Chapter 3

Shortly after receiving the invitation to participate at the Spiritus social gathering for first years, my mother also started planning my outfit. Like always, I left this business to her skills and trusted that she would come up with the most wonderful dress. My focus wasn't on the party but on making time to develop my magic. So everytime she wasn't looking, I would sneak out in the garden and exercise. It's not forbidden to use magic, but I was nervous I would be scolded. More important for me should have been to learn how to act like a lady, how to behave myself in society and to learn handling important country affairs. That didn't sound so interesting to me, so I would sneak out and practice. I would usually visit the kitchen first and take some snacks with me also to feed my tummy. Work makes everyone hungry, right?

One problem was that I had to leave my favorite place as it was easy to find me there and moved to a further away place, in the forest near our house. That place was a favorite of Alex and myself where we would always play in the shallow water of a small river. There I tried to channel some water magic as well, but it was too early for that. We only had five magic lessons and although I try to improve every free moment, my skills weren't at that level yet. Far from it actually.

I would stay there one or two hours and try to feel all the elements around me. Although air was the most prominent, I could also feel the water from the stream and the grass and trees surrounding me, the warmth of the Sun. Laying on the grass with my eyes closed and meditating for a few minutes was always the first step in my 'training'. There was one time when I fell asleep and a maid found me there and reported the incident to my mother. To say my mother wasn't pleased is an understatement. I had to listen to her lecture for hours and she remembered me every five minutes that this is not the behavior a lady should have. After that I paid more attention to not fall asleep again.

But during my 'training' time, I was able to use air to make some leaves float and even I myself floated till the first branch of the same tree I once fell from. It wasn't stable, but it must have been something. Before, all I could do was sense the air around and maybe summon some wind, but now it seems that I could exercit control to make things move.

I have to say that I didn't think it was such a big deal to make a piece of paper float on my first practical lesson, my teacher seemed really impressed with my achievement.

"Your practised, haven't you, Miss?" he asked. I could feel my face burn. I was caught, I thought, and maybe lectured again. "You did really well. I know that higher nobles are usually focused on handling the affairs of the country and thus their children would also have to learn this first and foremost. But magic is not something easy and you will never know when the country will be in need of powerful mages. Don't worry, I won't tell on you." he continued while winking.

My smile was stretching across my whole face. I had an ally! I really liked my teacher. He was very calm and would explain every aspect in detail. I could ask him any dumb question I had and he would think it through before honestly answering me. I treated him almost like a grandfather and he would be happy to play along with my nonsense most of the time.

As I couldn't see spirits I started thinking that maybe there is some other kind of reaction which leads to the ability to use magic. I bombarded Mr. Gerald with lots of questions in the beginning to see if there would be some chemical reaction when someone uses fire or if physics can explain while a piece of paper can float. But he shut down all my theories with explanations about spirits which live everywhere but we are no longer able to see them because they hide from us. It seems that in the past, even before Tracia existed, these spirits emerged from all the elements of this planet because they felt a strong connection with the humans. In that time, war was rare and people usually lived in peace, both with each other and with nature. But after a time, after humans began using magic more and more, some also began abusing their power which led to war and many casualties. The spirits were harbroken as they only wanted to live in a peaceful world and they began hiding themselves.

Humans didn't forget about magic and could still use it, but it was limited to those who could sense it. Sometimes, a spirit would like a person's soul so much that they would let themselves in a contract with that human, and thus serve only that person. The contracted spirit will lend its power and also go out of their way to protect their master. It seemed to me that spirits could fall in love with someone. I thought of it like maternal love or the deep love between two siblings where they would sacrifice everything for the other.

"How do spirits look, Mr. Gerald?" I asked in the sixth lesson.

"Well, only those who have contracted a spirit may tell. I myself have never had the luck, but there are also books about them. I think you could find some in the library."

So here I was the following morning sitting on the library sofa reading a book called The spirits around us: How it all started. It was a relatively thick book, but really interesting. It described in detail all the things that Mr. Gerald mentioned before and then some. But there wasn't an exact description of the spirits. Some say that there are like little fairies, others that are animals and would speak to you if you are deserving. There were also those which compared the spirits with ghosts. I don't know if I would like to see a ghost trying to contact me by smashing things och doing crazy noises like in the scary stories children usually tell when it's dark.

While sitting, almost buried in the book, Mia came to announce that it's time for my piano lessons. The piano was my favorite instrument to listen to and that's why I chose to learn to play it, but it was soon evident that my skills were extraordinary. I was giving my all during lessons, but my teacher never said anything more than good, while having a little smile to encourage me. Almost like saying it could be worse, cheer up. My piano teacher, Mrs. Augusta Kim, was around 30 years and loved the piano almost as much as her family. She would play for her three years old son whenever he wouldn't fall asleep and everytime she had free time. While I like the piano, I am not as dedicated to learning it as I am with magic. And that could be seen in my evolution. Although I could play it, it is obvious that I had no talent. But I stood up from my comfortable sofa and went to the piano room, while carrying the book with me. I am planning to read it before bed too.

After enjoying the piano the best I could, mum announced that shortly after lunch I should start getting ready for the first party which was taking place later that afternoon. The motive for these social gatherings were to friends or at least acquaintances before starting school. There will be a party every last Saturday of the month for the next six months at the great hall in Spiritus. A chance to have fun and interact with others my age and also some of the students that are already there. All students who are expected to enroll in six months are invited to these parties, as well as students from the first two years of the junior section. The third years will have their own parties in the senior section. Most nobles' children attend these parties in order to create bonds and beneficial relations for the future. Some commoners who are gifted are also invited to these parties. Furthermore, there are nobles who will extend this to their own house, having smaller receptions.

I still had time and escaped the tumultuous preparations for the party, going to my favorite place and started my practice again. Not long after I arrived, a little puppy appeared from behind a bush. It was so small that it could easily fit in my hands. I called it and gave it some of my snacks. The little puppy approached me cautiously. After eating the snacks, I began patting it and scratching its tummy.

"What a cute dog you are! I've always liked dogs, will you stay with me?" The gray fur was so soft. I really liked petting it like that. It looked like the dog was smiling at me with big loving eyes. What a cutie!

"Where is your mother?" I asked, but the puppy just looked at me. Of course, what was I expecting, to answer me? "Are you alone?" Why am I still asking as I expect the dog to answer. To my astonishment, the puppy shook its head. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you! After I finish my training, I will sneak you into my room and you can live with me! But promise you won't urinate on the carpet! And promise you won't say anyone I used that word!" I smiled at it and shortly after went to my room. It looked like I won't be able to practice today.

I successfully sneaked into my own room, through the window. I used my air magic to mask the noise we were making. It seemed that the dog understood the situation and was silent in my arms. After safely arriving in my room, I took a big pillow from my bed and put it on the golv, next to my bed.

"You will sleep here, is it alright?" The puppy seemed pleased. "Do you have a name?" I asked while looking for a collar around the neck. Of course there wasn't any. "Hm… what do you think of Chopa! A cute name for a cute dog." He seems to like it and even began spinning in excitement. "It's time for me to go have lunch now, Chopa, but I will bring you some yummy food after." I petted him on the head before leaving.

After the meal I was able to make some food disappear, by making it float off the table. I was now giving it all to my lovely Chopa when Mia entered to bring my dress for the party and let out a small scream, before I could stop it.

"What have you done now?" she asked me while her eyes seemed to accuse me of destroying the world.

"It's just a small puppy that I found in the forest! Isn't he cute? His name is Chopa!"

"He might be small and cute now, but that's not a dog, it's a wolf!" hse informed me.

"What?" I exclaimed "How could that be, look how small it is!"

"You know they get bigger with age, right? What will you do if he wants to go enjoy the forest instead of your tiny bedroom."

I was kind of shocked to hear that this was a wolf, but it was more shocking saying that my room is tiny. It could easily hold a decent gathering or provide shelter for a whole wolf pack.

"Tiny room." I said in shock.

"Concentrate on the wolf!" said Mia amused "What will you do when he grows up? Will you imprison him in this room, wolves are wild animals which love to run freely."

I looked at the tiny little Chopa. He was gladly eating the food I stole from the table. I could never confine such an animal in this room. "I will let him free." I said a little sad "Actually, I will take him out every day and let him free in the garden. If he wishes to run to the woods, it's up to him, but if he returns every day, I will bring him here to sleep in my comfortable tiny room."

"Hm…Your answer is more reasonable than I thought. Very well, then I will also help.", she smiled at me and I gave her a hug. She always took my part and protected me like a bigger sister.

"I've always wanted a puppy.", I said while she was patting my head.

"You now have one, but you should also get ready now. The carriage will soon leave.", she added.

After getting ready, I went into the carriage which will take us to Spiritus. My parents were with me this time as it's my first, as well as Mia who will come every time I attend a party. Right now I am staying like the lady I am supposed to be. I have a long light blue, almost grey dress with a blue ribbon around the waist which made a complicated bow at my back. My necklace and earrings were rather simple, with little moonstone pendants to compliment my blue ice eyes. My long hair was made into a braid around my head, looking like a crown. At home I prefer simple dresses and sometimes I would sneak out to practice in a pair of pants.. Not really ladylike some might say.

When we arrived at Spiritus, my breath was taken away by the place. The building was tall and imposing. It seemed old because of the architecture, like it has seen many kings rise and fall during the ages it stood there. But on the inside, it was luxurious. The hall was tall and the whole room was bright and shining. It had a stunning painted ceiling and big columns separating the table ares from the dance scene. The room seemed very dramatic and serious.

I think my mouth opened by itself because my mother told me to close it. After taking all I could in, I started observing the people who were there. They all look like princes and princesses from a fantastic story. Everyone was so elegant and distinguished. I learned all I need to know to behave myself like my position dictated, but seeing all these people here, I felt a little intimidated. With guidance from my parents, we started greeting other families. After a while, we met a baron who seemed to be good friends with my father. It seemed like they were colleagues in school and became good friends there. He recently returned for a long business trip with his family, just in time for his daughter to take part in this event. She was named Noriko Kobayashi and was the same age as myself. She looks almost as intimidated as I was, and after saying our greetings, I didn't know what more to say. It seems that our parents forgot about us and we were just standing there shy, smiling at each other. I took a glance at her. A sweet, very beautiful girl with crimson hair and golden eyes like honey.

"What beautiful eyes!" I heard myself saying before I could stop.

"Thank you, Miss Fredrika! But it is nothing compared to yours." Although she was embarrassed by my sudden compliment, she seemed a little glad also.

"I'm sorry I just said that so suddenly, but I mean it! Your eyes are really lovely." Now it wasn't just her hair that was crimson, her face borrowed the color. "Would you like to look around ourselves while our parents are busy enjoying themselves?" I said quickly to change the conversation, but also because I wanted someone to accompany me to the buffet I saw on my way here.

"Of course." she said.

I let my parents know I was mingling with Noriko and my mother looked at me like she was reading my mind regarding the buffet. "I'll behave." I answered using my eyes as well.

It seems like Noriko also liked sweets and she was quite talkative so that after just three cookies and half an hour we were already planning to visit each other in the near future. I really liked her. My first friend maybe! This changed my opinion of these kinds of events.

After a few minutes, the royal princes arrived. The first prince had a big smile on his face and gladly greeted others, while his younger brother seemed more solemn to be able to enter the same entourage as his brother. They both had the light blonde hair of their house, but their eyes were very different. While the older brother had dark blue eyes which seemed calmed and imposing at the same time, his little brother's dark brown eyes were filled with impatience.

My mother, as well as Noriko's mother came to get us to greet the princes as well. Even if no marriage is discussed right now, it will help in the future if the princes knows you. And not greeting royalty is rude. My father introduced me.

"Greeting, your Highnesses! This is my lovely daughter, Fredrika!"

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, your Highness! My name is Fredrika. News of your greatness preceded you." I said as rules dictate.

"Greetings, Miss. Fredrika! I am Aillard and this is my younger brother, Aidan." the first prince greeted me, while the second only nodded. "I have heard that the duke's daughter is a great beauty, but the rumours don't make you justice!" I've seen the younger prince doing a "hm…" like he didn't agree with his brother.

"You are too kind, your Majesty prince Henry!" I answered. "I look forward to going to the same school as the princes of this country."

"It will be a pleasure to have you there, right Aidan?" the first prince asked his brother who took a solemn look.

"Of course. We are glad to become colleagues with the daughter of Duke Braathen." the second prince added, by the book. Anyone could tell that, like me, he wasn't really interested in the party. And he knew my father, of course, as he is at the palace almost everyday.

After a few more words, the two princes left to greet others as well. I immediately began looking after Noriko to ask her opinion about them. After a while I saw her looking after me as well. We went to a quieter place to discuss the new arrivals.

"They are so dreamy." Noriko exclaimed.

"I don't know what to say. They must of course be perfect in every situation." I replied sincerely.

"But every girl is interested in them and is mesmerized by them. They have huge fan clubs." , she informed me.

"Well… you won't see me in their fan clubs, that's for sure." I giggled a little, but froze. The first prince was nearby and took a glimpse at me, but he could not have heard what I just said, right? Right?