《Tales of Spectacular Spells》


 First Day of Magic School

    "Breathe in, breath out...You got this." Placing a hand against her pounding chest, a girl continuously repeated those words like a mantra, in hopes of melting the ice in her nerves. After all, where her feet stood was where millions of students first started: the Orientation Hall of Hexanus Academy. An academy where even novices would become fully-fledged magicians through its rigorous classes.


    And here she was, a human raised in some desolate forest. Actually, her father would be peeved if he heard that. "The Haven of Kismet is not some forest, kiddo! It is the birthplace of our ancestors, who passed down the secret art of transformation¡ª" And cue the three-hour-long lectures that kept her from lulling asleep.


    "Hmph, Father''s reaction to my acceptance was so lukewarm, I''d bet he couldn''t give two nuts about it," she muttered, crossing her arms. "Still, Hexanus Academy is much more grandiose than I anticipated..." Looking around, she saw the colossal stained glass windows that towered over her, each one inscribed with each of the Academy''s past, present, and future. A day where numerous civilizations waged war against each other, a time when peace was bestowed upon the land, and a wish that all civilizations would be united through an eternal alliance. Before she clenched her fist.


    "I made it this far...At least, this is my chance to gauge a better reaction from Father." She nodded resolutely until someone announced, "Aurelie Erwin to Booth No. 8. I repeat, Aurelie Erwin to Booth No. 8."


    "And the first step is getting through the orientation."


    Striding over to an intricate "No. 8" sign, she was face to face with an elderly, bespectacled woman, who was currently viewing several documents.


    "You''re Ms. Aurelie, I presume?" Finally looking up, the woman fixed her glasses, examining the student before her. A young girl with ash blonde hair, inquisitive hazel-green eyes, and a simple attire of a cotton blouse, a vintage vest, and a khaki shorts. A scarlet ribbon was weaved through her silky hair, which caressed both of her shoulders. Slung over her shoulder was a traveler''s leather satchel, fitted with many pouches.


    "Yes, ma''am," Aurelie answered, poised.


    "Interesting...You''re quite different from what I envisioned," the teller answered, while adding, "I don''t believe we have had many students coming from the Haven of Kismet. Especially for a location that''s so remote."


    "Ah...At least I was able to subvert your expectations," the girl awkwardly asked, scratching the back of her neck. "Did she mean that in a good or bad way?"


    "That is to say that many of our students do come from various regions across Hexanus, so I suppose making a decent appearance fares well in making first impressions," the former muttered before clearing her throat. "But please don''t mind it as such. Just treat this as an old woman''s babbling." The creases on the woman''s features soften, giving way to a more lighthearted expression. "You''re the daughter of the famous inventor, Mr. Erwin, aren''t you?"


    "Erm, I think you might be looking into it too hard, ma''am. Perhaps our last names are simply a stroke of coincidence," Aurelie reluctantly answered, her hands at her sides. "To think she''d bring up Father''s name...It turns out the old man really is famous around these parts."


    Edward Erwin¡ªthe name that dominated the tabloids in days past. Some say that they''ve never seen the inventor make a public appearance, but only amounted to pure speculation about what he really looked like.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "Gigantic shadow lurks in the pipes of Crowburgh, followed by the sound of tinkering metal¡ª"


    "Mysterious benefactor sends the world''s first ever plane to soar through the skies!"


    Such rumors and speculations only amounted to hearsay, but people often attributed the name to some of the most mysterious inventions that have been created thus far.


    A bubble machine that could encapsulate houses and brings them far and beyond, a rotary gear-shaped cabin that operated as civilian transport, and so on.


    "Oh, I see. Pardon my premature judgment, Ms. Aurelie. Seems like the moniker is merely just a name," the teller briefly chuckled before scanning the last of the documents. "Now all we need your government-issued card, and you''ll be set to go."


    "R-Right..." Slipping her satchel off her shoulder, the girl hurriedly searched through the compartments, her hands rummaging each one. "I''m sure I put it here somewhere..." she thought before brushing against something furry. Its body was long, and the sudden touch sent it slithering around her palm.


    "Huh?" Aurelie raised her brow, and she saw a plastic card being clamp shut between someone''s paws.


    "Psst, here''s your card, Relly," an all-too-familiar voice said, whilst meeting the girl''s surprised eyes with its beady ones.


    "F-Father?!" she exclaimed before clamping her mouth.


    "Hm, is something the matter, Ms. Aurelie?" the teller asked, fixing their glasses. "If you don''t have your card, then you still have an alternative option¡ª"


    "N-No, I''m fine! Thanks for asking!" Aurelie quickly answered, slapping the card onto the desk. "If that''ll be all, then can I head to the entrance hall after this is finished?"


    "Oh, of course..." The woman nodded, puzzlement etched in her brows, as she swiped the card through the crystal scryglass.


    "All documents have been confirmed. We thank you for your time with us, and we wish you all the best for your time here at the Hexanus Academy. You''ll find all the relevant information on this personalized handbook," the scryglass explained, signaled by the teller giving out the aforementioned items.


    "We wish you a stellar time here, Ms. Aurelie," the woman said, bidding farewell to her.


    "Thank you." After curtsying, the girl quickly strode through the hallways, her steps quickening with each heartbeat. Clutching her satchel to her chest, she looked to and fro for any onlookers, and peered into the dark compartment.


    "Father, what are you even doing here?!" she whisper-shouted, while her eyes kept glancing back and forth from her hiding spot.


    "Why, checking whether my kiddo''s already gotten everything figured out! Do you know how long I''ve been curled up in that cramped space?" the little creature complained, and its little ears twitched indignantly. "It''s not so often that I''d get the chance to leave the forest, you know?"


    "Mhm..." Appearing unconvinced, Aurelie muttered, "Sounds to me that your indifference was just a way of hiding your frenetic worries. Don''t tell me you were there the last three days I''ve been traveling."


    "And if I say yes, then you''re not going to leave your poor papa out in the cold and rain, are you?" the ermine remarked, gesturing with a paw.


    "Ha...Not like I have any other choice. But to think my own father would be keeping me company all the way over here..." she muttered to herself before straightening her shoulders. "Fine, but you better stay put. There shouldn''t be any freshman having a familiar already, so try not to attract too much attention to us," she advised as the other passerby paid wary glances her way.


    "Oh, so it is true. Explains all of the birds, frogs, and other critters running around," her father noted, tilting his head from one of the satchel''s pouches. Around them were students of different species and features; some of them ranging from having a long neck to others whose ears twitched atop their head. The older students, who wore distinct uniforms, had animals perched on their shoulders or following beside them.


    "Yeah...And who knew that the famous Edward Erwin was actually an ermine all along?" Aurelie murmured before throwing her satchel back on. "There''s only an hour before the official orientation starts, so let''s get a move on."


    "Right with you, kiddo!" Edward agreed before dipping back into the pocket.


    "Breathe in, breathe out...Hexanus Academy, here I go!" the girl repeated before taking her first step into the illustrious school of magic.

 The Handbook

    As Aurelie''s boots clacked against the hall''s pristine floors, she could only witness her awestruck expression reflected on the geometric tiles. Hundreds of other freshmen were already gathered in groups, others sidled by the pillars, and some already reached the hall''s upper floors. Every conversation was echoing throughout the chambers, orchestrating a cacophony to resonate from above.


    From there, elaborate, mosaic frescoes decorated the walls, depicting the whimsicality of witches, wizards, and mages coexisting in harmony. Where the sun sets should the moon rise, where all magicians paid witness with their arms extended towards the skies. It created the hues that Aurelie so loved, of a setting sun whose radiant orange oozed into celestial blue. But when standing beneath the grandeur of marble pillars, the dome ceilings overhead, and the iridescence of everything, she felt small compared to everything else¡ªlike a mouse that had wandered into the world''s biggest castle. Or was this the biggest castle?


    "Ack, I''d rather not know..." Clutching the straps of her satchel, Aurelie warily glanced at the other students. Her breaths felt tight in her chest, and upon looking at the other students'' extravagant clothes, she glanced down at her own. It was comfortably modest, but it was the one thing making her stick out like a sore thumb amid all the exquisite bits and bobs. Shaking her head, she discreetly slipped out the terrace doors, before the hubbub receded into a faint droning. Where the cool, autumn air finally calmed her shaky nerves.


    "Phew, I''m finally out..." Breathing a sigh of relief, she looked to see the campus courtyard extending beneath the terrace. A fountain was bubbling at the center, where it was encircled by bushes of every shape and size. Some of them were already bearing ripe fruit, specifically the ones whose berries appeared like blooming acorns. But beyond her vantage point, she could hardly see what was happening from behind the courtyard''s towering hedges. Could it be a labyrinth of sorts? Or training grounds? Shaking her head, she noticed a bench nearby.


    Plopping herself down, she patted one of the satchel''s pouches. "You can come out now, Papa." When two twitching ears gave way to someone''s blinking, beady eyes, Edward quickly whipped his head from left to right, before crawling up Aurelie''s arm. Only to rest on her shoulder, hidden by the veil of her ashen hair.


    "What''s up, kiddo? You''ve been sighing for the last five minutes now," he asked.


    "Huh? Oh, it''s nothing. It''s just..." Twiddling with her thumbs, Aurelie sheepishly admitted, "...This place is way bigger than I thought. And there are so many students here who already know what they''re doing. What if...I''m just not cut out for this?" Having seen the glaring resplendence of this place boring into her soul, the students who paid puzzled glances her way, and the people who''d already found their own groups, she felt like a lone leaf drifting in the wind. Aimlessly wandering from one place to another, trying their hardest to find somewhere to settle. Before she sighed dejectedly.


    "Maybe it was a good idea to have you come with me--"


    "--Hmph, as if you should give a macadamia about that!" Edward interjected.


    "Eh?" Blinking wildly, Aurelie looked to see the ermine stand on its hind legs, pressing a paw to her cheek.


    "Relly, think about it, if these kids know anything about Kismet, which they don''t, then all they''ll say is that you''re from some forgotten forest. But you know that isn''t true, is it?" With her astonished expression reflected in those dark pupils, Edward continued, "Because the Haven of Kismet will always be your home, a place where you have a whole family who loves you. And above all, they want you to succeed."


    "E-Even if..."


    "Nuh-uh. We promised not to bring that up again, Relly. But if it makes you feel better..." Placing his other paw on his chest, her father resolutely declared, "Lewis and I are proud to have you as our daughter. Even if you were born to a family of hunters doesn''t mean you''ll become one. To us, you''ll always be our most kindhearted child."


    "Father Lewis...Hehe, I''m surprised you mentioned his name so soon. You two were always bickering the day I received my acceptance letter," his daughter chuckled. "If he was anything smaller than a lynx, then I''m sure he would have hitched a ride in one of my other pockets." Out of her two fathers, Lewis was always the most logical and aloof, yet when he received news of her acceptance, his boisterous yells were enough to rattle her bones.


    "No way, I can''t condone this! Relly has never been this far from home, and she''ll be crushed by the number of stringent customs there are! If you really cared about her wellbeing, then you wouldn''t have let her go through with this in the first place!"


    "Ha, and you think you know anything about how humans interact with each other? I know better than anyone that Relly has what it takes to go to the best magic school there is! And you already know that we can''t keep her cooped up like this forever."


    The arguments went back and forth for days--until the morning before Aurelie left--when Lewis finally faced her with a look that a mother shows to a fledgling. A bird that was ready to leave the nest, where neither the harshest winds nor its mother could keep its wings fettered. It was that fear of broken bones and hearing its hopeless cries that made Lewis hesitate, his bearded face wracked in anguish. Reluctantly walking forward with heavy, broad paws, his feathery ears tickled Aurelie''s cheeks as he went forward for a nuzzle. And he finally relented in a hoarse yet gentle voice. "Be safe, child. Make sure to pack enough food for the journey, and find a reputable inn to stay at for the nights ahead. When you get there, always remember this..."


    "...Never let anyone tell you that you don''t belong here," Edward repeated those words.


    Widening her eyes, Aurelie felt her frantic heartbeat calm to a steady pace, and she could breathe easily again. Closing her eyes, she realized how much both her parents wished for her safety and happiness, and that despite how different they were from her, they''d love her just as much. Before she resolutely nodded. "You''re right. The reason I came here was to witness all those possibilities I''ve seen in picture books, and maybe entertain the notion that I can use magic for real. But no matter what..." Placing her newly obtained handbook on her lap, she smoothed over the cover. "...I can''t let you and Father Lewis down."If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Relly...You don''t have to worry about disappointing us. Don''t do this for us, do this for you. After all..." Leaping down to sit beside her lap, Edward tapped the book''s cover. "...You made it this far because of your own hard work. And that in itself is enough to make us proud of you. So don''t start giving up now." Listening to her father''s encouragement, her fingers curled around his tiny paw, squeezing it gently.


    "Thank you, Papa." She fondly smiled before looking at the cover again.


    "I made it this far...And this is my chance to bring my dreams to life," Aurelie thought while smoothing over the intricate embellishments. It had an ornate design, where gold, arabesque swirls grew from each corner of the book. The bindings of the book were meticulously added, and each one was connected to a side latch. A blank plaque was on the front, tempting her to call it her own. Pulling the quill out, she excitedly signed her name in fancy calligraphy, added with a touch of curling vines here and there. As soon as she finished the last curve, the book began fluttering wildly, responding to the ethereal luminance that appeared on its newest inscription.


    "Property of Aurelie Erwin," the book addressed on the very first page--before flipping into a newly-formed Table of Contents. Tabs sprung up from between the pages, demarcating each section of the handbook: Introduction, Student Profile, Inventory, Spellbook, and Additional Notes. Flipping over to the next page, Aurelie watched as several words were neatly inked down.


    <center>


    Introduction


    </center>


    Welcome to the Hexaneus Academy, Ms. Aurelie Erwin. This handbook will serve as an important guide in navigating many of the academy''s rules and protocols. In addition, it will function as a multi-purpose tool for your spellcasting career. Please read below to finish setting up your handbook, and how to make full use of its security features.


    "Security features...Is it talking about the lock here?" Edward asked, playing with the dangling star-shaped trinket.


    "Hm, I''ll set that up later. Let''s see...Looks like the Student Profile is on Page 6," Aurelie responded before skipping a few pages. As soon as she reached the next page, she witnessed many compartments pop up on the parchment, each of them labeled accordingly. Every box was framed like a miniature bookshelf, where the text was neatly organized on its shelf. In the first box at the uppermost left was her basic profile, including a framed portrait of herself.


    Student Profile


    Aurelie Erwin


    Hometown: Haven of Kismet


    Class: Yet to be added.


    Elemental Attribute(s): Yet to be added.


    Familiar: Yet to be added.


    Roving over the words, Edward questioned, "You haven''t joined a class, Relly?"


    "Ah, I wanted to wait until classes start before making a decision. All first-years are assigned a homeroom class, and apparently, they''ll cover the basics of what each class entails, and how the rest of the year will look. From what I know..." Raising her fingers one by one, she listed, "... There are four schools in total, and each one also holds several different subclasses you can choose from by your second year. Like being a herbalist, an illusionary, and even a beast tamer. But as for what each school specifically does, I would need to attend the orientation session."


    "Huh, I see. Then what''s this compass doing here?" her father asked, pointing to an unusually-shaped pushpin near the "Class" label. "Are we supposed to do something with it?"


    "Hm, maybe it could be a help directory?" After pulling out the bronze pushpin, a flurry of lights emitted from the page, unleashing a thousand wingbeats to start fluttering around. Before they formed glowing letters on the pages, followed by a squeaky, high-pitched voice.


    <center>


    Hello! We''re your navigation sprites! Would you like to have a brief synopsis of each class?


    </center>


    "Woah, they''re so flashy..." the ermine remarked, while Aurelie nodded. "Yes, please." Upon her response, the sprites began arranging themselves into phrases, while also lowering the brightness of their luminance.


    "The Witches'' Apothecary not only includes witches but also alchemists and pharmacists. They learn the basics of potion-making, how to classify various medicinal and spiritual herbs, and how to cast healing spells. Since its founding, the school forbade any texts that allow one to trick those unwittingly with incurable symptoms, as to maintain the modus operandi of curing over cursing."


    "The School of Wizardry is an all-encompassing institute for anyone interested in practicing a wide range of spells. Wizards, mages, sorcerers, and the like can study how to articulate incantations, infuse their magic into a medium of their choice, and compose a grimoire."


    "The Artificers'' Atelier functions differently from the other two schools, considering that it''s made up of multiple workshops stacked on top of each other. Some of them specialize in making tools for magic catalysis, inventions that use various fuel sources, and even artistic endeavors that include bringing paintings to life. It''s become an inclusive school of magic that encourages students to practice the art of innovation, invention, and creation."


    "Lastly, we have the Amphitheater for Magicians. It''s home to spellcasters who are interested in putting on performances, designing costumes, screenwriting, and developing special effects. The grand amphitheater is composed of an outdoor and indoor auditorium for students to rehearse and put on annual performances."


    "Wow, that''s enough to make an entire textbook page. Hey, Relly, which one are you interested in--?"


    "--All of them sound so amazing," Aurelie gasped, staring at each of the synopses. "I mean, being able to concoct so many different potions, cast powerful spells with a flick of your wrist, make the coolest inventions, and even surprise everyone with how many tricks you have--there are so many paths you can choose from. I need to give it some serious thought before deciding."


    "Well, if it were up to me, then I''d say the Artificers'' Atelier might be a good fit for you," Edward discreetly muttered. "...I''m a better inspiration than Lewis will ever be, after all."


    "Ahem, Father Lewis wouldn''t like it if he heard that..." Aurelie awkwardly coughed before placing the compass back to whence it came.


    "Well, is he here right now? Nope, it''s just you and me!"


    "Right, right, keep telling yourself that..." she said before looking at her profile overview again.


    On the right was her dorm assignment, which read, "Freyridge Hall, Room No. 389". It depicted the building in question, where there was a sketch showcasing a thatched cobblestone building, where spires and winding staircases connected one floor to the next. Bushels of flowering gardens poured out from under the eaves, adding splashes of color onto the stenciled drawing.


    "And my class schedule is still pending until orientation''s over," Aurelie murmured with a sigh. Closing the handbook, she muttered, "Looks like there''s a lot to go through," before looking at her watch. "Just an hour and a half before orientation starts."

 Dancing with Snowflakes

    "Hm, is there anything I can do to pass the time...?" she wondered, swinging her legs. Next to her, the ermine continued chasing after some airborne fluff, wholly entertained. "Maybe there are fewer people inside now--"


    Right before she could get up, someone asked, "Anyone sitting here?" Looking up, she saw a boy about her age, with sandy brown hair, beryl blue eyes, and sun-kissed skin. Under the afternoon sunlight, there was a smattering of faint, dark freckles across his nose and cheeks, resembling stars in a constellation. This unusual person also wore garments fitted for a newsboy: a wool vest with a pale shirt underneath, which accentuated their modest ribbon brooch and corduroy suspender pants.


    "O-Oh, er...S-Sure, you can sit here..." Aurelie stammered, much more nervous than anticipated. "When was the last time I talked to another human my age? Oh, hazelnuts, I hope they didn''t notice..." she frantically thought.


    "Hehe, thanks," the boy merely chuckled, the soft sound reassuring Aurelie''s trembling shoulders. Sitting down beside her, he gestured to the moving silhouette atop his shoulder, while explaining, "I saw you had a weasel as your familiar. If you don''t mind me asking, then do you have any pointers for taming a creature like them?"


    "Who are you calling a weasel?!" Edward balked, his mouth held agape. "For your information, son, I ain''t some weasel! I''m an ermine, for pecans'' sake!" Which only amounted to futile squeaking when the boy curiously tilted his head.


    "Huh, looks like they''re full of energy too. If only my own familiar was like that..."


    "Oh, t-they''re not actually my familiar. I''m only just a first-year, so this is just...!" Scooping up Edward with her hands, she was about to put him away, before said creature threw a ballistic fit--thrashing and turning around, while also gearing up to teach someone a lesson.


    "Just wait until I get these furry claws on you! I bet you wouldn''t even last a second while I''m around!" he hissed.


    "...Erm, my animal companion? And this one''s an ermine. They''re usually a bit larger and feistier than regular weasels," she answered with a sweat drop rolling down. "Case on point when my father''s already sending some mean glares his way."


    "Whoops, forgive me for jumping to conclusions. I almost thought you were a second-year," he laughed with an embarrassed flush to his face, before extending a hand. "Name''s Alexander Cousteau, but most people just call me Alex. And this here is my little buddy, Carol--" While the boy gestured with his shoulder, Aurelie spotted something white peeking out from within the shadows, revealing itself to be a jittery yet fluffy rodent. Its long tail was accentuated with a tiny cotton ball at the end, matching its velvety, snow-white fur. When two, large ears gave way to curious blue eyes blinking at her, Aurelie couldn''t help but stare back at it.


    "Woah, it''s so cute. What kind of animal is it?"


    "Ah, this is a Magicreature called a snow vole. You can usually find them in the rocky foothills of Snowcrest," Alex explained, pointing towards the range of mountains piercing through the misty clouds. From this distance, their small yet distinct shapes were nothing compared to witnessing them in person, where their enormous altitude spanned upwards to its snow-capped summits. Many have dared to climb its treacherous heights, yet when faced with rumors of hauntingly dreadful wendigos and vengeful lycanthropes, only some reached the closest peak before retreating.


    "It''s...a little skittish of everyone, and it took about three weeks before they finally warmed up to me. Literally." Gently scritching it under its chin, Alex coaxed the little creature onto his hand, which soon curled up on his palm. "Still, we''re only in the taming phase, so can''t be rushing things this fast."If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "Taming phase..." Aurelie perched her chin, muttering, "You mean...a period set aside for you to develop a bond with your familiar?"


    "Bingo, you guessed it." Nodding, Alex continued, "All second-years are required to embark on field trips held throughout the year. Especially during the spring and winter months, this is usually an opportunity to venture out into the wilderness and hopefully come across Magicreatures. The distinction between them and regular animals is how much magical energy they''re imbued with." Smoothing over his familiar''s pristine fur, he noted, "Hence why Carol''s uniquely different from their fellow voles."


    "Hm, I see...So these Magicreatures...Do they have to be related to your attribute?" the ashen-haired girl asked, her fascination piqued. "Because if they initially came from Snowcrest, then surely they must be well-adapted to Crustallum."


    "Hey, looks like someone did their research," Alex laughed, giving her a half-hearted smile. "To answer your question, it''s generally recommended, but it''s not the end-all-be-all. Some people tame Magicreatures just because they''re interesting, or that they''ve already formed a friendship with it. Just like your animal companion..." Pointing at the ermine now sulking away in one of Aurelie''s pockets, he continued, "...They''re usually registered as Support Companions by the academy, while all Magicreature familiars are already listed as one by default. Main difference is that normal Support Companions are only limited to certain places around campus. Especially when they''re just there for emotional or moral support."


    "So...case in point, does that mean your elemental attribute is Crustallum?" Aurelie pressed on, giving him a sidelong glance.


    "Pfft, couldn''t even dodge that question, could I?" Letting out a frank chuckle, he raised his other hand, creating miniature snowflakes to appear in the air. Each one had its distinct shape, where fractals expanded outwards into intricate, icy branches. They pirouetted in the air like freefall ballerinas, becoming immersed in the powdery flecks around them. Yet despite its fragile beauty, the boy''s expression was anything but mesmerized. "...My folks back home are avid practitioners of Liquidum, especially when we''re from a seaside port and all that. So just remembering how shocked they were at last year''s evaluation only brings back some painful memories."


    "O-Oh, I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to make you feel bad..." Twiddling with her thumbs, Aurelie nervously grimaced. "...I''m interested in all sorts of magical elements, so seeing how you conjured snowflakes out of nowhere is enough to amaze me."


    "Pfft, is that so...?" Snapping his fingers, each of the snowflakes exploded into whimsical fireworks of snow, eliciting a sudden sneeze from the former.


    "Hey, what''d you do that for?!" Brushing away the powder from her bangs, Aurelie faced him with a peeved reaction, which only empowered him with a peal of laughter.


    "Sorry, sorry...Speaking of which, I haven''t gotten your name yet. Mind doing me the honor of knowing thy fair maiden?"


    "Hmph, flattery like that won''t get you anywhere, Mr. Alexander." Crossing her arms, she introduced herself. "My name is Aurelie Erwin, and this ermine here..." She paused, contemplating whether she should say her father''s name or make one up on the spot, before the ermine squeaked out, "Just call me by my nickname, Relly!"


    "...His name is Eddy," she finished with a resolute nod.


    "Hehe, that''s cute. Oh, I meant your ermine--" the second-year quickly assured, waving his hands. "...But Aurelie...That''s a pretty name. Haven''t met someone with a name like that before. Where are you from actually?"


    "Oh, the Haven of Kismet. It''s...a rather remote location, as far as I''m aware. Even one of the tellers from this morning told me that."


    "Really? I''ve heard lots of stories and fairytales about that place, so I''m surprised not many people heard about it. Well, maybe it''s understandable, considering it''s hardly a dot in the atlas books." Alex shrugged, earning a petulant "How rude!" from one of the satchel''s pockets.


    "Yeah...It''s a pretty small place to begin with, and the town of Kismet is just a mere remnant of what it once was," the ashen-haired girl muttered, staring down at her lap. "I''m guessing one of the more popular stories you heard about is how the animals there bestowed vengeance upon the settlers."


    "Yep, that''s the one! If I recall correctly, it went like this..."