A late night visitor

Faint moonlight seeps through the window of your room, dully illuminating your face through the curtain of your four-post bed as you sleep soundly. The day’s activities caught up with you quickly and you were **** almost immediately after your head hit the pillow.

Aeriel drapes her naked body over you, her warmth like a comforting blanket which enhances your slumber. Her rainbow luminescent eyes roam over your handsome face and she lets out a contented sigh. You stir briefly when she nuzzles into you more deeply, but you remain asleep.

“You were so incredible today”, she murmurs softly as she remembers the events of the preceding day, particularly your bout with the fire elemental.

“It’s hard to believe how quickly you are learning and progressing.”

“Indeed, it is awe inspiring to watch his development.”, a voice says from the shadows.

Aeriel looks toward the source of the voice and smiles softly.

“At his current rate, it won’t be long before he is ready to learn everything.”, the voice continues.

“No, it won’t.”, Aeriel agrees.

She returns her gaze to you and her smile grows.

“Speaking of which…”, the voice resumes, their tone growing slightly more serious, “How much have you remembered m’lady?”

Aeriel returns her gaze toward the speaker, her expression likewise growing serious.

“Nearly everything.”, she answers simply.

“Good. Then this will likely be our final rendezvous.”, the speaker says, a tinge of disappointment in their voice.

“Yes.”, Aeriel agrees, her own tone somewhat mournful.

“He grows in power and understanding with each day. As that happens, he and I become more and more linked. You and I will not be able to hide our interactions for much longer. There’s no telling what harm may come to him if he learns and absorbs more than he is prepared for. But I believe it won’t be long before he IS ready.”

“Indeed. These are troubling times. I hate for him to move so rapidly, but I fear he…. You will be needed sooner than is prudent.”

“Yes, I saw for myself this evening with the Kyrie boy… the situation is worse than I feared. I hope we can neutralize the problem before it’s too late.”

“As do I, especially now that my granddaughter seems to be caught up in the middle of things.”

Aeriel’s expression turns somber and she nods sympathetically.

“Yes Fredrick, it is unfortunate. It seems she was dragged into this even before I awakened.”

Hallgrave steps forth from the shadows. His normally bright and cheerful countenance now is replaced with worry.

“I told her to be wary of Victor Kyrie when the two of them first started dating. Deep down, I knew he was a problem. I held onto some hope that she might have steered him away from his current path, but I knew better. And now I am afraid for her.”,Hallgrave says.

“I know. But it seems she was destined to be a part of this, though to what extent remains to be seen. If it’s any consolation, he seems to care very deeply for Anna-Bell.” Aeriel nods at you as she says this. “I believe he will do everything in his power to protect her… which means so will I. She is a sweet girl, and we will do our best to see that no harm comes to her. Have you talked to her yet?”

Hallgrave allows a slight smile despite the clear concern in his eyes.

“Thank you. I have no doubts the two of you will keep her safe. I have not explained things to her yet… but I will shortly.”

Aeriel nods somberly and offers her own slight smile.

“I trust you will tell her at the appropriate time. She needs to know what she is becoming involved in. There is a strong link already formed with her. So sooner is preferable than later.”

“Yes, I have noticed. I will not put it off any longer than necessary.”

Aeriel regards Hallgrave for a long moment before she nods.

“As it stands now”, Aeriel begins, “I don’t believe it is too late for the Kyrie boy. But with each passing day, the corruption spreads. I’m not sure Dragon Scale is completely to blame. I think there is something more sinister at work. And unfortunately, the corruption is going to spread… in fact, it is already beginning in the Ashcroft girl.”

“I suspected it might. I have not been able to determine the source of the corruption from my investigation. But I am certain that this corruption and your awakening are no mere coincidence.”

“Nor do I. This feels vaguely familiar, but there are still parts of my memory that are fuzzy at best.”

“I am sure it will come to you. I have done my best to give you what information I could. Unfortunately, a very large chunk of history is blank, no doubt wiped out by the great war hundreds of years ago. Most of what I know is passed down orally through the Hallgrave line.”

“I understand. You have done extremely well considering. I will get him to begin reading the third book you provided. Perhaps something in there will fill in the gaps.”

“You honor me m’lady. I merely do my duty. ‘Obscure Thaumaturgy’ gives an overview of magical history from your time to about five hundred years ago… when the great magical renaissance occurred and gave us our current understanding and applications. Hopefully it helps. But alas, our time is up. I am honored to have served you m’lady. I sincerely hope my efforts have been enough.”

“Whether they were will be made clear soon. Regardless of that Fredrick, your work is appreciated more than I can express. And don’t worry… once he is up to speed, we can all sit together and talk openly. This will not be our last meeting. Thank you Fredrick.”

“I look forward to it m’lady.”