#apprentice jenna

       The sound of pattering steps on the wooden floor caught Jenna’s attention. Stopping her lunch preparations she was happily greeted by a small toddler, her daughter. Her auburn curly hair made her look very much like her father Julian but her contagious smile was all her mothers. Her daughter raised her arms up above her head and giggled.        “Pick me up!” She raised her tiny voice.        Jenna removed her apron and let her long brown hair loose from the pin that was holding it all together. She reached down and lifted her daughter high up in the air, eliciting a squeal of excitement from her daughter. Jenna couldn’t help but laugh at her silly antics and began to twirl with her daughter in her arms in the small kitchen. Mother and daughter shared a laugh that brought the attention of a familiar face, husband and father, Julian Devorak. He leaned his tall frame against the kitchen door with a soft smile of his own. His linen shirt unbuttoned down the collar for the relief of the hot summer air. Julian was never one to dress appropriately for the summer weather, nor was it helping to keep Jenna focused on the task at hand. As the female magician brought her daughter down, she looked over at her husband and smiled.        “Would you be a dear and take our daughter outside to play? I still need to prepare our lunches.”        “Of course! I will keep our little princess busy until lunch is ready.” Julian walked over to Jenna and kissed her forehead affectionately. Their daughter pouted.        “Lunch not ready?” The daughter looked up at them sadly. Julian petted her head and lifted her up into his awaiting arms.        “Not yet, sweetheart. Let’s go play, shall we?” She hugged her dad and silently nodded in agreement. Julian carried her outside to the yard beside the kitchen view while Jenna continued her preparations. Today’s meal, veggie soup! Jenna gathered the assortment of vet ales and began cutting them and throwing it in the large pot that bubbled with a delicious broth, courtesy from one of Mazelinka’s recipes. The calm ambient sounds came to a crashing halt when she heard Julian yell. The sudden screech made her stop cutting the carrot she was holding and rushing to the window to see what on earth was going on.        “Are you alright, Julian?” said Jenna. She looked around the yard and saw Julian flat on her back and her daughter squealing with glee. At first, Jenna was confused, what was Julian yelling about? She thought as she crossed her arms across her chest. Upon further inspection she noticed bubbles floating around her daughter. Bubbles?        “Julian?” She called again. Julian sat upholding their daughter at arms reach and looked in Jenna’s way.        “My dear, you must come and see this.” Jenna couldn’t tell if he worried or astonished.        “See what exactly?”        “Our daughter! I think she ca—”        SPLASH!        Just when Julian was about to speak a ball of water formed above his head and fell on top of his head, soaking his hair and shirt. Jenna rushed out into the yard and looked between their daughter and Julian. Julian locked eyes with her and silently nodded.        “I think our princess here has some magic in her.” Julian grinned like the proud father he was.        “So it seems. Go get changed. I will bring Asra here to help with this situation.” Jenna spoke as she held onto her daughter in her arms.        “Can’t you do something about it?” Julian mused.        “Not to the full extent. I could try and seal her magic but I don’t want to do that to our daughter. It’s better for her to learn how to control her powers at an early age,” she paused before continuing, “Besides, Asra is a wonderful teacher. I am certain they can teach our daughter many things that I could not.”        “You go get Asra and I will make sure our princess here is fed and ready to learn!” Julian spoke enthusiastically. His grey eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning, it was a cute sight Jenna admitted. She placed her daughter on the couch and kissed her forehead affectionately.        “I will be right back, sweetie. You be a good girl and eat all your vegetables.” Her daughter silently nodded and the female magician was off.

       It didn’t take Jenna long before she stood anxiously before Asra’s shop. It brought back so many wonderful and strange memories. If it wasn’t for Asra, she wouldn’t be here. She owed them everything. Dismissing the deep and invading thoughts, Jenna fixed her glasses and quickly combed through her long hair before knocking. After the first knock, the door swung open to a smiling Asra and Faust sitting comfortably on their neck.        “Jenna! What are you doing here?” Asra brought her into a tight embrace. She couldn’t help but smell lavender on them.        “Look, Asra. I need your help.”        “Of course. I would do anything for you.” Asra said with surprise. They looked deep into Jenna’s eyes and nodded. As if knowing the exact reason she was here.        “My daughter is showing some signs of magic in her. She created bubbles and dumped water on Julian this afternoon.”        Asra laughed.        “Water magic! That’s wonderful news. It’s a sort of magic I am very familiar with. Let me guess you need my help?”        “If you wouldn’t m—” Asra cut her off.        “Of course. I will gladly help teach her how to control it safely.”        Relief washed over Jenna.        “Thank you so much, Asra!” She smiled and hugged them again.        “Shall we get going?” said Asra as they lifted their arm for her to take.        “Let’s hurry. I worry about Julian.” Asra locked the shop door and the two casually walked at a slow pace down the pathway.        “I’m sure he is fine.”

      “I’m not fine!” yelled Julian.        Jenna opened the door to see the room covered in bubbles from floor to ceiling. So much so she couldn’t see anything in front of her. Only the laughter of her daughter and husbands screeches could she navigate her way through the bubble wall safely. Julian was on the floor and looked up to see his wife standing there. He tried to remove the bubble beard that formed around his face, but more appeared despite his efforts.        “Care to give me a hand, my dear?” Julian sounded exhausted. She extended a hand forward and helped Julian stand up.        “Nice beard.” She laughed.        “Do you now? It is quite a fashion statement.” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.        “More like a fashion disaster.” Mused Asra, catching the attention of everyone in the room, including their daughter who looked at them curiously.          Julian snickered.        “Good to see you are in high spirits, Asra.”        “I am now that I got to see you like this,” Asra said with a smug on their face. Jenna stepped in between them, “Now, now you two. We are here to help out daughter. Not burn each other.” The two nodded in agreement. A silent truce….for now. Asra spotted Jenna’s daughter immediately and crouched at her eye level. A soft charming smile of their own.        “Hi there. I’m Asra, a family friend. Do you want to play a game?” Hearing this made Julian groan in frustration, “Asra, my good old pal, we aren’t here to play games.”        “Actually, I think Asra is onto something. Just watch and learn, husband.” Jenna smiled knowingly. Asra was a terrific teacher and always had a way to teach without it making you feel like you were learning. The two watched Asra carefully. They sat on the floor patiently while the daughter got herself down from the cushion and sat in front of them. Her bright grey eyes lit up with excitement.        “We are going to play a game on who can stop the bubbles from spread the fastest.”        “Fastest?” She asked.        Asra nodded, “Yes the fastest. Want me to show you a trick on how to do it?”       “Mhmm!” The daughter indicated.       “Imagine yourself popping the bubbles as fast as you can. What you think in your head happens in real life. Watch.” Asra closed their eyes and slowly inhaled and as they exhaled, the bubbles around them began to vanish. Their daughter gasped.      “Woah!” She yelled. Her little legs bouncing with energy, “I wanna, I wanna.”      “Ok, ok. Let’s take it slow,” said Asra.      “First close your eyes.” Asra waited until they followed their instructions.      “Excellent. Now breathe in and out slowly.” The daughter calmed her breathing down. Julian couldn’t help but stand in complete shock. His princess was hanging on to every word Asra said!       “Now imagine you are popping as many bubbles as possible.”        Everyone held their breath in anticipation and waited for the magic to happen. Slowly but surely the bubbles around her were disappearing. First, it was one bubble at a time and suddenly clumps of bubbles were vanishing faster than Jenna could keep track. Asra chuckled and beamed with pride.        “You are doing it! Keep it going.” they encouraged.        “I’m gonna win.” She pouted, her eyes stilled closed. Suddenly the bubbles in the room vanished completely, not a single one could be found. Asra turned to Jenna.        “It seems your daughter also has the power of words. She will grow up to be a very powerful magician. I can feel it.”        “Powerful!” Faust emerged from Asra’s shirt collar and flicked her tongue at the little toddler.        “Can I learn to do this too?” Julian asked almost timidly. It warmed Jenna’s heart to hear him speak of magic so fondly.        “Perhaps,” Asra pondered his words for a moment, “If you can learn a few tricks, you can help your daughter when I’m not around.”        “That sounds like a deal.” Julian raised his hand out to Asra, who took it and shaken hands. Asra scooped up the little girl in his arms and gave her to Jenna who carefully took the now drowsy toddler in her arms, brushing her wavy auburn hair affectionately.        “Before I go,” Asra rummaged through their pockets and pulled out a tiny amethyst necklace, and placed it in Jenna’s hand, “Take this. It won’t seal her powers, but it will control it so she doesn’t hurt herself.”        “Thank you, Asra. I really appreciate you helping.”        “Call me again if you have any questions or concerns.” Asra let themselves out and waved at Jenna before descending the staircase.” Closing the door, Jenna turned around and noticed Julian seated on the couch fast asleep. Her heart melted at the scene before her and quietly placed her daughter beside them. The two looked identical when asleep. Jenna thought fondly. Grabbing a thick green blanket from the nearby basket, she draped the cosy cloth over the two of them.

       That's odd. I wasn't expecting any rain. Perhaps it came down from the tree. She pondered the idea for a moment but continued on. There was no way she was going to turn back now no matter what happened. Soon Jenna emerged from the untreated path onto a faint but familiar pathway that Muriel made himself so she wouldn't get lost if she needed him. Reminiscing on the past Jenna felt a few more drops of water on her face. The magician dared to look up and saw the sky turning grey like ashes dusting the sky. Her mood dropped as the rain poured down heavier by the second. Jenna groaned and with one hand lifted her dress up and ran down the pathway, dodging tree branches and water holes in her wake. It didn't take long before she stood in front of Muriel's hut. Once she visited it the first time it was hard to forget the small but welcoming home.

       With a shaky chilled hand, Jenna was about to knock when the door was opened to see Muriel’s tall looming form. He had to crouch his head forward to avoid hitting the top of the door frame. His earthy green eyes observed Jenna’s shivering form and looked at her with concern. Inanna appeared behind the magician and used her head to push Jenna into the hut. Muriel stepped aside and closed the door as Jenna shuffled to the fireplace. The warmth was an absolute blessing for her and she rubbed the palm of her hands together by the fire. The hut offered a warm but quiet atmosphere that she loved, especially when the city noise was getting too much for her. Deep in thought, she hadn’t noticed Muriel coming back with a cup of hot water and a warm green blanket.

       “Here, for you. Sorry I don’t have any tea leaves at the moment.” Muriel said shyly. Jenna couldn’t tell whether he was embarrassed or if the heat was getting to him. With a graceful smile, she nodded and took the hot cup of water in her small, slender hands.

       “Thank you, Muriel,” Jenna said before taking a sip of the hot water. She felt like she was on cloud nine, that was until the water burnt tongue. Pulling back she placed the cup on the table. Muriel noticed that her clothes were still soaked and were not drying fast enough. A sudden idea popped in his head.

       “You should remove your robes and let it dry or else hypothermia will get you.”

Jenna was surprised by his words. A faint smile ghosted her lips as she removed her foggy glasses from her face.

       “Wanting me to undress already? I never thought of you to be so forward, Muriel.” Jenna teased. Seeing him blush a deep shade of red that radiated down his neck was an amusing and adorable look. Muriel looked away with a pout.

       “I didn’t mean it like that. Just take the blanket and wrap yourself with it.” Muriel walked away into another room to give Jenna some privacy. The magician looked over at Inanna who laid by the fireplace, one eye opened and enjoying the banter between Muriel and Jenna. As Jenna began to remove her robes and extra layers of linens, she was reminded of how well the two connected despite what others believed him to be. Muriel was a quiet man of few words but that didn’t mean he wasn’t expressionless. His expressions made him a readable book for her and she took those moments to read him and capture those moments. As she was distracted by happy memories of her times with him, she hung her clothing on a wire clothing line near the fire. After drying off as much as she could, Jenna snatched the green blanket and wrapped it around her form. It was a bit rough but the weight was comforting.

       Thank goodness. A blanket that fits me! Jenna mused to herself.

       A minute later Muriel emerged once more and under his arm was a large pillow.

       “Are we having a sleepover?” She questioned.

       “No. This is to sit on. Come on” Jenna moved out of the way as Muriel placed the large cushion onto the floor right in front of the fireplace. He gestured for her to take a seat. Jenna carefully placed her glasses on the table, gripping the blanket securely around her body she sat on the cushion. It was by far much more comfortable than it looked. The blue cotton cushion was filled with cotton stuffing, making it a plush and fine seating. A relaxed sigh escaped Jenna’s lips as the warmth of the fire suddenly warmed up her blanket, pulling her into a sleepy and happy state. She felt the cushion dip behind her and warm arms wrapping around her slender waist. Muriel. The magician knew that it was moments like these that she enjoyed most. Jenna leaned her weight back into Muriel’s chest and smiled. She made sure to not look directly in his eyes for too long since it made him uncomfortable. It’s what Muriel liked most about Jenna. She was always patient and understanding of his comfort zone and never pushed him, while Jenna loved Muriel’s straightforward way of living, even if his view of the world wasn't so pleasant. The two both understood what each other wanted and cared for one another, that’s all that mattered.

       In her sleepy state, Jenna spoke up suddenly.

       “I brought a basket in hopes we could have a picnic.”

       “So I noticed.”

       “I’m sorry.” She said.

       “It’s not your fault. The weather was at fault.” Muriel’s deep voice lulled Jenna into a deeper sleep.

       Muriel’s hand began to brush the tangles from Jenna’s long wavy brown hair. He was incredibly careful to not hurt her head and took his time to brush her hair. The gentle head message was the final blow for the magician who instantly fell asleep in the arms of her lover. Once her hair was smooth and detangled Muriel pulled Jenna closer to him and breathed in her scent. He never wanted to openly admit that she smelled of tulips and lavender, but he would relish in her calming scent. Soon sleep began to take hold of Muriel, his eyelids feeling heavy with sudden sleepiness he never felt before. Before succumbing to sleep Muriel leaned forward and kissed the top of Jenna’s forehead. Her angelic smile made Muriel’s heart flutter in his chest.

       As the couple fell alseep in each other’s arms, Inanna kept a watchful eye on them. Relieved that Muriel had found someone he cared for. She knew that the two of them deserved love.

         The flames licked under the wooden floorboards where Jenna stood. Smoke clouded her vision as she strained to seek an exit. Jenna knew where she was despite the lack of vision. The magician was in her shop like any other evening, waiting for Asra to come home. What was once a peaceful quiet evening turned into a hellish nightmare. To reasons still unknown the shop was on fire and Jenna had to find a way out. She lowered her head and covered her mouth with a cloth nearby as she shuffled back down the narrow hallway. Panic settled in the bottom of her stomach as she frantically thought of a way out. Where do I go? What do I do? Where is Asra when I need them most? Thoughts swarmed Jenna’s mind as she felt an eerie feeling of doom. The heat of the flames neared her by the second, the smoke invading her lungs making it difficult for her to breathe. Her skin felt hot as the room increased in temperature by the second. The magician laid on the floor and crawled down the secret hatch door beside the shared bed. As Jenna descended the rickety steps she felt a brief sense of relief as the smoke hadn’t reached the back of the shop. As her feet touched the plush carpet beneath her feet, Jenna’s mind went into overdrive as she tried to devise an escape plan. She knew she only had a few minutes, maybe less. 

         “I got it!” Jenna turned to the back door and tried to open it. It’s stuck! Jenna dropped her nightgown and used all her strength to push against the door. The wooden frame barely moved an inch, as if caught onto something. Panic settled into the magician's stomach as a wave of dizziness washed over her. Jenna gasped for air as the smoke thickened the air around her. Adrenaline pumped through her as she could feel the heat of the flames getting closer and closer to her. Jenna pounded on the wooden door and shouted.        “Help! Someone, please help me!” She cried out in desperation. Through the small window, she spotted a familiar tuff of white hair. Asra. For a moment she felt like she was saved just in time.        “Asra! Over here. Please open the door!” Jenna yelled and pounded on the door to get their attention. Asra looked at them with an expression she could not pinpoint. Their once bright violet eyes now looked dull and disinterested. Asra turned away from the shop and walked away into the shadows of the night without so much of a word. No, this can’t be. Asra would never do this to me. Tears sprung in Jenna’s eyes as she leaned against the door and cried, no longer having the strength to break herself free. She felt the flames reach the back of the shop, burning everything in its wake. The smoke clouded Jenna’s vision as the remainder of her strength was gone. No more could she fight.        No more.        Her legs gave out and she fell onto the floor. Accepting that perhaps this was the end for her. Dying surrounded by flames. As she inhaled one more shaky breath, everything disappeared into blackness.

       Jenna woke up with a start. She panicked as she looked around the pitch dark room as her heart raced uncomfortably. With shaky limbs, she sat up and shivered at the cool night air against her sweat covered back. It was a refreshing feeling for only a brief moment until memories of her dream consumed her senses, leaving the magician shaking and hyperventilating. Suddenly she felt a hand tentatively touch her arm and recoiled from the sensation.        “Jenna it’s me. You’re all right.” Asra sat beside her on the bed and looked at her worriedly. Their eyes were not dull and cold but full of worry and concern. Memories of Asra leaving her brought tears to her eyes. Asra didn’t have to wait to hear what Jenna had to say for they could feel it in their heart too. They brushed away her tears and hugged her gently. Jenna cried in Asra’s shoulder until no more tears could be shed. The two stayed seated in one another’s embrace until Asra pulled away and stood up. Panic stirred in Jenna’s heart as she reached for their hand instinctively. Pulled back from her grip, Asar turned to see fear and uncertainty in her eyes.        “Don’t worry Jenna. I am just going to start a hot bath for you.” Asra smiled reassuringly. The female magician didn’t say a word and kept a tight grip on their wrist. Asra turned on their heels and cupped her cheek in the palm of their hand.        “Don’t worry. I won’t go anywhere. Do you want to come with me?”        “Yes,” Jenna spoke just above a whisper.        With that Asra pulled Jenna up from their bed and walked together hand in hand to the bathroom. The bathroom was small but the large bathtub made up for the cramped space. Asra sat Jenna on the counter as they begun to start a hot bath. Opening a blue box under the counter Asra pulled out essential oils and bubbles that was fit for royalty.        “Can’t have a bath without bubbles, can’t we?” Asra winked at her and Jenna giggled. For a moment she had completely forgotten what troubled her throughout the night. She watched with interest as Asra poured a few drops of lavender into the hot running bath and bubbles. The sight of the bathtub looked like a spa day at Nadia’s palace! The gentle scent of lavender was already calming Jenna’s senses, lulling her to sleep. Asra noticed and smiled.        “Time for the bath. Don’t fall asleep on the counter, Jenna.” Jenna nodded and got off the counter. She took off her glasses and without care pulled her nightgown over her body and discarded it on the floor. She didn’t feel uncomfortable undressing around Asra since the two of them have been living together for so long but Asra was still a gentleman to turn away and wait for Jenna to get into the bath. Discarding the rest of her lingerie, Jenna slowly sat into the hot water, her muscles relaxed and soothed by the water. A deep relaxed sighed escaped her lips as she closed her eyes and focused on the calming scents. She opened her eyes and looked at Asra”s back.        “Care to join me, Asra?” Jenna asked. Asra turned their head at her with a devilish grin. Their eyes sparkling with amusement.        “But of course.” Asra quickly discarded their clothing and carefully climbed into the bath behind Jenna, their arms instantly wrapping around her frame as she instinctively leaned back against Asra”s chest.        “You all right now?” Asra asked.        “Yes, much better.” Jenna smiled.        Asra reached out to grab a hair band from the counter and began to brush Jenna”s long brown hair. The feeling of the brush combing through the tangles of her hair was beyond relaxing. With each stroke of the brush, the comb glided from the scalp of her head down to her lower back. Asra repeated the motion a few more times before lifting her hair up and tying it into a ponytail.         “Making sure your hair doesn’t get wet.”         “Thank you, Asra.” Jenna rubbed their hand fondly and closed her eyes once more. All she could hear was the heartbeat that belonged to Asra knowing there were here at this very moment made her feel safe and secure. The two didn’t utter a word, instead, they enjoyed the calm silence and the company of one another. Once the water went cold the both agreed to get out and dressed. Asra was the first to get out, throwing a towel on their form, Asra grabbed another one and gave it to Jenna. Jenna held onto Asra’s hand as she got out of the bathtub with the towel wrapped around her frame. When they entered the room they saw Faust sitting on a pile of folded laundry.        “Did you do this, Faust!” Asra laughed. Faust flicked her tongue out.        “I fold!”        Asra moved Faust away from the laundry and quickly dressed in a simple white linen top and black pants while Jenna reached for a simple purple dress.        “Stars!” Faust said as she slithered up Asra’s arm and securely around their neck.        “It sure is a clear night to see the stars. Why don’t we go and watch them together, Jenna?”        “That sounds wonderful, Asra,” Jenna said happily.        “Excellent! I know just the place to stargaze.”        Asra lifted their arm for Jenna to take. She looped her arm with theirs as the two got ready to leave the shop. Locking the door with a sealing spell, Asra guided Jenna down the streets. After a few twists and turns, they stood at the bottom of a grassy hill.        “Remember this place?” said Asra.        “Of course I remember. This is where we first confessed to each other.” Jenna spoke confidently but the blush on her cheeks spoke otherwise. This hill was an escape for the two of them. It was where their story began and would continue to live on. Jenna was brought back from memory lane when Asra pulled her hand towards them, gesturing her to follow them up the steep hill. As they ascended up the hilltop they finally made it to their favourite peach tree. It had grown a lot since the last time Asra and Jenna were here but it still looked the same as always. Asra was the first to sit down and pulled Jenna down onto their lap. Jenna laughed at the sudden action and wrapped her arms around Asra’s neck. Faust with other plans in mind slithered from Asra to Jenna and down to the grass where she would explore the familiar environment in peace.        The night was quiet and tranquil. No sound could be heard except for the buzzing sound of fireflies that flew around the magicians with curiosity.        Asra leaned their head on Jenna”s shoulder as they viewed the stars with wonder.        “A penny for your thoughts?”        “Sure. What is it?” said Jenna as her eyes focused on the night sky.        “What sort of dream did you have?”        Jenna hesitated before squeezing Asra’s hand reassuringly, “I dreamt that you left me. I was at the shop and it caught on fire. I tried to escape with no avail. When I saw you outside I call for help but you walked away.” The female magician shivered at the thought. Asra responded by pulling her closer to their body and turned her face to look directly into theirs.        “That sounds awful and scary,” Their brows creased in a worrying expression, “I am so sorry. I would never leave you.” The intensity of Asra’s eyes convinced her enough that they meant every word, she knew deep down that Asra would never leave her or harm her. Jenna brushed a single tear from her eye and smiled at Asra.        “I know you wouldn’t, Asra. I love you.”        The two were locked in each other’s gaze and brought their faces closer together until they were centimetres apart. Asra closed the gap and kissed Jenna softly. It wasn’t just a kiss but a promise. A vow that they would always love her, protect her, and make her smile for the rest of her life.        “I love you too.” Asra rubbed their head in Jenna”s neck until they were comfortable. No more words had to be said between Jenna and Asra for they knew exactly how they each felt. The two sat together, arms wrapped around one another as the glittering stars twinkled in the black sky.

       Nadia raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow, “Oh?” she pondered in thought for a moment before revealing a cheeky smile, “How about a party? I shall organise a marvellous party in your names. I shall bring out the finest food and drinks in your honour. I want to show my appreciation for everything you have done and I know others would love to as well.”

       Jenna forced a smile. She didn’t hate parties but she was still recovering after defeating the Devil. All she wanted was peace and quiet. She felt Asra squeezed her hand gently, indicating that he understood what she was feeling. It seemed they both were feeling the same way.

       “As much as that sounds lovely, Nadi,” Asra paused before continuing, “I think Jenna and I would like to have a smaller party. Something easy to organise and a relaxing atmosphere. What do you say?”

       Nadia nodded her head and smiled, “Of course, that sounds like a lovely idea. Let's keep it intimate. The two of you must be exhausted after everything that has happened.” Taking a sip of her tea, Nadia stood up gracefully and left the teacup and saucer on the table.

       “I shall not waste a moment and prepare a small party for you two this evening. Do not be late.” The countess walked by, not before giving a wink in their direction and left the chambers down the hallway. Jenna and Asra walked out last and closed the door carefully.

       “What should we do in the meantime?” Jenna said as she fixed her glasses.

       “How about we go back to our chambers and take it easy. You can take a nap in the meantime,” said Asra.

       The thought of having a nap was indeed an excellent plan. Jenna felt that despite the peace she couldn’t fall asleep so easily. Jenna yawned. Asra noticed and chuckled as he guided her back to their bedchambers east of the palace.

       “Let’s get you back to our shared room or else you will pass out in this hallway.” Jenna silently nodded and followed suit. The walk to their shared room was quiet and slow. The refreshing spring breeze was a welcoming sensation for Jenna as her breathing slowed to a calm a meditative pace. Asra and Jenna stopped by the grand white and gold doors. Pulling the door open, Asra let Jenna walk in first. The room had looked exactly the same as it did earlier this morning. She noticed the bed sheets and linens were all folded and clean, leaving the impression that no one was here in this room at all.

       Asra whistled, “It looks brand new all over again. It surprises me how fast the maids are able to clean such a large space in such a short time.” Asra threw himself on a red velvet cushion beside the bed. “Perhaps they use magic as well.”

       Jenna laughed and rolled her eyes, “Oh, they must have.No one can clean their room that well.” the female magician spoke with a hint of sarcasm. Between the two of them, Asra was not the one to clean things. It had always been Jenna who organised everything for him. Despite his many claims of his method of ‘cleaning’ was a more chaotic means. Chuckling at the memories, Jenna removed her glasses and placed them on the bedside table before throwing the plush covers over her frame. Reaching a hand out, Asra grabbed it immediately and began to rub her knuckles delicately.

       “Sleep well, Jenna,” Asra whispered and kissed the back of her hand.

       Jenna smiled and let sleep take her.

Jenna woke up later to the sound of birds and the evening sun illuminating the bedroom. Opening her heavy eyelids she was greeted by a white tuff of hair by her face. Looking up she saw Asra smiling down at her with Faust on his shoulder. The sunlight created a halo around Asra’s head making him more handsome than ever. Asra spoke before Jenna could string a sentence together.

       “It is almost time, Jenna. You have been sleeping all day. How do you feel?” Asra leaned on the palm of his hand as he watched Jenna sit up and stretched her arms high above her head.

       “I feel much better. A bit tired from oversleeping, but definitely feeling more energetic than earlier.”

       Asra sighed in relief, “Thank goodness. I am happy to hear that.” He picked up Jenna’s glasses and handed them to her. Jenna nodded in thanks and threw them on. Pushing her legs off the edge of the bed she stood up. Asra pulled himself up from his crouching position and wrapped his arms around her waist.

       “We were instructed by Nadia to through on outfit she had prepared for each of us and come down to the main lounge room when we are ready.”

       “Then we should get ready swiftly. I don’t want to keep Countess Nadia and her guests waiting.”

      “Our guests. We can leave when I say so.”

      “When you say so?” Jenna asked curiously. What on earth did Asra have in mind? She felt Asra’s breath close to the nape of her neck and kiss the skin delicately. A shiver ran up her spine as her hands gripped his arms that were currently around her waist. As the kisses travelled up her neck to the side of her ear, Jenna turned her head so Asra couldn’t see how red her face was.

       “Are you embarrassed? It’s just the two of us here.” Asra teased. His soft voice right against Jenna’s ear.

       “Come on, Asra. We must get ready now.” Jenna spoke nervously. She couldn’t calm down the butterflies in her stomach until she pulled away and grabbed the dress that laid out for her. It was a high-low dress with a rich cobalt blue hue reminded her of the ocean. Adorning the dress was silver chains that fell delicately over the thick straps of the dress. Without looking back, Jenna walked behind the covers and swiftly got changed before Asra had any other ideas. Just as she came out in her fine dress, Asra was already dressed and ready in a tunic that followed the same blue and silver theme. Of course, Nadia had planned out couple outfits. She thought in a deadpan tone. The thought didn’t stop her from admiring her partner. Asra looked like royalty before her. The rich and bright colours in contrast to his white hair was a captivating look.

       “You look so beautiful, Jenna.” Asra reached out a hand a rubbed her cheek fondly. Jenna leaned in the warm touch and smiled.

       “Shall we get going?” She said.

       “Let’s be on our way.”

               With that, the two walked together hand in hand to the party. The sounds of music playing indicated that they were close. As Jenna and Asra arrived by the lounge area, the doors were opened to them to reveal a small get together of familiar faces. Julian, Portia, Mazelinka, and even Muriel who stood far, far away from everyone else. The Countess turned around upon their arrival and graciously welcomed them.

       “Welcome my guests of honour. As a reward for all the hard work you have done not for just me but for all the people of Vesuvia, I encourage you to relax, enjoy the music and eat to your heart's content.”

       The two magicians were surrounded by the company of friends as they all congratulated them on a job well done.

       “We wouldn’t have been able to stop Lucio of the Devil without everyone’s help. I must be thanking you.” Asra said. Everyone laughed and filled their plates with the most delicious food they could stack and drank merrily. The evening was filled with joy, beautiful music and great company. Jenna sat with Portia and Mazelinka and told embarrassing stories of Asra. Mazelinka had many embarrassing and enduring tales of Julian during his youth that made the three of them burst into laughter. For the first time in a while, Jenna felt more connected to her surroundings more than ever. With part of her memories missing, it always frustrated her that such an important time of her life was gone. Upon rediscovering herself once more, she felt like she could finally move on and create exciting memories with the life she thankfully had. Jenna looked across the room to see Julian taking another swig of his beer and sang with the tunes of the music. Asra had been standing on the other side of the room speaking with Muriel one on one. It seemed like a serious conversation bet the two of them until she noticed Asra’s eyes shifting in her direction and giving a suggestive wink. A chuckle escaped her lips just when Nadia had seated herself right beside Jenna. Nadia’s long delicate fingers brushed through a strand of Jenna’s hair and offered her some champagne.

       “Here, take this and relax. You deserve it.” Nadia said fondly.

       “Thank you, Nadi.” Jenna took the glass, clinking it against Nadia’s she took a sip. It left a pleasant sensation in her mouth. The fruity taste waking her up after a long sleepy day. She hadn’t noticed Asra approaching her, gesturing her to come with him.

       “Go to Asra. I will keep an eye on the party here.”

       “Are you sure?” said Jenna. She didn’t want to leave the party so soon but noticed that everyone was having a grand time themselves. Quietly thanking the Countess, Jenna stood up and followed Asra, taking his hand in hers and following him to the gardens below.

       The setting sun illuminated the rich floral’s in what looked like liquid gold to her. The gardens looked more beautiful and enchanting now than it did at night somehow. As she admired the new environment, Asra pulled her hand forwards until they were deep in the gardens and away from the noise of the party. All that could be heard was the faint sound of music playing. Jenna’s heart raced when Asra turned to her and bowed.

       “May I have this dance, beautiful lady?” Asra spoke gently. His one hand over his heart and the other still gripping her hand like it was the most delicate thing.

       She nodded and smiled, “Of course.”

       Asra pulled Jenna close until their faces were inches apart. She was captivated by his violet eyes, the depth of them staring right into her very soul. The female magician barely noticed herself swaying softly to the tunes of the music in the distance. Asra’s hands rested on the lower back of her waist and pulled her closer. It was moments like these where the two felt like they couldn’t part from one another. The desire to be as close as possible was strong and evident in their twirling movements. Jenna wasn’t particularly a professional dancer but dancing with Asra didn’t feel like a hassle or put conscious effort in. She allowed herself to relax and follow her intuition to match his movements. Every step she made, Asra followed. Soon the garden became their very own dance floor as Asra and Jenna spun in each other's embrace, never breaking eye contact. When they slowly came to a stop, they were breathing heavily from the constant dancing.

       “You are a marvellous dancer, Jenna. I couldn’t take my eyes off of you.” Asra lifted her palm and kissed it. If her face wasn’t already red from the dancing, surely it would be now from his words alone.

       “It’s impossible to take my eyes off of you when you are looking like that.” Jenna teased.

       “Like what?”

       “Oh, you know what I mean.” Jenna blushed. As much as she enjoyed teasing Asra she was never prepared for what he was going to do next. Asra stepped closer to her and grinned.

       “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

       Jenna shared a grin of her own, “I guess I have to show you.” Her hands reached for Asra’s face and moved in for a kiss. It was sweet and short. Her eyes fluttered shut as the rising nervousness in her stomach dissipated. The moment the two parted ways, she noticed Asra’s eyes darken with a wave of desire for her. Without hesitation, Jenna was pulled to Asra’s awaiting lips. The two were in their very own heated dance. Asra’s arms clung to Jenna’s body as if she was going to slip away at any moment. As the two shared a passionate kiss, they had to part ways for oxygen.

       “If only I didn’t need oxygen. I could kiss you forever.” Asra said between breaths.

       “Curse the universe for needing oxygen.”  Jeanna joked. The two magicians chuckled as they leaned there foreheads against one another.

       “We have all the time in the world to catch up you know, Asra.” The bold statement surprised Jenna but in her heart, it was the truth. They did have all the time in the world and nothing or no one was going to stop them.