The instructor

Despite the break in the copse the trio made pretty good time and soon found themselves between the familiar hillside and the old orchard. Ella was looking around, clearly a tad confused. “Why did we stop here? Are you going to fuck us again, Vel?” Before vel could answer, Adi let out a little sigh and took Ella’s face in both of her hands. “How did Vel and I get lucky enough to have such a little cutie as our little sister?” She smushed Ella’s cheeks a little, Ella bore it stoically. “I’d love for Vel to pound us both again right now too, Cutie, but we’re actually going to head up that hillside.” Adi pointed up towards where the cave was hidden. “Vel will need our help to get up there, so do your best, okay?” Ella adopted an adorably determined expression and nodded.

With the three of them working together the climb was easier than ever. Vel was surprised by how well his soft little sister handled the climb, and how big a help she was. It wasn’t a hard climb for anyone with two workings legs , but Ella really was a bit of a princess. She wasn’t used to a lot of physical activity. And there was the added challenge of having to help him get up there. She handled herself and him really well, though. He found himself quite proud of his little Cutie and showed her as much in her mind. She practically glowed.

“Okay, we have to crawl in there now. Aren’t you glad I talked you of wearing a dress, Princess?” Ella nodded at Adi. “Yeah, wow. The climb would have been bad enough, but crawling in there would completely ruin the skirts.” Ella did not seem to question why they had to crawl into a cave. Adi had told her they had to, and that was enough.

“Oh, my liege, this is a most fortunate surprise.” Vel had crawled in first and was greeted by a very happy looking Seph as Adi and Ella made their way in behind him. Next to Seph’s chair was a large man Vel hadn’t seen before, it looked like they had been in conversation. “Ah, and Lady Adeline, how lovely to see you again as well.” He then looked at Ella and Vel registered mild surprise on his face. “Oh, and if I am not mistaken, this must be Lady Viella. An honor to meet you, my Lady. I hope you will forgive me for not getting up and greeting you properly, I am an old man my knees would hate me for it.” Ella blushed and mumbled something about that being okay.

Vel turned his eyes to the large man next to Seph. He was tall, probably only an inch or so shorter than Vel, but of a broader build. His garb looked like that of a merchant’s guard or something. The man seemed to be sizing up Vel in return, and their eyes met. His expression was unreadable. “Ah, yes, allow me to make the introductions, my liege. This is Fal. He will be evaluating you for signs of tempestuous magic and instructing you in its use.” Seph then turned to Fal. “Fal, this will be your charge, we’ve already gone over what is expected of you.” Fal inclined his head. “So we have, but there’s one thing you failed to mention. Tall, red hair, crippled leg. This is Lord Andros’ son. You want me to teach the son of Lord Luthor Andros to use magic, I assume without his father’s knowledge.” Seph nodded. “Correct.” Fal seemed to think for a moment. “I suppose what you are paying me is enough for that added element of danger. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t leave things like that out in the future, though.” Seph made no reply to that.

“Your appearance here is immaculately timed indeed, my liege. Unless there’s something pressing you wish to speak to me about, might I suggest you and Fal head outside and get started?” Vel thought for a moment. “That sounds good to me. But while I am outside, might I ask you to fill in my youngest sister on the story behind who and what we are?” Seph’s eyebrows rose but he nodded. “Of course, my liege, I will see it done.” Vel gave an approving nod. “I will leave Adeline with you as well, it will make Ella more comfortable.” Adi spoke up. “But you need me for the hill-“ Vel held up a hand and she instantly quieted. “Fal here looks strong, I assume he can help me down.” Fal agreed. Adi was surprised, Vel understood why. He used to have such an aversion to letting people help him. At least people who weren’t her or maybe Rose. And more recently, Ella. But his newfound abilities and the confidence they brought with them had helped with that. “Shall we go then, lordling?” Fal’s question snapped him out of his introspection. Lordling, was it? Vel thought he could grow to like this guy.