Thread: Bonded (PsionicCuttlefish and Chariot)

Eight years is how long it took. Eight winters. The high mountains were unforgiving in their tutelage--but despite her current sickness she was finally a Magus. She was finally able to escape this hell, though it sickened her that no matter the relief she felt it was nothing to her new Bondite. His class mattered so little she didn't even know his name. It horrified her that some Magus of yore actually had to name their Bondite due to their status. She sighed, scrunching her eyes tighter as she loosely ran her hand in her Bondite's hair. She knew that the current phenomena was called Aesite , nicknamed The bond high. Yet that didn't matter to her just yet. Picking him wasn't something she planned to do, when she walked in eight years ago it was specifically to find a completely different person than the one lying next to her. Yet when her Master called her name, demanding she perform a Bond, it was his face that flashed into her mind, no one else. The Temple of Scalla was a death mill for all who came inside. Be it sickness, starvation, murder, or the elements, both the masters and the mountains found ways to torment those inside. She was one of the youngest to ever enter the Temple willing at thirteen--though she was scarcely the youngest graduate. Her master, High Magus Aurelia--found her climbing the steep trail and took her in, giving her refuge from some of the worst masters of the school. Spoiled as she was she had only been there a few weeks when attempts on her life were made. As she ripened into womanhood other attempts were made as well--though none survived to tell of such carnal knowledge. She had only met her Bondite once before, during the long seventh winter of her stay. The summer had not been productive and food was scarce all throughout the kingdom. However, her master had a certain amount of notoriety and an affection for her, so she never had to feel the pain of actual starvation. However her Bondite was not so lucky. The first time they met was at the rookery where the messenger birds were kept. She was collecting a Raven to send to the King when she saw him. Cold and quiet, he had trekked from the guarded posts all the way to the upper areas of the Temple--just to get a bird. She watched him as he desperately grasped a larger Raven, snapping it's neck instantly, causing loud cawing and alarm from the birds. It was almost as if he couldn't be sated as three, four, the birds started to shriek and swirl, moving to attack him in defense. Stop! It was all she could do to keep him from getting killed, his eyes were wide in alarm at the sound of her voice, obviously not have noticing her before. They will kill you before you could take what you need. Not to mention someone will hear the commotion. Leave, now, while you still have a chance. She hissed, moving to take a handful of grain from a pouch at her side. She tossed it to the birds hoping to quell their excitement, or at least cover up the deed he had caused with new excitement. As the birds cawed, pecking him, each other, and herself, she pushed him out of the room with his catch in hand. When she went to speak to him some more he was already running away, back to the Prisoners quarters. But they where safe, at least for now. There was no telling who would demand their services or what new trials their life would bring. But she was certain, in that moment, the worst bit of their lives were behind them. She quietly rose from the bed and slipped into a plain-rough spun tunic, trying to ignore her nausea and soreness. Her head throbbed painfully and her hands were shaking as she dressed quietly. Loose trousers covered the lower half of her body before she put on a doeskin belt and emerald linen cloak. Their room was furnished with the bed, a high oak table with two chairs, a large fireplace that held a cackling fire, and a window facing south--to their new destination. On the table there was a dish of fruit and a jug of water, and she moved to slice some fruit for herself and to feed her Bondite. She had scarcely started to cut into some southern citrus when a knock came at the door. Magus Helia. Please open up I have an urgent message. Helia recognized the voice instantly as another apprentice of her former master and sighed. She rose stiffly from her chair and opened the door, allowing a girl to come in, bearing a message in her hand. Please Acolyte, let your master know that bothering me in this state is not appreciated, Helia joked in dry humor as she stumbled back to her chair. My apologies Madam, however, the High Magus says this message is of the utmost importance. She also told me to burn it after you read it. Curious, Helia took the small paper from the girl , breaking the seal to read. My dear student, Your recovery, I'm afraid is limited as you must immediately prepare to leave. The High Magus Dedarion Lorn's Bondite has been murdered. As of right now, I can assure you only you, myself, and Dedarion know of this. This means that the King is going to be looking for a Magus, and soon, likely with the intent to discover the responsible party. I have already worked to secure your passage on the Red Wind which leaves for the Crescent Isle in two days. Upon your arrival in the capital, you are to present yourself to the Kings Court. I know this is sudden, but this chance cannot be ignored. I can assure you that as I write this, eyes are already going to be watching all of us, especially those new to the order this year. Dedarion had seen something my dear. Something vital. And he cannot risk sending me word through conventional methods, though I fear someone or something is attacking our order. This is a great task I am throwing on your shoulders, especially right after your bonding, however you are the only one I trust to find out what is going on. If my suspicion is correct, the King will accept you into his services, but you must get ready post-haste. I will wait for your answer tomorrow night by the rookery. If you are worried about funds, I have already written you into my estate, so anything you may need you will have access to. I am sorry Helia. For truth. I beg of you to forgive me. Your friend, Aurelia. The pounding in her head was worse as her mind flooded with questions, concerns, and fears. However, she kept her face as straight as she could and waved the acolyte away before stumbling to the fire to dispose of the letter. She didn't know who she felt more sorry for in that moment. Herself, or her bondite.