

"The link rarely skips more then two generations." sighed Old Ben, "As for your case it is a special case for you were paw selected by the gods for a greater purpose and thus were given the gift of the mage."

"I see but if Rebekah wont be able to become a mage then why is she here and not it playing r having fun?" asked Marcus a bit puzzled.

"Well that is because she wants to learn all that she can so she can be the best companion to you on your journey." replied Old Ben, "I too wish she'd go out and play with the other kids but she's always enjoyed reading and learning. She'll need you to keep her safe."

"She's one of my two bestest friends and though I can't see or really protect the other one from here I know he's safe so you have my word that I'll never let anything happen to Rebekah as long as I have a breath in me." replied Marcus with a smile. "Now I take it the first step is building a relationship with the Ari Force?"

"Yes. So sit here in front of me and cross your legs like so." replied Old Ben as he got onto the floor and folded his legs across each other in a way one wouldn't think an old squirrel like him was capable of. "I want you to close your eyes and clear your mind of all distractions. Once there I want you to focus on the emptiness and tell me what you see? What you feel? What you taste?"

Marcus mimicked the posture of Old Ben and closed his eyes and tried to focus but thanks to Old Ben's comment about Rebekah needing him he couldn't quite do so. Thus as he focused on what was suppose to be the emptiness of his mind, as instructed by Old Ben, an odd wind began to ruffle Rebekah's skirt and tickle her inner thigh which started to distract her as well but she was more disciplined and able to focus.

"Grandpa?" questioned Rebekah as she dropped her note book and clenched the arm of her chair which was starting to lift off the ground. As for her legs she couldn't seem to move them as they were being held apart and against the front of the chair. She could even feel her panties starting to slide off.

"Marcus! Snap out of it!" shouted Old Ben as he placed a paw on each of Marcus' shoulders.

Marcus' eyes shot open and Rebekah's chair slowly drifted to the floor and once she could move her legs she stood and ran out off the room crying leaving her panties, which fell off the rest of the way as she ran, in her wake. As for Marcus he turned to watch her leave only for a pain to hit him in the chest that hurt really bad. With a sigh he uncrossed his legs and slowly stood up before saying, "I'm sorry. Can you please tell her for me? I think it's best I don't go near her for a few days."

"Tell me Marcus, what did you smell, taste, feel and see before I snapped you out of your trance?" asked Old Ben as he gently took one of Marcus' paws so he wouldn't leave just yet.

"I saw Lilly pedals circling a single majestic rose. As for smell it was a sweet and loving smell. While it felt like I was surrounded in the softest of fur yet taste I really didn't get close enough to taste anything. Why is that more important then what I did to Rebekah?" asked a confused Marcus as he turned back to facing Old Ben.

"Because for starters I told you to clear your mind of everything and is seems little Rebekah was the one thing you just couldn't get out of it. This will cause you some problems for you need to focus on the Ari and not your pleasure at least until you've strengthened you bond with it. What happened to Rebekah was because you kept her in your mind as you connected with the Ari." explained Old Ben, "The Ari was interpreting your feelings and acted on them through wind magic and thus the attack on Rebekah. Though I'm not sure if it was jealous of your thoughts of her or was trying to help you."

"Well either way can you please apologize for me as I will just stay somewhere else for a few nights so she doesn't have to be afraid of me or this room." sighed Marcus as he pulled free of Old Ben's loose grip. "If you need me I'll be at the inn down the street. I should have enough gold to my name to cover a few nights stay."

"If you think that's for the best but what will you eat if you spend all of your gold on a bed?" asked Old Ben as he slowly stood and watched as Marcus started to leave.

"I should be fine without food for a few days but I can sent someone for sand which if I need something." replied Marcus with a smile.

"Just pack yourself a few small meals from the kitchen before you leave and please stay safe little one." replied Old Ben with a sigh.