#melida

Kent’s “banana fairy robes”. Yes, you are a joke, you chose this.

Tale 14: Stealing Kent (chapter 6. Shattered 6/6 ) part 3. Stories of True Love

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Originally, Saianne had arrived at the shores of the Fish Kingdom out of curiosity; She was exploring, having never seen to the Shadow Veil before. Saianne arrived at a small sea line of greys, before a cliffside cradling an empty beach strewn with instruments. The cove was like an auditorium, that wanted her to charm to it. When she tentatively walked toward the calm water of the kingdom’s lake, it resonated with the radiant voices of the fey. Aquarius began to taunt Saianne, tempting her closer and closer to the shore. Saianne’s mind was emptying, as the magic of the ether leeched into her bones. Shortly after arriving, Saianne had forgotten she was in the Shadow Veil; Or what lay in its waters. In a way, everything reminded Saianne of the small beach back home. Alive, calling, and out of reach.

By the time Kent and Ouroboros caught up with Saianne, she was already at the water’s edge. They felt helpless and frozen, as they watched Saianne strain and struggle to stay on shore. It was like she was possessed. Pushed by an uncanny force, and filling the air with fear. As Saianne got closer, the gurgle of the tide began to darken, and she began to glow. Ouroboros’s heart was pounding. Flashes of the night Saianne had gone dark, and the lives had been claimed, kept replaying in his mind.

“Saianne! Stop!” Ouroboros yelled. Voices of those calling her back, were like distant whispers; Saianne was being consumed. Ouroboros’s fear took over, and he summoned his sword. But he halted inches from her, unable to commit to harming her. In the silence, Ouroboros could hear Aquarius;

 “Drown herself, child; You’re a curse, monster, and burden. Oh, what worry you bring to others. Let the radiant calm of the deep settle you; It’s less then you deserve for your crimes. Wouldn’t it feel better to just disappear?”

“Kill that fish! Saianne will be better without her!” Kent yelled from the cliffs. Ouroboros, filled with fire hearing Aquarius’s words. She raised his sword to Saianne’s staph. Ouroboros halved the orb, and Aquarius and Saianne screamed with pain, as Aquarius chocked on the air, before dissolved into light. The orb shattered into chips of purple glass. Saianne’s cries and sobbing were so loud, it pierced the veil; Ouroboros had never heard her in so much pain. He was broken hearted to see her in such a state, from his own hands. Saianne had always been so quiet, holding back pain. He knelt down to hold her, pulling Saianne away from the water’s edge and closer to the cliff, while she wailed. Ouroboros held her to his pounding chest, humming a charm of calmness. Saianne’s glow faded, and she returned to the world. Kent had just stood there, feeling helpless while watching someone in so much pain. 

“Sorry. Saianne, I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have a familiar die; Sharing sensations with them. I had too- “Ouroboros sobbed, rocking Saianne.

“Thank you.” Saianne said quietly. Her cried turned into a chocking whimper, as she regained her breath. It felt like she had been burned and flayed. Yet, in her mind, Saianne felt genuine relief. The silence was beautiful; She was free of her familiars’ torment. Saianne then noticed Kent, who knelt down to their level. Kent decided to deliver some hard facts. He didn’t want to be the bearer of more bad news, destroying their closure. But when they returned, Melida would be there. They deserved to know their fates.

“Melida Daigandun is here to take you. I will testify for you, Saianne, so you can get the treatment you need. Maybe having one less voice in your head should help. I wished that when I got this job, I knew what I was being asked to do. I don’t think any of this was either of your faults. It feels like we’re all victims of circumstance. If I have any other help to offer, it’s that we all get more chances on the path to Happily Ever Afters. I’m sorry for even taking that money, and trying to hurt you both.” Kent said.

Once at the tower, Melida let Saianne and Ouroboros into her car, to take them into the station. Kent went in the rental car they had driven to the gate, to follow; He was relived and broken. He never wanted to hear the word private paladin ever again.

“The school here specializes in kids like you. Mages, transfer students, and troubled kids. Don’t ask about the questionable combo,” Melida assured the couple “Hopefully, a few months in treatment, and quick refugee claim, will get you away from your parents, Saianne. They should let you off with a psych admit and parole, with so many testimonies. You, young man, are a high priority individual; Yet another missing person, who’s landed on my lap. You’re under the protection of Westlands, though. They’ll determine where you go. Who knows, maybe you two will be back here.” She mused. Ouroboros and Saianne just sat quietly in the back, holding hands. Before they entered the station, Melida had them wait in the car a moment.

“One minute. I have to check on Kent. I think he may have learned a valuable lesson about the dark side of wizardry.” Melida said. She walked over to the rental, and knocked on the window. It squeaked as Kent rolled it down. He leant out, and looked like he hadn’t slept in years. A bracelet then fell out of his sleeve. Melida noticed the gold bangle, and picked it up to examine.

“I assume you’re following this case through. Adventure sure called didn’t it, Kent?”

“I suck at this job. Now I’m a mage apparently, and I don’t think I want to be hired by the highest bidder to hunt children. I’m going to lie to that man’s face, collect my pay, then anonymously report him. It’s less then he deserves.” Kent replied. His attention fixated on the golden bracelet.

“Is it yours?” Melida asked curiously, handing it over.

“Yes. It belonged to a woman from the village of the Monkey Gate. I caught her for credentials. She got away, but left that behind in the struggle for freedom. She had fairy-robes, if I recall; she was probably the gate’s mage.” Kent sighed.

 “She might want that back. No place like a magic forest for a mage? Or maybe ‘fancy wizard’ would be your preferred title. Sounds like another call to adventure to me. Maybe when this case is closed, you can return that lost treasure to a mysterious damsel, in a mythical jungle. The Fairy King might make you a magic banana monkey costume along the way.” Melida chuckled. Kent gave a small laugh in response. It was a good idea. Anything that resulted in his humiliation seemed to bring good into the world. Kent did need to return there anyway.

The next month, Morgan saw Ouroboros and Saianne at school. Melida was correct. Ouroboros was merely a witness, and under protection of The Westlands; The heritage enthusiasts tentatively approved his mage and medical education. Saianne was placed in treatment for her gray-dark, and trauma. She was escorted to the academy for part time classes. Everyone hoped she would gain control of her abilities to prevent future incidents. Saianne was now in custody of the Grand West, as her family lost guardianship. In fact, many of them got nasty charges for their actions. When Morgan next saw Ouroboros and Saianne, he inquired as to what they wanted to do next.

“I want to finish school to become a proper Heartman for Grand Snow. Protect the Dragon Gate. Nothing’s really changed aside from wanting Saianne next to me. The village desperately needs someone properly trained in magic medicine. But I don’t know how The Heritage Counsel will react to our true love’s spell. Either way, we’ll be adults and old enough to decide when we graduate.” Ouroboros cheered.

“Oh, I didn’t think of that… What if they hate me for being-” Saianne began. “Wait, does Grand Snow have a glacier lake that needs lifeguard by any chance? You did say the winter curse was lifted, now that the magic forest has a mage.” she laughed. Ouroboros nodded. As per usual, Ouroboros and Saianne had begun to hug and snuggle in an off-putting display of affection. Morgan wondered if he should leave. Then he remembered he had good news. Seers always seem to acquire knowledge and constantly hand it out like candy. Whether asked for or not.

“I found a cure for your grey-dark… I was really worried when you left, so I did some more reading.” Morgan said. This caught their attention; Saianne had never heard of gray-dark being curable.

“I’m a Seer after all. I have a friend, Amadeus, who is enfeyed; Apparently that can help mages concentrate and control the passage of magic through them. Like going dark intentionally. If you find a fey willing to give you their essence, in exchange for a promise, you won’t have to wither and take medication,” Morgan suggested. “Good thing you’ll marry into somewhere filled with fey!”

  TABLE OF CONTENTS--->

The mentioned innocent White Screamer, of which some wizards thought would make a good show, if they tossed a young woman at it.

Tale 24: Melida Deigandun & The Chase (chapter 3 - The Grey Dragon  3/5 ) part 6. Stories of Wizards

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           The day of the slaying ceremony, Melida was a nervous wreck. She stood clad in armor, waiting behind the stone door to the fey containment theater. It was just outside the city. On the other side of the wall, was a helpless dragon, who was torn from its home, scared, and about to be killed for entertainment. This graduation task provided the paladin students with impressive credits and medals; If they got lucky, given the fifty percent success rate. Most got too injured, died, chickened out, and the rest vanquished the innocent beast. As the door opened, Melida slowly walked into the giant stadium, that held her opponent.

           The yelling of the crowds stirred the dragon. It was a white scaled screamer. They breath gray sharp fire, and slate barrier fire. They are also quite sizable. In fear, like most fey, it started thrashing and breathing fire. It created a cycle, where the audience yell more, which further frightening the dragon. Fey do not know hate, and thus have no malice; The tales of fey being destructive or violent, didn’t reflect upon them, it reflected upon the wizards who scared fey into self defence. Melida knew fey spoke the language of old, but she was not yet fluent. Regardless Melida yelled to calm the dragon. Even though it knew she was a helping mage, it was still too overwhelmed to stop. Melida was now jumping around the arena, to avoid the shaking and crumbling terrain. Then the chanting started. Slay the Dragon! Began repeating. The Dragon turned to look at Melida, and she at it. The dragon desperately hope the mage would save them, and Melida saw a horrible situation.

           As the chanting flared up, Melida lifted her double lance and shield, and ran toward the beast, unsure if that was a good choice. Then a voice called from the audience.

“Melida no! Don’t hurt it! You’ll regret it!” Braidy yelled. This caused the dragon to suddenly look at him. After he flinched, Braidy fell off the ledge and into the area.

“Braidy!” Melida yelled. She ran over to get him out, but the dragon was interested in him, and blocked her path.

“No. Stay away from him!” Melida yelled again. This time, Melida grabbed her lance and meant it. The arena was crumbling, a dragon was terrified, and her helpless boyfriend was about to receive eviscerating fire. Melida dashed to the dragon’s wing, poised her lance, and went dark. Overwhelmed, she was summoning extra magic through herself, to ignite moon fire. Melida specialized in fire magic by then, as a dragon mage. Sky-blue moon fire hypnotizes fey. Melida dived down casting the spell on the dragon, forcing it asleep on the ground. The sharp fire it blew, tore open the top of the arena. The dragon could now escape once it woke. Once she landed, Melida was succumbing to the fever and bleeding of using that much magic for the first time. She crawled over to embrace and kiss Braidy. Giving them both anklets. They were swiftly torn apart by the heartmen on site. Last thing Melida saw, was the dragon waking up, and escaping its demise.

           Melida woke up in the school infirmary, while Braidy was bandaged together in the common hospital. In a basket above her head, was her familiar Myrtle. Melida had a lot of IV lines, and felt like overcooked lettuce. Her parents were sitting next to her, holding her hand. They got a non-stop train from the Westlands to see her. Melida’s father called for the heartman to come in; As well as her coach.

“Good, you’re recovering well from a dark state; would you like a mirror, miss Daigendun?” The Heartman said, offering a simple hand mirror. Melida looked at him with disdainful confusion. She wanted to know where Braidy was, and could care less about her looks. Her glance became a glare, from her now vibrant pink eyes.

“We have a private, and important, business to discuss; Given you have one year left of school before your apprenticeship. Because you technically won against the dragon, even without slaying it, you get automatic graduation credits. The rest is paper work.” The coach said, begrudgingly. Melida became confused. That didn’t sound like a big deal. That sounded great!

“But unfortunately, you’re pregnant and your family says abortion is not an option; Your legally a minor for six more months. Your coach enrolled you in spring and summer courses, so you can graduate by fall, and can take a year off for family leave.” The heartman said.

“No one wants to apprentice, or hire, a woman that is, or might be, on maternity leave.” Her coach added. Melida had dissociated right after hearing the doctor’s diagnosis.

“Oh, and Braidy is fine, dear; I trust he’s the father, since you write favourably about him.” Her mother added. Melida started to cry. She was to shocked, on too many levels, to be mad at her parents for controlling her body. That was for tomorrow.

           To say the least, Melida didn’t go home with her parents after the school year ended. She was fully recovered, and receiving prenatal care on their dollar. Melida wanted children someday, but maybe not while she was trying to secure a future. She started ghosting Braidy, out of fear he would leave her, out of fear of commitment. When they finally went for a date, he wouldn’t lay off the questions: ‘why aren’t you home for spring and summer? Why didn’t you reach out to me? Is something wrong? Why are you in summer school? What happened with the dragon?’ And so on. Melida had to stop him.

“Braidy, have you considered that I don’t want to talk about that? The dragon is fine, your fine, I’m fine, everything is fine.” Melida said, calmly. It’s easier to lie when half of what you say is true.

“I’m not sure I believe that, so I’m here for you if you need me. I’m glad you didn’t slay the dragon, and I like your new colours. The white hair looks super soft, and pink eyes are adorable.”

“Don’t put me, and adorable, in the same sentence.” Melida joked.

“Speaking of which; I got you something for passing the tournament, without a body count!” Braidy chimed. He pulled out a jewellery box, and opened it up to a simple square pink spinel pendant, set in silver.

“Thanks… Though, as an athletic paladin, I’m not sure I’ll wear it much.” Melida said. She smiled, as he put it on her anyway. The chain was short, thus fitting nicely on her collar, and out of the way. Braidy kissed her cheek.

“Wish I had remembered to get you something too.” Melida whispered.

“It’s ok. As long as everything’s good, right? And now, we get to spend the spring and summer together! When you’re not at boot camp anyway.” Braidy said. He leant back, in serenity, beside his true love. They were sitting on a bench, in a fitness room, holding hands. Braidy looked so happy. Melida decided to spill the beans.

“Braidy, I’m in spring and summer classes to graduate in the fall, so I get a year off between school and an apprenticeship. Because I’m pregnant, and my parents won’t let me get an abortion. It’s been almost a month since I found out, and I think I’ve finally cycled the first three stages of grief,” Melida explained. “I didn’t want to say anything, because teen dads leave, and I love you.” Melida said. She felt tears chocking her again. She had so much fear, frustration, and hopelessness, swirling together. Like a tangled ball of fraying yarn. Braidy sat beside her, for what felt like an excruciatingly long silence. Melida could nearly hear the gears of his mind grind.

“I didn’t leave when I knew you’re a mage, and I’m not leaving if we start early. I’ll be here supporting you. Studying and working to be a physiotherapist, RN, and stuff.” Braidy shrugged. He was screaming inside, but meant everything he said. He loved her too much to back out now. Like he knew they gave each other a happily ever after, that ensured everything would be fine. Melida saved him from a dragon, like a stupid damsel in distress. Braidy leant in, and they kept holding hands on that plastic bench. Melida looked down at their shoes. She had a silver anklet with the rune of the wolf kingdom, that wouldn’t come off, and went over all her clothes. Then she noticed Braidy had a matching one in gold, with the rune for the dragon kingdom.

“Braidy, how did you figure out I’m a mage again?” Melida asked.

“Firstly, the dragon empathy. Secondly, you admitted it when I asked. Why? Are these anklets a mage thing?” Braidy asked. He joined Melida to look at their runners. He bumped his foot into hers. “I read a lot in hospital, after I noticed I had the darn thing. They can result from The True Love spell; When a kiss of true love happens, it makes an unbreakable ever burning passionate love. Thus, the true loves will never love again. Apparently if one of the parties is a mage before a community of witnesses, the pair gets anklets.” Braidy explained.

“That is some of the best, and most cursed magic I’ve learned. Unsurprisingly not mad about. You really go the extra mile. Thanks, Braidy.” Melida said. Even if they wanted to part, they were spell bound now. Which meant they were in this mess together.

NEXT--->

Tale 24: Melida Deigandun & The Chase (chapter 2 - The Gold Dragon  2/5 ) part 6. Stories of Wizards

Animal abuse?

           Yellow Knight Academy, was nothing like what Melida had imagined. Instead of wearing fairy robes, they had uniforms, and instead of enthusiasts of the enchanted, there were torturous teachers. The homeyness of the dorms, did little to combat her annoying pompous peers. Melida trained hard, yet frustratingly was only given average grades. With no close friends, Melida had to admit she felt lonely and defeated. Everyone around her seemed to be succeeding, but the only compliment Melida got was on her looks. Ignoring her classmates, nearly became a hobby. They taunted fey in class, bragged about how they would slay innocent trolls, use their magic to get away with theft, and much more. It slowly dawned on Melida, that wizard culture was toxic here. She had a lot of work to do if she was change that someday.

It wasn’t just her peers; The coaches and teachers were also disrespectful of magic. Everyone used spells to get their way, cover up mistakes, or hurt fey. Melida watched, in horror and silence, for four years of study. She realized that being a guardian of people and magic, was more complicated then just running into dragon fire. Melida didn’t need to draw a sword to save people, she needed to manage narcissistic hooligans, before they hurt themselves; Which required a different type of strength.

In fifth year, Melida finally noticed something about the prestigious paladin academy, that should have been obvious. The school wasn’t just the best at teaching knights, but also nurses. The Heartman healing program, was the most brutal magic medical education in The Grand West. Paladin students were constantly getting injured, but never seemed to be gone from class. Now, it is safe to assume Melida realised this, after being healed. Perhaps by one of the heartman students, loitering on the sidelines. But this is false; Melida didn’t have severe injuries. Which didn’t, yet should have, improved her grades. Melida noticed what was giving peers good grades, was paying off teachers. But that only applied to paladins. Alas, Melida realized that the magic medics are the silent heroes of the academy, as she walked by them listening to music; All looking worn, overworked, and wilted.

This is where Melida first saw Braidy Moonflare. Though born in a magic house, he is not magic. He was not a wizard, heartman, mage, or paladin. He was a childhood friend of the heartman student Melida walked by. The student commented on her body, just loud enough that she heard it through her music. Like he wanted her to hear it. Melida kept walking; This kind of disgusting behaviour must not be rewarded. Then, Briady punched his friend’s arm, in outrage. Melida stopped, and looked at them. Which resulted in the heartman student bolting, as he knew better then to get caught by his paladin peers. However, unlike her fellow knightly students, Melida wouldn’t have hurt someone over an insult. Mages are often to passive, and preoccupied with magic duties, to quarrel with common folk.

“Sorry about that” Braidy said. “He, um. You know what, I’m not going to defend that.” he sighed. Melida side eyed him, trying to judge his character. But everything about Braidy was contradicting; He wasn’t the most handsome fellow, nor the least appealing. He had red hair, like those in the northlands, and hazel eyes and fairness of the Central North. But his face, height, and build, was that of someone from the Far North. His voice was soothing, yet also on edge. Melida had started starring.

“Where are you from?” Melida blurted. She gasped as she realized she should have asked his name, or thanked him. “Sorry. Melida Daigandun; Fifth year paladin student. I meant to ask your name.”

“It’s ok. I get it a lot. Mixed heritage grandparents, caused me to win the genetic lottery. I used to think I as adopted.” Braidy chuckled. He held out his hand for a good shake. “Names’ Braidy Moonflare; Fifth year high school student, and aspiring physiotherapist.”

“You don’t go here?”

“Nope. This place is brutal. My friend lets me in here to eat at the dinning hall. My mom’s cooking is rank.” Braidy laughed. Melida started uncontrollably giggling, as she shook his hand.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you around, Melida.” He said, waving goodbye.

“Wait!” Melida said. She wasn’t going to let the only nice human her age, that actually talked to her like a person, get away so fast. “

“Want to get a heartman teacher fired with me?” Melida asked. “I’ll give you my number!”

“You’re not asking, are you?” Braidy said, walking back to her side. “Give me the dirt. I can spread a rumor like I-” Braidy said. Then Melida grabbed his wrist, and dragged him to her dorm room. She kept food there, as to avoid her rambunctious school mates in the dining hall. It was a really lame first date. Melida had a recording from a hallway, of a parent paying a heartman professor to give his daughter better grades. Braidy copied the file, and reverberated with joy to expose a criminal. Melida enjoyed the satisfaction of actually making a difference.

            After the scandal emerged, the school became permeated with unease. School rules were tightened, as the academy desperately tried to regain its reputation. The magic community of the Grand West was so ashamed of their affiliation, they were close to cutting ties. Ties that offered apprenticeship opportunities for students, and gave the school more prestige. Speaking of which, in order to prove that their student’s quality wasn’t proportional to money, the school held a talent competition to make a statement. The Paladins were to perform a non-paladin related spell, one year above their own. Melida laughed when she read the bulletin; Those meat headed magic users must be idiots, if they think a talent show will cover up corruption. The heartman union was going to be questioning the overworked medic students, for further investigation; While the paladins put on a good show. Regardless of opinion, Melida needed to join in, to hide that she was responsible for the fallout, hated her peers, and was aided by a commoner. This show, was now a training opportunity for the other strengths Melida needed; Staying moral, and unwavering in the face of mass idiocy.

Melida did the highest rank spell in the wizard books: Summoning a familiar. She was terribly lonely, and got hints from the dryads of the maple orchard. They liked having a mage around, and gladly helped her. This simple spell, accessible to anyone in a magic house, was impressive and didn’t suggest she was a mage. It just made Melida look really good, and not involved in recent legal matters whatsoever. Better yet, Melida got a new friend to share emotions with; A white Indian cobra she named Myrtle.

“Miss Dawnhill!” her coach clapped.

“Daigandun; I go by the original spelling.” Melida said casually.

“Yes, of course! You have performed the most impressive spell out of all your peers! We will immediately register you for the graduation slaying this year!” Her coach gleamed. Then, Melida put on a fake smiled for a photo, in her fairy robes and with new familiar. beneath her facade, was terror. The Slaying Ceremony, was the most prestigious credit quest in the kingdom; Designed to kickstart a young paladin’s career. The bi-annual tournaments between schools, were nothing compared to being given this opportunity. It’s a nearly one-hundred-year-old tradition. The whole community looked forward to it every year. All except Melida, and a good number of fey rights enthusiasts.

           That night, Melida went for dinner with Braidy in the local Westland pub. Braidy heard that Westlanders are proud of their heritage, and wanted to see why. Food is usually a good place to start sharing a culture. Everyone likes food; It’s made with love.

“This is actually pretty good.” Braidy said. They were sharing deer pottage, and day mead. It made Melida really want to ask what he ate growing up. Luckily, she didn’t need to ask.

“If I eat one more preserved meat-seasonal vegetable mash, I’m going to lose it. I’m not the biggest fan of the wolf and winter themed ‘one with nature’ stuff. My family thinks I need to be more Far North, to compensate for not looking the part. I feel like I’m being force-fed cultural purity. I do like my buckskin and the paintings though…” He rambled. Melida laughed.

“How was your day?” She asked.

“Normal! How was yours?” Braidy asked sarcastically. Nothing he could ever say, would compare to the magic Melida was surrounded by each day. Melida Shrugged.

“Nothing happened? really?”

“Well, I guess at the coverup contest at school, one of the sixth-year students lit his pants on fire. I can’t imagine lighting myself on fire. How does someone even do that?”

“Actually, people do that all time,” Braidy shrugged. “What spell did he use?”

“Actually, he was caught smoking dope behind the bleachers.”

“Did you know marihuana can have therapeutic benefits?”

“Like reliving the pain of personal burns?” Melida laughed. Braidy didn’t laugh back.

“Seriously though; What did you do?”

“I summoned a familiar, and am going to do the graduation slaying this year. My parents are coming, but you probably shouldn’t.” Melida said, slouching. Braidy looked horrified. A girlfriend with a snake familiar was cool, but seeing said girlfriend start to tear up was heartbreaking. Melida always had pep, or at least an aura of confidence. Seeing her sob was shocking.

“You’re going to be the one with the honour of slaying a dragon this year? As in, the anticipated public event, that is supplied by illegal dragon trade? The really dangerous, meaningless, traditional ceremony, that is supposed to prove you can be a hero?” Braidy shuddered. Melida nodded slowly. She was now crying. It was starting to catch people’s attention. Braidy gave her his napkin, and held her hand. The

“It’s ok. You have fairy robes, and heart. I bet you’ll win, and get the credits; You’ll be lead paladin in no time.” Braidy whispered. He was desperately trying to cheer her up. Melida shook her head; She couldn’t imagine killing something.

“No Braidy. I’m not scared, I’m sad. That poor dragon! It should be saved and freed. I can’t kill a fey; They’re not malicious, and I refuse to pander to the misguided wishes of wizards. I don’t want to slay a dragon. People like me can’t.” She sobbed. In that moment, Braidy realized that Melida’s othering of wizards, relationships with fey, and wandless spells, might indicate she was a mage. Lacking a mystical education, Braidy didn’t necessarily fear mages, but generally knew what one was, and that they are regarded as criminals; And Melida just admitted it to him.

Braidy kept holding her hand. As a common man, form a far-off land, he was completely helpless compared to any mystical matter. Braidy decided to simply stay with Melida. She was holding back her power, and hurting no one. Mages are rumored to be far worse than dragons; If Melida was a good cuddler, with a good heart, there was no doubt that mages, and dragons, were undeserving of such hate. Braidy was now, also sad. Once the shock wore off, he decided to ask why Melida was so hurt about the opportunity, to be sure.

“Are you a mage? I hear they are dangerous old magic, that is fonder of fey then people. Is that why you don’t want to slay a dragon and hate your peers? You could be killed…” Braidy whispered. Melida, looked at him in horror; She’d been caught. But Braidy wasn’t running, or pulling out a pitchfork.

“Yes, but be quiet,” Melida nodded. “As a mage, I don’t take no sides between men and fey; Therefore, taking any life was tragic. But you’re right; If I don’t do it, I could be murdered.” She added. Braidy deeply wanted to help, now understanding the situation. He wanted to get Melida out of that stupid school, while still giving her a good shot. She held Braidy’s hands tighter, noticing he was also tearing up.

“I didn’t know you loved fey that much too. But why aren’t you scared of me?” Melida said.

“If you’re a mage, based on what you said, you protect everyone; Including fey and those dumb wizards. This whole situation is criminal.”  Braidy replied.

NEXT--->

Melida Deigandun, in casual dress; Before all that magic happened.

Tale 24: Melida Deigandun & The Chase (chapter 1 - The Purple Dragon  1/5 ) part 6. Stories of Wizards

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           Melida Dawnhill was a second-generation Westlander. Her parents were born in the Westlands, but Melida was born here in the Grand West. The land of unity, shinny things, subtle patriotism, green yonder, pears, and diverse peoples. In the summer, her family would go home to hike, and in winter they would ski. The people of the Westlands of Daneia, are strong, unbiased, fetishized, and like absurdist humor. Melida didn’t know it, but that is how other people would describe her. She brought new meaning to the ancient proverb of “Make mine Dane.” But enough about heritage; This is about Melida. Clad in comfy sports wear, she started her journey when magic would not stay away from her.

           Melida’s active and magical obsessions, often exposed her to danger. So much so, she was given her fairy robes early. Even as her skill grew, Melida’s parents feared the next time she encountered a fey, she wouldn’t come home. Melida enthusiastically accepted her new magic garbs. They are violet, authentic, heirloom dragon kingdom robes; From her father’s side. Something to protect her from physical and magical harm, that complimented her blonde hair and silver eyes. Melida was exhilarated; Rescuing luck cats from the local oaks, would no longer be precarious. She was always good for a short quest, or mystical favour. Melida’s attraction to magic, and vis versa, was making her a passionate potential wizard. Her parents were keen on nurturing this. They believed their little girl, if guided, would turn out to be a talented wizard.

           Melida read a lot about old magic on vacations. The Westland’s had a strong heritage board, which preserved a lot of records. Even the horrors of history, are free to display in Dania. Cultural comities were keen on withholding judgment on all matters; Even magic. This meant that mages and fey, were not perceived to be as scary as they were in other lands; But still frowned upon. The Westlands provided a sanctuary, that allowed Melida to sharpen her magic skills. From dragon lore, to talking with fey, every detail was wonderous and memorable; Like how dragons were said to be made by a Dragon King, just to be cool. Like two magnets in proximity, Melida and the enchanted were inexplicably drawn.

In fact, magic just kept happening around her. As if all matters of legend, searched for Melida. She would end up finding pixies hiding in the school, rescuing injured phoenixes, and releasing all of them somewhere safe. Melida was a fearless investigator, and solver, of local magic emergencies. Compassionate to all sides, and bursting with bravery, Melida couldn’t imagine being anything other then a paladin; A protector of both fey and men. Therefore, when she was the appropriate age, she immediately applied to the most prestigious paladin school in all the nations: The Golden Knight Academy of The Grand West. Located by her neighborhood in the Capitol.

Paladins, as guardians of magic and people, wield enchanted arms and spells designed to stop, deter, or maim. They are the field workers, that stay calm in the face of mythical dangers. They are wizard police, guards, and hunters. Once this profession was rare, and occupied by mages; But since magic housed men learned spells, wizards took on the job. Often using it irresponsibly. Magic swords are no longer used to defend those in need, but to show off, and injure anything deemed subjectively unjust. The field needed more magic users like Melida. Ones that genuinely wanted to protect, without judgment, or jumping to violence. When it came to paladins, corruption had brewed between The Day Veil of men, and the Shadow Veil of magic.

Right before the practical audition, Melida was approached by a dryad, who lived in the park on the way to the school. A good maple nymph. Dryads are the only nymphs that are mostly male; And as they are bonded to their tree, never go far from their stand. Melida had never met him before. Which was surprising, given the amount of fey and people she helped. What he told her, nearly ruined her audition:

“A real Mage! This forest has a genuine mage to protect it! It’s nice to meet you. where are you going if you don’t mind me asking?” He inquired. A fairy with the ability to talk to humans, means they have been around people long enough to learn how. This maple Nymph, was likely as old as it’s towering tree. Thus, his words may have real wisdom. Melida looked up at him, trying to remain calm. Usually, she loved new magic friends, but this one unsettled her.

“I’m Melida Dawnhill; I am-”

“House Daigandun?” he chirped.

“Sure… To answer your question, I have to go to a paladin school audition. It’s a competitive school.” Melida said, trying to continue on her way.

“Oh. Well, I hope those wizards don’t hurt you. Or teach you lies about magic, and make you do unfathomable things. We fey could use a proper mage around here.” He spoke. The sadness in the dryad’ss voice, made Melida nervous for her exam. Mages aren’t aloud to go to the academy; In fact, magery was illegal even though mages are just normal housed people, born with a greater connection to The Shadow Veil: The ether, and source, of magic. Mages just used different spells, and preferred fey over people; Or something like that. Melida, decided to take this new knowledge to her grave. Being a mage could give her an edge, or a death sentence.

To get into the Paladin Academy, a prospective student must show: pre-existing magic ability, proficient combative skills, and athletic resilience. To do this, Melida, one punched the male instructor before he could raise his wooden sword, then stepped back to grab her back opponent’s wrist, disarming their wand. She then stood obediently, before the panel. All of them sitting in plastic chairs, in a gymnasium that echoed, and smelled of old wax and sweat.

“All right, show us a spell. You have fairy robes, so you must have a wand, right?” the second master said, looking into Melida’s duffle bag. It contained her heirloom dragon armor, matching lance, and her purple fairy robes. Melida did have a wand. However, she couldn’t use it. The warlock who invented wands, left wand crafting instructions that included a short circuit. This controlled the amount of magic a wand could focus; For safety, of course. Mages used so much magic however, that using a wand can amplify spells to such an extent it causes wands to explode.

The wand in Melida’s waste band, was her third one. They kept breaking. Melida had no clue how wands are made or function, and thus she was left disheartened. Additionally, Melida could do magic perfectly without a wand; Shr assumed this was also normal. Then the words of the dryad shivered down her spine. Melida had trained for years to get into a good magic academy; And it could easily become meaningless, depending on her next move. She realized that spell casting without wizard tools, may not be normal, and supported the Maple nymph’s claims. Melida made silent eye contact with the intake panel.  She could be denied entry or be lynched if she was a mage; Suspected, even. She reached back to grab her wand, and decided to cast the spell, but pretend to flick the wand. It was made of alchemized pink diamond, like her necklace.

“Well, don’t just look at it miss Dawnhill; cast a spell.” Another instructor said. In honour of her dragon magic house, Melida chose to do a higher-level spell; To impress and distract her observers. Melida summoned enchanted fire. In Ealden Cynedom, there are many types of magic fire, indicated by their colour. It depends on whether the source is wizards, fey, royal dragons, or mages. Melida chose the wizard accessible, and lovely lilac hued, guide fire. She lifted her wand above her head, and summoned the spell with a whisper, to make it look like she was using the wand. Melida got an applause and entry. She realized she needed to keep up the act, and give in to wizard culture to survive. The dryad was right. She hated that the dryad was right. Melida started thirsting for proof that she was not a user of old forbidden magic.

           At dinner, Melida shared the good news about school. However, her parents said they were moving back to their hometown, leaving Melida alone to board at the school. They needed their old lucrative industry jobs, having trouble finding proper employment. Additionally, though most magic schools are public, the paladin academy was not. Melida would have to go six years without her parents to pay it off comfortably; Only visiting for winter and summer breaks. She loved her parents deeply, and was heartbroken. To deal with it, Melida decided to put her all into school. For her parents, favourite fey, neighbors, and her dream to loyally protecting them all. A local paladin station wasn’t big enough for her mission anymore. Melida had an opportunity, if she hid her magery; She could to become the highest commanding paladin in the land. Melida wanted to be he Lead Paladin of The Grand West. The top magic guardian. Untouchable. Melida was to remain calm, open, collected, and invested. She wanted to be the mage this magic forest needed.

Melida Daigandun, in her dragon fairy robes; Team milf paladin is a recurrent extra in at least seven stories; blink and you'll miss head paladin, who lives in town....

Tale 14: Stealing Kent (chapter 5. Set on A Cure 5/6 ) part 3. Stories of True Love

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Nearly at their destination, Ouroboros, Saianne, and Kent, felt like they never wanted to ride a train ever again. They had to transfers between three trains, over the span of two days. Though the trains in Ealden Cynedom are considered a beloved means of travel, anything can lose its charm.

Most of the trip, Kent quietly said nothing while Ouroboros and Saianne got more, and more, sickeningly affectionate in front of him. The most words he got in, was during a game of twenty questions, and offering some money to buy food between transfers. Kent was rooting for their love, as he became increasingly torn. He realized what he had been hired to do; Execute an underaged mage, who only wanted their freedom and future. Kent felt like he would be receiving blood money. Not only from Saianne, but destroying the future of a young stupid man, who aspired to save the ones he loved. The two sparkled together, in a way he could never hope for.

When the three of them arrived at the last stop, Pepperidge station, Kent was unrestrained and ill from regret. He decided the money was not worth it; Kent was going to help them, and find a legal compromise. Maybe the family of the Grand East and Central South employer, would pay and forget him if they never knew he failed.

“Alright Kent, point the way,” Ouroboros snapped. “And just to check, you’re sure this place has some humane medical and mental treatment? That is mage safe for my best girl?” Ouroboros said, hugging Saianne, and kissing her check. Ouroboros stared into Kent with his golden eyes, as did Draco who was perched on his head. Saianne looked scarred, and was shacking as she looked at the ground. Saianne didn’t like new places. Kent shook his head, he had only been here once; He too, didn’t like unfamiliar places. Kent began looking around for opportunities and clues. His observational skills seemed to be is only talent. He noticed an empty customer service desk, with a map and brochures.

“Maybe those pamphlets over there, can tell us which bus can take us to the gate? Or where to find the town’s witch.” Kent pointed to the tourist booth. Ouroboros sighed, and holding Saianne’s hand, went to look through the yellowing papers. They were worn and outdated. Also, in Modern Anglian which he didn’t know. The three of them chose to go to the residential area. Which was indicated on the village map bulletin. On one hand, Kent could hand them in to head paladin Melida Daigendun, who lived in that neighborhood; Admitting the call to adventure was overrated, and sacrificing his self-respect. Or, if they chose to visit Morgan, and go to Tiberius Gate for answers, he would be free. But Kent would lose a paycheck and a credit either way, if he told anyone. Kent, downtrodden from the cruelness of life, hoped fate would choose for him.

“There’s a magic academy, magic hospital, wizard community, magic woodland… A lot of magic.” Kent sighed.

“Like home, but frustrating.” Ouroboros groaned. He was unamused. This place was far less cool than his own enchanted village. Saianne however, was getting tiered and nervous around all the people in the market across the road. She heard gulls, and sharply exhaled.

“I don’t want to take the bus to the gate. Why can’t you or Kent drive us, so we don’t get caught?” Saianne whispered.

“Car rental it is.” Kent said.

 “Damn. I wish I’d brought that jeep. We had good times in that thing, Saianne.” Ouroboros mused.

“We should call the King Mage first.” Kent added.

“Good idea mister paladin,” Ouroboros chimed, looking around. “Look a coin-phone! You can make it work, right Kent?” He pointed. Kent pulled out some change to stall. Taking a deep breath Kent had to tell them:

“I don’t know the number.” He said, looking up from a palm of dimes. Saianne looked at him with disappointment. Kent took it personally.

“But you seemed so smart earlier. Wait! This folded paper has numbers! And what about that glowing book we used?” Ouroboros smiled, gesturing to Saianne and the laptop. Saianne opened it, and snatched it back. He found Wi-Fi outside a tech shop, and eventually pulled up the local directory. The gate actually had a land-line.

“Found it.” Kent said. He felt stupid. His bounty was outdoing him. Dialling the payphone, he pondered a classic life question: Why does this keep happing to me?

 “Hello. It’s Kent Summorhind. I know we’re not on the best of terms, but I’m in town with some acquaintances that need your expertise. Yes, the paladin job is going well; Melida gave me some advice on my career path. Oh yes. I am sorry. I don’t hate you; I just need some help. Oh, we’re on our way over now. me and…. the two mage youths that are my current quest! They need some guidance. Thankyou kindly. Goodbye young master Cynedom.” Kent said into the phone, starring unblinking into the abyss of Saianne’s black eyes. She looked angry, and slammed down the phone. Saianne had figured it out.

“Wait, are you still going to hand us in! You know these people! You tricked us! I trusted you…” Saianne snapped.

“No, I’m not. well, probably not anymore. I, uh, am telling the truth. There are people here who accept mages, and can help you. You can finish magic schooling, get away from your abusive family, treat your gray-dark,” Kent went on. “But I also don’t want to be your prisoner. You’ll need to face the fact kidnapping and manslaughter, are criminal offences. You will eventually get caught. Luckily, your both still young, and I can testify that you were suffering abuse and enchantment. You might get a lighter sentence.” Kent finished. Saianne slapped him.

Ouroboros proceeded to drive to Tiberius Gate with a rental car. Ouroboros couldn’t help but feel a little betrayed. For some reason, he had grown fond of Kent for all the help. Even if Kent’s aid was originally selfishly motivated. Once they arrived, they made their way to the main tower. All three of them, in awe at the massive whimsical woods around the black tower. They could feel the magic breathing, and fey whispering. Morgan was waiting, with his eagle familiar Icarus. He was a boy in his mid-teens wearing an argyle shirt, jeans, and greasy tawny hair. Morgan was unassuming, for someone connected to a gate and could sense anyone who entered.

 “Kent, you look different. Some fey told me a minute ago that you’re a mage now? Along with them. Is that why you’re here?” Morgan asked. “I meet a lot of mages for some reason…”

“Me? I’m not a mage.” Kent said.

“If a fey says it, it’s true; they sense magic. They are magic,” Ouroboros added. “That’s how I found out I was my villages saving mage; I was three months old. Anyway, we need to see the King Mage and his records. This is Saianne, my True Love. She is the ancestor to Sirulius Healpenbroc, and is thus cursed with grey-dark that poisons tides.” He continued. Ouroboros had become chipper, in the fake way someone might if they were nervous, or avoiding breaking down.

“Oh. Well, Sirulius was just a Warlock and Storm-Breaker mage. They control the weather when they get happy, and can cause natural disasters. It’s also not heritable. People who go gray-dark tend to get amnesia and psychosis; It can lead to death from to repeated brain bleeding from intense magic flow in the body. Magical concussions or strokes if you will. She should be in a hospital to be stabilized. Since she’s still coherent. She should be ok if treated promptly.” Morgan explained. Saianne and Ouroboros were dumbfounded. That was such an easy answer. Saianne could have been treated by her family. But instead, they put a bounty on her out of superstitions.

“But what does that have to do with you Kent?” Morgan asked. Morgan had an innocent sparkle to him after a good magic exposition. He was happy to help, and Kent looked like he was in need of help himself.

“I was hired to arrest or exterminate Saianne, because of reports of magery and murder. Which was true. Her ‘one true love’ here, is apparently the Heartman mage of Grand Snow; Ouroboros Blacneadre. They technically kidnapped me. But I don’t think that my employers were fully aware of the situation. I don’t want to believe someone would hire a paladin for that.” Kent responded despondently.

“I’m calling Melida. I ‘m a fifteen-year-old boy, and totally not qualified to deal with legal stuff. You can all stay on the gate well we wait though. If you want. Come with me.”

After an hour of browsing records, and fearing for his future, Ouroboros noticed Saianne was missing. There were so many interesting books, he got quite distracted. Ouroboros was still on edge after witnessing her power, and began to search. Having no clue where to start, Ouroboros went to Morgan.

“Melida will arrest you, so brace for youth court. It wasn’t too bad for me. Or maybe that was child custody court… Anyway, where is Saianne? I wanted to ask her about The Ent Legu Castenere. Does she have a big ocean familiar like Sirulius? It holds familiars that are aquatic megafauna. You inspired me to revisit Sirulius’s arsenal!” Morgan said enthusiastically.

“Yup, and her name is Aquarius. I think she’s the part of Saianne, that contains self-loathing and malice. It whispers at night,” Ouroboros explained. Then adrenalin shot through him like needle; That blasted marlin was probably emotionally abusing Saianne as they spoke. “Oh no! If Saianne is off somewhere alone near water with that fish, she could explode! Tell me there is no lake on this gate!” Ouroboros rambled, flailing in panic.

“I can send Icarus to scan the gate? I think I still feel her here. Also yes, there is a lake for the aquatic fey.” Morgan said nervously. In a few minutes Icarus returned and reported that Melida had arrived, but Saianne was heading to the door to the Fish kingdom in the Shadow Veil. If Saianne went gray-dark in the Shadow Veil’s Sea, she could harm the fey; and die in the process. Just then, Morgan saw Melida walk in, and pushed Ouroboros out the tower, and towards the fish door.

 “Was that the boy who I’m supposed to take to youth court in a couple of days Morgan?” Melida inquired.

“Yes.” Said Kent. Melida turned to her left to see Kent sitting patiently. She wasn’t expecting to see him again.

“He’ll be back. Ouroboros left on an important quest. Saianne may have gone to the Fish Kingdom” Morgan said, ruffling his hair and looking away.

“Alright Kent, time to finish the job. Bring those two back before they make things worse. Don’t feel bad by the way. In the long run you did them a huge favor, getting them away from that girl’s family, and vouching for them,” Melida said. “Looks like they may have done you a favour as well. The dark side of being a private paladin, looking for quests and cash, instead of common good, isn’t what being a paladin is. Now go after him.”

NEXT--->