The Cure (Closed for Hikari)

[fr33ks33k]

It was a day like any other; it started earlier than the sun had risen, preparing Master Horatio's study for his daily research and experimentation. Roland set out the various journals and tomes his Master would require, along with a few of the components necessary for the various incantations that would be performed.

He was more than average in height, but less so in build. His limbs were long and lean, but his strength wasn't very impressive. He'd tried to improve upon it, but the rigorous apprenticeship didn't give him much free time to work on his physique. He wasn't terrible looking, he thought. In truth he was a handsome fellow, slate gray eyes with a hint of blue at the edges and short black hair in an almost perpetually unruly mess atop his head.

As the sun finally crested the hills surrounding the village nestled in their valley, Roland sat heavily in one of the stuffed leather chairs, heaving a sigh of relief. Master Horatio was terribly cranky if things weren't in order when he awoke.

"Roland...why are you in my chair?"

The young man's eyes went wide as he realized his error, shooting out of the chair and standing stick-straight beside it as the elderly man known as Horatio entered the room. Roland stood by as his Master inspected the books strewn across the table for him, nodding at some and frowning on occasion.

"Everything is as it should be. Well done, boy. Now, fire and ice. The perfect balance exercise. Create for me a flame that burns within ice, without melting nor extinguishing."

"But Master, that seems..."

"Impossible? Yes, but magic is all about creating the impossible despite the rules of reality. Bending them to your whim and will while maintaining the balance. It is the most delicate of balancing acts, but that is what magic is all about. Those who abuse that will never see the true power they can attain."

Roland nodded, moving over to a work bench off to the side of the study. He opened a book, the only thing on the bench, and turned to a specific page, reading the words silently. He spoke them aloud and moved his hands in the same way Master Horatio had taught him. Slowly, a small bright flame winked into existence between his palms, growing by the second until it was the size of an egg. The fire flickered and wavered with Roland's concentration but eventually steadied.

"Well done, Roland. Though, how will you add the ice without it melting?"

The young man's head turned to his elder, the flame wavering wildly as his concentration started to break. It dissipated as he lost focus, and he blinked as his eyes came back to his hands.

"Of course! The ice should be made first..."

Horatio simply smiled and went back to his work, while Roland started the incantation again, this time summoning a small ball of ice, rolling and turning like a runaway snowball between his palms.

His focus was intent this time, and slowly, a flame sparked inside the sphere of ice, burning out the inside and creating a hollow at the center. The fire grew larger, and the ice surrounding it began to crack and melt, droplets of water hitting the bench Roland stood at. Gray eyes narrowed as he immersed himself in maintaining the balance of the two elements. The icy sphere repaired itself, hardening and solidifying even as the flame danced within it. He smiled as he reached a tenuous balance, holding the ball aloft for Master Horatio to see.

The elderly man seemed engrossed with a particular tome, eyes moving peripherally to his young charge, and beyond to his equally young daughter, finally roused from her slumber. He smiled at her before returning to his reading.

Roland followed Master Horatio's eyes, catching a glimpse of long dark hair moving like a flag in a breeze as a figure moved past the door to the study. He knew who it was, and a small smile graced his lips. His concentration broke then, the flame smothered by the unstable ice as it fell in upon itself, soaking his entire shirt.

"Ah!!!"

"Well, Roland, it seems you've made a mess of yourself and your workbench. I recommend you change and return quickly. I'm not feeling very well and today will be a short day. Run along, boy."

His shirt was entirely saturated, and it clung to him as he stripped it off in his room, the air flowing into his room from the partially opened door sending a shiver through his spine.

"Damnit, I had that spell perfect..."

He dried quickly, donned a fresh tunic and headed back down the hall to the study, eyes cast down at the floor.

 

[Hikari]

That morning was like any other. Sun shone through the window and onto her eyes. The rest of the household was already awake. Her father and Roland were toughing it out upstairs in the study. She both admired and pitied him. Roland got to learn magic all day. However he also suffered her father's wrath when he messed up badly. Ivy would never tell a soul, but she'd tried a few spells herself when no one was looking. It wasn't half bad, but she was no sorcerer. Mostly basic to medium things and never anything dangerous. Her father would be furious if he found out. It was through this study that she was able to tell what was going on in the lessons. Roland was decent but something seemed to be missing. Through she had no clue what it was. Whatever he was lacking made his spells unreliable and weak at times. It was actually kind of sad.

She rose from the bed and quickly put on a simple work dress. Though her father often protested it, she helped around the house. Tidying things up a bit, and making sure the working pair had food to eat. Besides it gave her something to do. She left the room and got to her chores, every now and then passing by the study to try and figure out what they were learning. Poor Roland, he couldn't keep things stable. She tried her best not to laugh when she caught sight of him leaving in soaked clothes. As he returned she patted him on the shoulder to get his attention.

"You should work more on your focus. Magic is often tied to emotions you know. Try to atleast pretend to be confident. Okay?"

With that she smiled at him and disappeared down the hallway. She fetched chicken eggs and lit the stove. Breakfast would be simple today. Roland would need his strength most of all. She soon fried up some eggs and cut them some bread. When it was done she knocked on the study door and placed the tray by the door.

"Breakfast you two. You need energy."

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland was so focused on his hands and the floor that he nearly jumped out of his skin when Ivy patted his shoulder. He tried to compose himself quickly, but he was still blushing profusely when he turned to face her.

"Yes, I know. Your fa- er...Master Horatio...has lectured me on that many times. It is something easier said than done."

He wanted to add 'especially when I see your beauty, even in passing', but he bit his tongue. Surely the daughter of a powerful sorcerer would want nothing to do with his bumbling apprentice. It was something that made him strive to do better in his studies, attempting to impress the young raven-haired woman who he had nearly grown up with.

Roland had been from a terribly poor family, but he showed potential as a magic-user, even in his youth. With adolescence came the usual lack of structure that leads children to do things that their parents would certainly disapprove of. It was in this haphazard way that Roland met Horatio, and rather than having him tossed in prison, the old man decided to make Roland into the sort of son he'd never had. Horatio loved his daughter dearly, but he didn't feel it right to turn her into a sorceress, especially when her life could be enriched much more through marriage to the right suitor.

When Roland came out of his reverie, Ivy had vanished down the hall.

"Ok..." he muttered to himself. He shook his head and re-entered the study.

"I'm sorry for my tardiness, Master. I stopped a moment to speak with Ivy."

"It's quite alright Roland. Now, try the fire and ice once more, then we'll move on to your agility."

"Yes sir."

Roland went back to his workbench, hands moving in a very practiced way, summoning the ball of ice and then the flame, balancing them perfectly and holding the creation up for his Master's approval.

"Well done. Do try not to douse yourself this time, boy."

With a fierce effort, the young man made the ice and fire dissipate in such a way that there was not even a droplet of water remaining.

"Breakfast you two. You need energy."

Her voice made him smile, and also made him glad that he hadn't started his next set of training exercises. She could break his focus with a smile, or a laugh. He didn't suspect she even knew how he felt about her.

Roland accepted the plate of eggs and bread, sitting in the correct chair this time. He glanced at Master Horatio, noting his skin had a bit of pallor to it. He must have really not been feeling well today...

Horatio also took his plate of food, smiling softly at his daughter.

"Thank you, Ivy. I trust you rested well? I do have an errand for you to run for me today, if you don't mind. I would have Roland do it, but he needs more training, and I am not feeling my best."

 

[Hikari]

Ivy noticed something odd about her father. He looked ill, which was odd for this time of year. Usually he was quite fit for a man of his age and he was fine yesterday. He was usually stubborn about these things. Perhaps he'd brew a healing potion to snuff it out later. She looked over to Roland from the corner of her eye. They'd both grown up side by side. All these years he'd never once courted a girl. Not so much as picked someone flowers. Perhaps he was type that was fond of male company instead, though she'd never ask him such a thing.

"Thank you, Ivy. I trust you rested well? I do have an errand for you to run for me today, if you don't mind. I would have Roland do it, but he needs more training, and I am not feeling my best."

She smiled.

"Oh yes I did sleep well. Thank you."

An errand? Well certainly it was no problem, but why the sudden need to push his training? It was odd. Something about it felt strange. Perhaps she was just being paranoid about things.

"It'll be no trouble at all. I can have it done before lunchtime."

The room was cozy and filled with books that she longed to get her hands on. Every now and then, she snuck one out that he wouldn't miss, and hid it to read later. Roland didn't know how lucky he was.

 

[fr33ks33k]

As Horatio munched on his breakfast, he handed a small piece of parchment to Ivy. On it was written a list of sundry items necessary for some of Roland's training. To the untrained eye, they were mundane. However, they would prove quite useful for their true purpose.

"Thank you, my dear. Finish your breakfast, Roland. There is much to do."

Horatio trailed off as a fit of coughing took over, his shoulders slumping forward a moment before he regained his composure.

"Yes, Master Horatio."

Roland obeyed without hesitation, taking the last bite of his eggs, chancing another smile at Ivy. He set the plate aside and went back to his workbench, turning the pages of his book until he reached the proper page. Under his breath he muttered the incantations, and slowly from the very wood of the desk, a sprout burst forth, growing leaves like a young sapling.

"Well done! Now, shape it as you see depicted."

The young man turned his hands in a circle, watching as the sapling bent as though being pressed by hands into a new shape, deforming as it continued to grow. He had almost forgotten Ivy was present, and in his eagerness to prove he wasn't such a klutz, he went faster with the spell.

"Not too fast now, boy. You don't want to sap the table of its constituents."

Roland caught himself just in time to avoid crippling the table and sending his work things clattering to the floor. He gritted his teeth and finished the transmutation. He smiled at the final product. It was a knotted sigil, one of rebirth and power. It was the same as the rune emblazoned on Horatio's personal spellbook.

"What do you think, Master?"

"I think you've done well, but don't get too far ahead of yourself."

Another fit of coughing shook Horatio's frame. His color seemed to be weakening.

"Master, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, boy. Now, on to your next lesson..."

 

[Hikari]

Ivy looked over the parchment that she'd been given. These things were for very advanced spells. Why was there a seemingly sudden rush for him to take on more difficult work? It was alarmingly suspicious. Roland wasn't ready for these spells. Not even close. He probably wouldn't have given her something so telling had he known that she knew what it meant. Roland was often clumsy and easily startled, this could be dangerous.

"Thank you, my dear. Finish your breakfast, Roland. There is much to do."

Roland smiled, oblivious to the knowledge that he was about to have a rough next couple of days with this spellwork. They began the next spell. To her surprise, Roland was making a tree burst forth from the table. Anyone of course would be amazed but there was something there she hadn't expected. It was the wizard that ultimately decided the form a transmutation would take based upon their ability to visualize the change. His tree was startlingly beautiful. Since when did he have that kind of talent? Perhaps it was beginner's luck.

"Not too fast now, boy. You don't want to sap the table of its constituents."

For the first time she was truly impressed.

"What do you think, Master?"

"I think you've done well, but don't get too far ahead of yourself."

Her father doubled over in a coughing fit. Fear ran though her veins like ice water. She'd never seen him this ill in her life. These sorts of things didn't happen. Was Roland blind?

"Master, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, boy. Now, on to your next lesson..."

Ivy moved to stand infront of her father. Her arms folded in obvious disconent.

"No. Father you should make yourself a healing potion for that cough. You don't seem well at all! If you cannot, let Roland make it for you. He's good enough at potions for that atleast."

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Ivy, your concern is sweet, but I will be fine. Though, if you insist, I will make one while you are out on your errands."

Horatio smiled at his young daughter, noting the lines creasing the corners of her mouth and her brow.

"Don't frown like that, my dear. It will give you worry lines. You're far too young for those sorts of things."

Roland left his incantation to move to Horatio's side.

"I'm sure I could make one of those for you in between lessons, Master Horatio."

"Very well. If the two of you are truly that worried..."

Horatio let out one more cough as he moved over to the trunk of potion supplies, lifting the heavy wooden lid. Roland followed him, leaving Ivy alone by the workbenches. Their backs were turned; Horatio pulled items out and handed them to Roland, who set them on the small table beside the trunk.

"Now, boy, tell me what each of these are and why they are important for a healing tincture....."

"Well, this one is dragonroot, and it is for fortification of the throat and stomach...this one is.....ruby orchid seed, for the health of the blood...."

Both of them were engrossed in the task, though Roland's eyes continued to flit back toward Ivy, hoping for her to notice the breadth of his memory, to see some small sign of appreciation or admiration.

 

[Hikari]

"Don't frown like that, my dear. It will give you worry lines. You're far too young for those sorts of things."

She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that something wasn't right. Her father was assuring her that things were more than fine, but somehow she wasn't sure that even he believed it.

"I'm sure I could make one of those for you in between lessons, Master Horatio."

"Very well. If the two of you are truly that worried..."

Her father soon pulled out the ingredients for the potion and laid the bottles before Roland. If it was up to her she'd make the potion herself. She could atleast do that much. As much as she liked Roland as a friend, she worried that his abilites weren't reliable. Though he never said it, her father thought so too. It was why it was testing his limits as of late, as if to try and solidify his skills. She hoped deep down that he wouldn't fail.

"Now, boy, tell me what each of these are and why they are important for a healing tincture....."

"Well, this one is dragonroot, and it is for fortification of the throat and stomach...this one is.....ruby orchid seed, for the health of the blood...."

So involved with the task at hand were they that they didn't realize the Raven that flew through the window and dropped a tiny roll of paper in her lap. She quicky hid the note in her apron and continued to watch the lesson. The bird disappeared as quickly as it had come, leaving her puzzled.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland mixed the various liquids and solids into a large beaker, all under the watchful eye of Horatio. When he was done, the concoction glowed golden, emanating a warm aura about it. The soothing magics were strong, and they seemed to permeate the entire room.

"Well done, Roland. Now, if this will mean we can move on with your lessons and that you can run the errand I've given you, Ivy...I'll drink this and we'll all be better for it."

The old man drained the potion in one go and within a minute he seemed more full of vitality. He directed Roland back to his studies, ushering Ivy out of the room.

Roland had heard the rustle of feathers while he'd been preparing the potion, but when he chanced another glance in Ivy's direction, there was nothing to be seen save her pretty face. As he returned to his workbench, still sprouted with the arcane knot, he thought he heard the call of a bird on the wind. He shook his head, returning his focus to restoring his bench to its former shape.

 

[Hikari]

She was soon shuffled out of the room and made to go on her way. What they didn't know about was the mysterious message that had received. With the list in one hand and the paper roll in the other she went downstairs for a basket. Ivy left the house and walked all the way over to her first stop before opening the message.

Dearest Ivy,
You can hide your secrets from some eyes, but not all.
We both know who should have been your father's
apprentice. Your talent has not gone unnoticed.

Signed,

An Admirer

Ivy was shocked. She thought she'd been careful. Not a soul was supposed to know about her doing magic. Yet this stranger knew her name and knew what she was up to, despite her father being blind to it. It was almost scary to think that right now someone may be keeping watch. What had she brought upon herself. Perhaps it couldn't hurt to study up on heavier defensive spells. Just to be safe of course. She picked up the items from each store always looking over her shoulder. She walked through the door as always, but this time she let out a bit of a scream. Roland happened to be there which she hadn't noticed immediately.

"Oh Roland I'm sorry. You startled me. I've got everything father asked for right here. Was there something you wanted?" She said handing him the basket.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland hadn't been paying attention. Again. That seemed to be his biggest flaw, lack of awareness. The scream sent a chill down his spine and back up again; he nearly dropped the platter he held in his hands. The simple snack of meat and cheese wobbled perilously as he regained his balance. He saw that it was Ivy and relaxed a bit, mind ceasing its recollection of an offensive spell, one he'd dubbed "spark shower". Thankfully, his skittish mind hadn't completed the words.

"What has you so jumpy? Surely I'm not that imposing..."

He mentally berated himself for saying something so contrite. Of course she wasn't frightened by his actual presence. He shook his head and took the basket from her extended hand, eyes moving over the contents. Master Horatio hadn't told him what the new incantation was going to do, just that he needed to learn it, and quickly.

"Thank you."

Roland trailed off, because if he didn't he would end up spilling his guts to her about what he truly wanted. A blush flowed easily into his cheeks, and he turned on his heels to head to Master Horatio's study. The hot glow of his ruddy cheeks made him feel even more embarrassed as he entered.

"I see Ivy has returned with the necessary components. Good. Bring them here, boy. We've much to do and little time."

Horatio's cough had returned some time after Ivy had departed. It seemed his health was draining again, though the potion appeared to have slowed its descent.

"Are you certain you shouldn't take some rest, Master?"

"Who is the teacher, and who is the student, Roland? I will tell you if I am unable to continue, and you will not..."

Another rolling fit of coughs wracked Horatio, but he stood firm, clearing his throat once they'd gone.

"You will not dictate to me. Now, these ingredients are very special. We are going to do the Incendia Vitae incantation. Now repeat after me..."

Roland was rapt as he watched Horatio instruct; this spell was an important one, he could see it in the set of his master's jaw, the succinct motion of his hands. Roland decided then that he would master this spell, prove to Master Horatio, Ivy, and himself that he was a successful apprentice, capable of taking on the mantle of sorcerer. The young man's attention was so undiluted that an assassin could have put a blade between his ribs and he would hardly notice. Horatio offered a swift smile at this fact, continuing the lesson. He'd never tell the boy, but he was terribly proud of Roland's progress. He only hoped his health didn't continue to deteriorate, lest he never taught the boy his most important lessons.

 

[Hikari]

"What has you so jumpy? Surely I'm not that imposing..."

Something about what he said made her blush and she wasn't sure why. Imposing? He could use to be more so. He wasn't the type that anyone would be afraid of. He wasn't ugly, it was only that he seemed far too obedient. With confidence he'd be a better sorcerer and a better man. He'd never find a girl this way.

"Thank you."

He said, and rushed off soon after. She wondered what had happened these past couple of years. When they were younger they sat around and talked all the time. Now he was always rushing off. When they first met, she never said, but she had a childish crush on him. Things changed, and she changed. He was rarely social with her or anyone else for that matter. Never did he go off or step out of line. Once or twice she'd atleast snuck off to a festival or two unnoticed and danced. The men out there were different. They were confident, sure of themselves, and reliable. He didn't seem to have a brave bone in his body.

She went about her business, doing chores around the house and making a bit lunch for the busy men upstairs. By the time she was finished baking some bread and finishing the soup it was nearly supper time. With every ounce of grace she had, she ascended the stairs with a pot of hot soup and tray with bowls and bread. The door was locked and she hadn't a hand to knock with. Her eyes focused on the door, turning the parts within and turning the handle. They'd be too busy to notice. Would probably think they forgot to shut it. She walked in completely focusing on her task.

"Guys I hope you're hungry. I made plenty..."

She poured a bowl of soup and turned around to see something she felt she wasn't meant to. Her father lay on the ground in obvious agony while a distraught Roland seemed frozen from her entrance. He seemed to be trying to make a potion of some kind. The bowl fell to the floor and shattered.

"Roland what did you do?"

Had he failed to make the potion from before correctly? What was going on?

 

[fr33ks33k]

The sound of shattering ceramic alerted and startled him. His eyes found Ivy, frozen in terror and shock at the sight of her father crumpled on the floor.

"Roland what did you do?"

"I...Master Horatio seemed fine, and then he fell. It seems the healing potion was ineffective, though I don't know how that could be...it was made by his instructions, and he would have told me if I had done something wrong...I've checked his breathing, and though labored, it is stable. I'm preparing another healing tincture; perhaps the dosage was simply not enough to combat whatever ails him. You should fetch the doctor. I should have him in his bed by the time he arrives."

Roland had no idea where his boldness had come from, but he did know that his teacher, his Master sorcerer, was lying helpless on the floor and he had to do something. His back turned on Ivy as he finished mixing the ingredients of the potion, kneeling beside Horatio, holding his head as he fed him the glowing liquid. When he looked up, Ivy had gone, hopefully to retrieve the doctor.

The potion seemed to ease Horatio's pain, but he still had difficulty rising to his feet. Roland supported his weight as best he could and helped him hobble to his room. Once Horatio was in bed, Roland dragged a chair over and sat with him.

"Master Horatio, why didn't you tell me your illness was this severe? We could have foregone the lessons until you'd recovered..."

Horatio's only groggy, raspy response was: "No time. Abraxas..."

Roland rested his head in his hands, shaken by the turn of events. His mind turned with thoughts of what he could have done, how he should have known earlier that Master Horatio was more ill than he pretended, and also...what, or who, was Abraxas?

 

[Hikari]

"I...Master Horatio seemed fine, and then he fell. It seems the healing potion was ineffective, though I don't know how that could be...it was made by his instructions, and he would have told me if I had done something wrong...I've checked his breathing, and though labored, it is stable. I'm preparing another healing tincture; perhaps the dosage was simply not enough to combat whatever ails him. You should fetch the doctor. I should have him in his bed by the time he arrives."

His speech was urgent and direct. It wasn't like him at all, however there wasn't time to think of that. Ivy ran down the stairs and out the front door. She didn't notice the sky growing cloudy and dark and went out without her cloak. The doctor lived on the other side of town which she was crossing with haste. When she reached the man's home she knocked at the door, which soon swung open. She was panting. There was barely anytime to think. If her father died, she didn't know what she'd do.

"Hello Ivy.." The doctor said.

"What seems to be the trouble."

She almost couldn't put words together.

"Father's sick. Collapsed upstairs. You have to come quickly."

Tears came to her eyes suddenly. She didn't even know that any of it had upset her this much until she'd said it out loud. What would happen to her or Roland if he perished? Roland's training wasn't complete and she wasn't ready to get married. Especially not to a rich stranger. She shivered like frightened child.

"Oh there there my child. Don't worry. I will be over shortly and I'll do what I can."

With that she began running back home. Rain suddenly began to come down in buckets, making it difficult to see. Still she knew the way home blindfolded. Her clothes were soaked and the air chilled her to the bone. At one point she tripped and fell into a puddle. It all made her feel weak and helpless. Her father was sick and there was nothing she could do to help it. She staggered home leaving tiny puddles trailing behind her as she walked up the stairs. She opened the door to the study and fell to her knees.

"Roland he's on his way...Is he alright?"

 

[fr33ks33k]

Getting Master Horatio to his bed was a more trying ordeal than Roland had expected. His elder had near constant fits of coughing the whole way, but once he'd laid down, they seemed to calm. The new potion, once fed to him, had little effect. Roland's brow knit with worry as he paced Master Horatio's chamber. What could have caused this sudden illness? Nothing in any of his studies of healing magic was this virulent....nothing this fast-acting...and so resistant to potions...

The creak of the door made Roland nearly jump out of his skin, so focused were his thoughts. He saw Ivy, but didn't register her drenched clothes at first.

"He's still very unwell, but his coughing seems to have stifled for now. What happened to you Ivy? Is it raining that heavily outside?"

He hadn't even realized the change in weather. One-tracked mind; that was another downfall of his. Once he got started on something, some other task ended up neglected. He felt instantly foolish, recognizing the splash pattern on her was definitely not caused by the rain. He grabbed one of Master Horatio's cloaks from a nearby chair and draped it around her shoulders.

"Is the doctor on the way? I gave Master Horatio another healing potion, but it didn't do much. I've never seen a sickness like this before..."

------------

Horatio's subconscious rolled with anger and confusion. How could this have happened? Was Abraxas that intent on obtaining his spellbook? Would he really stoop this low?

Poor Ivy...his naive daughter, unaware of any of the major politics that swirled above her head in her own home. Or was he the naive one, to think that such things could go unnoticed...and Roland? What would his apprentice do without guidance? He was a good boy, but he had many things that he needed to improve if he were to be a great sorcerer, let alone a great man. Hopefully the shine he'd taken to Ivy would be enough to keep the both of them safe, should something dire happen....

The old man's eyes opened in time to see Roland drape a cloak over Ivy. She was utterly waterlogged. The weather must have been the surest sign. It had to be Abraxas' doing. He couldn't find his words, but when he did, he would have to speak to Roland about it. Horatio's eyes fluttered closed once more and he lay still, breathing laboriously.

 

[Hikari]

"He's still very unwell, but his coughing seems to have stifled for now. What happened to you Ivy? Is it raining that heavily outside?"

Her face visibly saddened. All she did everyday was do her best to help them. It was the only real thing that made her feel useful. Now anything that might help seemed beyond her power. There had to be something. She felt cold and helpless.

"I got caught in the rain. It snuck up on me I guess."

Her fate was unclear. She loved her father dearly and losing him, she could not bear it. Just as Roland covered her with his cloak she clung to him and couldn't help but cry. He felt warm and right now she just needed someone to tell her that everything would be alright. Even if they wouldn't be.

"I'm sorry, I just don't know what we'll do. I don't want to lose my father."

When she finally let go of roland, she moved to her father's bedside and took his hand.

"Don't worry papa, you'll be okay. If there is a way, we will find it. I promise."

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland held Ivy, trying hard to be the solid comfort she needed. In truth, he was unsure of his own stability. Master Horatio had been like a father to him as well, and the thought of losing him was unfathomable. Where the Hell was that doctor? He should have arrived by now...

As Ivy went to Horatio's bedside, Roland retreated to a chair with a large tome opened across his lap. It was a list of all the various illnesses and their cures, listed with symptoms and sources of contraction. None of them fit Master Horatio's condition. It was baffling. Maybe the doctor could offer more advice.

Once the physician did arrive, he wasn't able to provide much more than stabilization and a few alternative remedies. When Horatio seemed in a calmer state of rest, the doctor took his leave, giving Roland a list of herbs and salves meant to alleviate pain and sickness.

---------------

It was nearing midnight, and Roland had managed to fall asleep with the tome and list still spread over his thighs. He would twitch every now and again, trying to readjust in the uncomfortable position. Horatio was still very much unconscious, though breathing slightly more evenly. The moon cast an eerie shadow over the room when it broke through the cloud cover.

 

[Hikari]

That night when the doctor left, the rain ceased and the moonlit the sky. Ivy had tried in vain to sleep that night. She was deeply troubled and could almost feel the tension in the air. It was then she heard the sound of wings enter her window and land gently into her room. She sat there on the bed watching the bird. The creature torn itself open releasing a blinding green light. A voice erupted from it. A man's voice.

"Hello my dear. So lovely to finally meet you. You're probably wondering why I'm here. So I'll state my business. I know why the medicines won't help you're father. Unfortunately someone's hexed him and only a fully trained sorcerer can reverse such a spell. I myself am not an expert in counter curses, but I do believe I can help you reverse this. In return, you must bring me your father's main spellbook."

The light swirled above the bird carcass on the ground.

"You must bring it to the castle at black top mountain, and be quick about it. I don't think your father will last long at this rate. The choice is yours Ivy. I hope you make the right one."

Ivy waited till she was certain everyone was asleep and began packing several days worth of supplies. It'd take a week to make that journey, if not longer. She got dressed, and crept quietly into her father's room, returning with his priceless collection of spells. The last thing she did was to slip a note beneath Roland's door. It read:

Dear Roland,
Do not worry or come looking for me. I've gone to find a way to make father better. I could not watch father deteriorate to nothing. Take care of him while I'm gone. I should return within a week. Again don't worry, I will be safe.

Sincerely,

Ivy

With that she left the house and disappeared into the darkness.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland's sleep was fitful, nightmares coming and going. He saw visions of ravens the size of rocs, of Master Horatio being torn asunder, of some strange hooded figure standing over him while he knelt before him. He awoke with a start, heart hammering hard in his chest. As he rose to check on Master Horatio, he found a note. It was Ivy's handwriting.

His eyes widened as he read her intent. What could she do that he couldn't? She wasn't versed in sorcery...

Roland went to Master Horatio's bedchamber, checking on his breathing and to see if he'd come to at all. It seemed he was stabilized, but not improving. The young man went off and fetched the doctor, beseeching him to stay with Master Horatio while he went in search of Ivy. He didn't want something wicked to befall her.

The doctor assented, and Roland packed a simple traveling bag. Afterward, he went to the study, pulling various ingredients down off of the shelves. He mixed them in a vial and turned, scanning the room with narrowed eyes. He spotted what he was looking for and plucked it from the arm of one of the chairs; a strand of Ivy's hair.

He dropped it into the vial, and immediately, it began to glow a swirling mixture of red and violet. The hair dissolved, and he placed a stopper in the vial. On the floor, there now lay an abundance of red-violet footprints. Their intensity was varied, some much brighter than the others. Several led outside the house, and after a moment, he spotted the brightest of the sets. At a brisk walk, Roland set off after them. He couldn't fathom what had made her think that she could do this alone, and he only hoped that he was in time to catch her. A knot of fear settled in his stomach as he walked. His training was far from complete; would he have enough know-how to protect them both? Only time would tell.

 

[Hikari]

Ivy crept carefully through the woods without fear. She knew one or two defensive spells that would be more than sufficient. On and on she trekked through the forest and roads when she came to them. Still nothing could fight the fact that was growing tired already. She thought of Roland back at the house. He would do well to listen to her note. The journey to black top mountain was dangerous, but it was easier with one person. She walked north, continuing on her journey. In a way it was easier to travel at night. Travellers were in more danger during the day, when one could see them. A part of her said that it was okay if her father died while she was away, but that part was lying. Tears slid down her cheeks again. She had to make a decision. It was possible that this person may not have the best intentions for her. This sorcerer of black top mountain, but she would do anything to protect her father as long as it was within her power to do so.

When the sun was beginning to rise she found sleep creeping over her. She laid down a blanket and hugged her supplies to her. The area was wooded and out of sight. There was a simple but strong barrier spell that worked for one, expecting to sleep in a less than safe place. With her last bit of focus she whispered the incantation and laid down. The moment she nodded a tranparent barrier formed around the place she slept. It was comparable to sleeping in a small cave of stone. She hoped they all were safe back at home and that maybe luck would smile on her.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland had stopped for a brief rest where the illuminated footprints started to fade. The trail was getting cold, and he would have to recast the spell soon. The tracks had led him far from the civilization of the village and into the treacherous woods surrounding. Of in the distance was a huge mountain, dominating the horizon. The oddest thing about it was that its peak was covered in darkness. Horatio had made mention of this "Black Top Mountain" before, but it was never anything of importance.

As he recast the spell in the early light of dawn, the footprints returned, still faint, but growing brighter as he walked deeper into the woods. They stopped suddenly, as though Ivy were covering her tracks now, which seemed absurd. She was no ranger, nor a sneak-thief. His eyes played over the surroundings before coming upon an almost imperceptible glint of sunlight. When he looked again, there was no sign of its source, but he kept moving toward it anyway.

Roland attempted to be silent and stealthy, but just as he neared the position he'd seen the glinting, he stepped on a large twig. The loud crack of the branch as it split in twain made him jump, and he nearly fell.

 

[Hikari]

Lily slept as well as anyone could on the ground, but that morning she fell into a wonderful dream. Someone strong and warm held her in his arms before kissing roughly on the mouth. She never had dreams like this. He was a real man, confident, holding his ground, capable of making a lady his own. He brushed down one of her sleeves and began kissing at her shoulder, nipping at the flesh there. All the while she neither heard his voice nor saw his face. Her father wanted to marry her off to a wealthy suitor, to make sure she was taken care of, but what about what she wanted?

Her eyes flickered open before she could finish the dream. She shifted slightly then rolled over, before she heard a loud crack and jumped up. There was a travel worn man there looking around. She could not see his face under a mess of hair, but he was likely to not be friendly. He might be hungry, homeless, and Horny for all she knew. The best idea was to strike first and then ask questions later. Slowly, softly, she rose up and held a hand forward shouting the incantation for a mild stun. The poor man fell to the ground, as she was unaware that lack of control with energy output made the spell unbearably painful. Slowly she walked forward. Poking the groaning fellow with a stick.

"Sir are you alright? Listen if you're here to steal my provisions, kill, or rape me. Know that I am a powerful sorceress and I'm not to be trifled with! So you can take your stealing, raping, and killing elsewhere. If you aren't, I'm really sorry.."

 

[fr33ks33k]

Roland knew that Ivy had snuck a few books from Master Horatio's library, but when had she gained the ability to cast spells? He had only a moment to notice her protection barrier before a bolt of energy struck him square in the stomach. He doubled over in pain, feeling as though he'd been electrocuted. The pain ebbed quickly, thankfully. He was still curled into a ball as she came closer, prodding him with a stick.

With a groan he responded to her query, "I'm...Ivy, it's me, Roland. I was worried about you, so I came after you. I left the doctor with Master Horatio. He assured me that he would be fine. What are you doing all the way out here?"

Roland groaned again as he sat up, still clutching his stomach. He was sure there'd be at least a bruise there later.

 

[Hikari]

"I'm...Ivy, it's me, Roland. I was worried about you, so I came after you. I left the doctor with Master Horatio. He assured me that he would be fine. What are you doing all the way out here?"

Her eyes widened, as she saw that it was indeed Roland. She was absolutely mortified. Never had she planned to hurt him. Perhaps it was best that she not stun anyone for awhile. Without much hesitation she helped him to his feet and hugged him.

"Roland didn't you get my note? I told you not to come. I'm so sorry."

He looked tired, and in need of rest.

"Roland, where I'm going is dangerous, and it's more easily traveled alone."

She brushed the hair out of his face and looked him in the eye.

"If I told you where I was going I knew you'd stop me, but I think father's been cursed."

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Cursed? Who would do such a thing?"

Roland's mind reeled with the thought that someone intended harm to Master Horatio. He looked at Ivy seriously, brows knitting with concern.

"You thought to leave on your own? This road is full of dangers! Of course I came after you."

After a moment, he stood and stretched, wincing a bit at the pain dully throbbing in his abdomen.

"So where are we heading? Did whoever it was give you a meeting place? And just what was your plan one you'd met with this person? What if they took you captive, did terrible things to you...I would be devastated..."

The last bit of his statement slipped out. It was truth, but one he had kept to himself.