Midnight Bloom

Unexpected Visitors

I mentally growled in frustration as I continued writing down the notes off the chalk board, my Alchemy teacher Ms. Peterson droning on about how poppy seeds were key ingredients in the dream potions we were learning about. The equations always seemed to not stick in my memory, which was why I liked Runes class better. At least then I knew how to draw out the magic instead of learning the infusion of it.

My best friends Rowan and Delphanie were seated to my left, both snickering at me as I erased again the measuring of the time sand. I shot both of them a pointed look, flicking my gaze quickly to see if Ms. Peterson was looking before shooting both a middle finger.

Delphanie busted out into a fit of giggles which only made my lips twist into a half smile, ducking my head as I heard the click of heels coming down the isle.

"Is there a reason you are disrupting class Ms. Delphanie?" Ms. Peterson snipped, peering down her hooked nose to pin my beastie with a deadpan glare of annoyance. I winced with guilt, deciding to save her from earning extra chores before leaving the academy grounds.

Thinking quickly I sighed with as much exaggeration as possible, "It's my fault honestly, I was muttering the equation to myself and Delphanie was giggling as she tried correcting me on the last part of it."

Looking as if she wanted to swallow me whole and feast on my bones, Ms. Peterson sighed. "Next time Miss Carrie or any of you three goof off in this class, all of you will be subject to after school detention."

"But I-" Rowan protested, swallowing his words as she arched an eyebrow in his direction. He groaned and shut his mouth, knowing full well she knew we were always involved as a trio.

"No more shenanigans this semester from any of you. The final exams are only a few months away, take your studies seriously. That goes for the rest of you as well!" Ms. Peterson snapped with flashing eyes, finally moving away back towards the front of the classroom.

"Next time you are taking the heat," I whispered to Rowan, his fair features pulled into his mischievous grin as class resumed with the normal lecture.

Us three had been close friends since starting here at the academy when we were kids. Every household in the kingdom sent their children to the academy starting in their 6th year.

Anyone who was born from noble houses were taught the more advanced magic classes, expected to make better lineage matches to continue improving family bloodlines. And of course those who excelled were given consideration to even join the Order of Night or the Guild of Magi within the army.

Personally I just wanted to live a comfortable life within my father's estate. It was more of Delphanie's thing to want to join the higher ranks and go on countless adventures, see the other kingdoms and learn about their cultures. Rowan wanted to just be good enough to join the King's guard at Sabornook Castle.

Regardless of the vast differences in life paths, we all shared a love for magic and learning the lore of the land. None of us had siblings which made the bonds stronger over time, and eventually we became known as the three stooges.

We also had a tendency to goof off in class, always managing to get the wrath of the student body over the extra workloads we ended up with as punishments. As far as anybody else was concerned we were horse s**t nobody wanted to step on or touch.

Which was fine with me, the smaller the friend circle, the tighter the trust. The rest of class passed by quickly, the three of us rushing to our lunch area out in the paddock fields. Reaching around my side, I pulled out my apple and sat down on the ground, moaning as I took my first juicy bite.

"So what do you guys think about the Choosing? It's only a few months away now. Finals are going to be our golden numbers for rank you know," Delphanie chirped from her perch on the fence line, gazing out at the pegasuses grazing along the Lake front in the pasture field in front of us.

I glanced up at her, taking another bite out of the sweet delicious fruit. While school grades were important and were how we were ranked into our life pathways, the Choosing was when the Goddess Ghet branded us each with what career pathway we were to be appointed to directly. If you were to be chosen to work as a healer for example, The Goddess would brand you with the mark of Helena, Goddess of healing and rebirth.

I guess the best way to put it would be the brands gave you a boost to your natural talent, and the Goddess or God associated with your pathway channels their powers in times of great distress. Which was why everyone trained in magic regardless of social status. Final grades and higher classes did factor into getting higher ranks though. I wasn't expecting much for myself, always thought I would have a simple affiliate and get one good adventure tour to the Fae lands to see their festivals.

Rowan sighed as he looked mournfully at his deer jerky and blueberry muffin. "If I want into the King's Guard I need the top scores and the approval of Sir Gallanger. Why is combat training always the worst of all my classes?" he grumbled before stuffing the muffin into his mouth.

"Duh because you are more worried about pestering Sir Gallanger about postures and shield techniques than you actually focusing on practices and defense. You have to hone all your swordsmanship skills to make King's Guard," I chuckled at him while picking out a piece of apple skin from between my teeth.

"She's right you know, he might get to liking you better if you calmed down and focused on specializing in tactics," Delphanie suggested. "I mean the whole idea of getting into an all-elite military position is to show you can outsmart and defend against all enemies. Now see that's why I want the bard life, I can be lethal in more ways than one."

"With your killer curves and poisoned nails I highly doubt you need more than that to thrive as a bard," he rolled his eyes, not caring that us girls were laughing our asses off. He wasn't lying, Delphanie did have a decently plump set of assets on both ends. With her tanned skin, loose black curls, and green eyes she was lucky her father had not managed to marry her off yet. And her love for poisons and lucid dreaming charms added to her qualifications.

I was a stark contrast to my best friend, pale skin unmarred by blemishes and hair white as snow, the only good feature I had was sporting C cup t**s and sky-blue eyes.

The shrill sound of the announcement gong sent us all onto our feet, the moment forgotten as trumpets sounded from the gates.

"What the hell? Isn't that the priestess of Nightingale Temple's horse carriage?" I gasped, all three of us slack-jawed at the flying blue-stained coach pulled by a team of Grey spotted Pegasuses.

"I think so, " Rowan muttered dryly, stuffing his unfinished jerky into his knapsack for later. "Let's hurry up and get to the assembly before we miss out on whatever announcement is being made," he ushered as he trotted ahead of us.

Huffing, me and Delphanie gave each other nervous looks before running to catch up to him. We all knew the Nightingales worshipped the Moon Goddess Valhallan, and acted as great interceptors between the nations. Usually they came early to scout out potentials but it had been nearly seven years since the last visit. You were only chosen if you were marked by a prophecy given by a conduit, which was why it was such a huge deal.

"Please let this be a dud year," I groaned nervously as we crossed over the fence and got closer to the crowd growing at the school's entrance. Delphanie linked arms with me, grabbing Rowans arm with her other so we wouldn't lose each other as everyone shoved together in a crowd.

I couldn't help the shaking as my pulse quickened, a feeling of dread sinking into my gut as the carriage came to a bouncing halt. My mind raced with anticipation of getting a glimpse of the famous Nightingales, while also thinking about what chaos was behind the visit.

Shoving away the images of war or Drakon invasions, I joined the others in bowing as the carriage door opened. Sneaking a peak through the bodies in front of me, I was able to make out a silver-cloaked lady, her ears tapered at the tips to show her fae origins. Fae? I looked back down, nudging Delphanie in the ribs to edge ourselves closer to get a better look.

As we worked ourselves into the outside curb of bodies with Rowan studdering hushed protests, the Academy doors opened to reveal Mistress McFallet striding poised towards the ethereal fae visitor. Which I again confirmed was fae by the pointed ears, her bodice lithe and graceful like that of a jungle cat. Seemed like this was not the normal social call. The Fae rarely had Callings into our affairs, and it was throwing me out of sorts. By the way Rowan and half the men were drooling, I guess you could say we rarely had visits of fae origon at all.

"Welcome to Stonehaven Academy, may the stars light your path always and guide you," headmistress McFallet courtesied with a quick bow, touching two fingers over her right eyebrow in a respectful greeting.

"And may the Goddess forever shine her light upon these grounds to protect and flourish," the lady courtesied back as she repeated back the same bow and touch to her eyebrows. Sliding her hood back, pink hair flowed out and slipped down her back as she beamed a smile at the headmistress. "Time is of the essence I'm afraid, Mother Telsa sends her apologies for not coming herself this year and sending out so early before the finals. May we take this inside to discuss things? I'm afraid the nature is quite urgent," the she-elf ushered, closing the distance to the doors quickly with headmistress looking after her with furrowed brows and a quick nod.

Looking around at the student body she cleared her voice, "Everyone, this afternoon's classes will be dismissed immediately. Please inform your parents that they will be summoned next month to discuss the progression of your studies. In the meantime, stay safe on the roads going home and be back by daybreak tomorrow."

Around us the students all gasped and muttered among themselves, a few shouts of excitement heard above the buzz of the voices.

"Holy crap is it that serious?" Rowan frowned, his eyes drawn to the ground as his teeth ground in his thinking pose.

"Don't think about it too much Row," I grinned as I patted his broad shoulder. "It's not going to be our concern, the fated ones usually rest in the royalty lines not us noble folk. I bet 10 silver that they came to scout on the King's bastard Riker."

"That's a load of hogwash and you know it," Rowan slapped my hand away, pointing a finger at me with a scowl. "The Nightengales have never chosen that way, it's always about destinies and fate. If I were to guess, this could be about the discord between the Shifter and Druid kingdoms again."

"Oh man, I wish I would be chosen. There are so many things I want to learn from those two kingdoms! Or even the Drakes! Could you imagine seeing a real dragon guard up close?" Delphanie swooned, cracking a s**t-eating grin at us while letting out squeals of excitement.

Rowan and I groaned at the same time, shaking our heads at her. I worried for Delphanie sometimes, her taste in men were well, for the lack of a better term, not disclosed to just human men. My friend was not one for settling down either, hence the bard life. I could only imagine what would happen if she ever ended up pregnant with a non-human child. Not that I would hate it, her children would be as my nieces and nephews. But society frowned at mixing of the species, and it would be hard to find a place they would be accepted at.

But none of that mattered right now. I forced the dark thoughts from my mind and listened to Rowan lecturing Delphanie about thinking with more than her lustful wiles, all the while wondering just what laid in store for us tomorrow afternoon. I was so caught up listening to the two of them discussing pros and cons of feminine charms on enemies that I jumped when Headmistress McFallet's voice boomed over the noise of the crowd.

"No more chit chat! Everyone please stay safe and don't forget to check with the guards before leaving the grounds!" she yelled with a smile, her voice magnified by magic to completely hush the crowd.

"Yes madam," we all spoke in unison, quickly scrambling away from her before we incurred any extra assignments on artifact studies or some other worse subject. I led our trio over to the paddocks again, this time heading towards the outcropping of high rocks on the other side of the lake. We each had our own mount to ride but we had trained them to stick together, which didn't need much encouragement since they were content with their little herd. My griffen stuck his head out from where he was suntanning on one of the rocks, letting out a screech in greeting as he flipped onto his feet and stretched out his back.

It was followed by the cries of Delphanie's massive black raven swooping down, her talons sinking into the grass as she chirped and preened at her owner. It wasn't long before the unmistakable sound of neighing followed suit, a blood-red kelpie rushing towards us from the lake itself. Rowan let out a whistle, the pitch deep and low. The kelpie responded with a burst of speed, flapping his translate, rainbow wings to take flight and reach his master quicker.

Our families owned our own flocks of mounts we were famous for, and even though Kelpies were almost extinct, it was why Rowan took his duty so seriously about becoming a King's Guard. Securing more land ment he could expand their kelpie sanctuaries. His kelpie, Fangray, was a mix of the water and fire spirit kelpies, and was one of the stallions also used to help the two herds foal each year.

Me and Delphanie had already made a blood oath to Rowan that even if he didn't secure that position, we would find a land where the kelpies could grow and flourish. Fae land was ideal but the fae had hunted them down causing their numbers to dwindle in this manner. They viewed kelpies as pests who sucked the magic from their lands. In all honesty it was a misconception since the kelpies caused a regrowth of magic in whatever environment they lived in using fumes of magic from their dung. Gross, I know, but it was like a fertilizer naturally created to enhance the magic of the Fae lands.

My griffen Jor leaped down to join the rest of us, rubbing his feathery head against my hand to ask for a petting. I smiled at him and ran my hand along his neck, scratching the spot beneath his beak. He purred with affection, his lion's tail flicking happily behind him.

"Alright guys so do you want to meet up at Hickleburrow Inn to cram some last minute study time on runes before the test on Friday?" I asked as I moved around to mount Jor bareback.

Delphanie huffed over her shoulder while trying to carefully climb into Ciri's back, her raven eyeballing her to make sure she didn't rip out a single feather. Unlike Jor and Fangray, Ciri had a serious issue with people causing her to lose even a single feather. It was Delphanie's fault though to be fair, she once had tried grasping on while falling off during flight combat training and had taken a fistful off the poor raven's head. It took weeks before Ciri forgave her for that mistake.

"Yeah I would do anything to get more help on it. Plus Maggie's roasted boar and fried potatoes always hits the spot," Delphanie sighed in awe as she positioned herself in the stirrups.

"My father needs to me help with training a few new stablehands, so I'll be a little late today, but I'm sure I can get finished early enough to squeeze some study time with you two," Rowan nodded as he also mounted and took hold of his knapsack to feed Fangray a piece of jerky.

"Alright so let's meet at Hickleburrow at 5 tonight, should give us all a few hours to get the chores done at home," I nodded, giving the two of them the thumbs up sign.

"Sounds good, see ya later losers!" Rowan shouted as he kicked Fangray into a gallop, his wings flaring before whipping them into the air.

"Hey, try bringing the rune book from your mom's library and see if we can finish the translations with it!" Delphanie shouted as Ciri began to flap her way into the sky, her voice almost lost in the wind current as Jor leaped into the air to beat her to the higher elevation. I clung to his mane tightly shouting, "If I can find it, I will!" before Jor had us out of distance and heading west towards home. Delphanie lived northwest from us but was actually in one of the floating mountains in the sky. My family lived in the mountain ranges on the ground, where Rowan lived south of us along the hills with a valley and forest of animals they protected in their sanctuary. My father, Gerald Keichad, was a mere baron, but was appointed as a trading master for the kingdom.

Nothing grand or spectacular but it sure did bring a lot of interesting folk into our territory. It was how I had actually gotten Jor in the first place. A merchant was looking to sell him as a baby, and my father had noticed how attached I had gotten while we were stabling his stay. I grinned as the air thinned and the sky changed to a deeper blue, taking a deep breath as wisps of clouds started dotting in the horizon.

School getting us out early was a blessing in disguise. I honestly was not looking forward to math classes that afternoon because I had failed to finish the assignment at home. I had been occupied with reading this adventure book in our family library, and hadn't realized how late it was till Mother had retrieved me for dinner.

I always dreamed of the adventures within the stories I read about, wondering what the other lands looked like and how the people interacted with one another. To actually see the raw Fae lands in all their glory, or to see the shifter tribes during the Moon festivals. One day I would see more than the pictures painted by mere words from the books. I just wanted one good adventure, and then I would settle into whatever hog wash marriage my parents signed me into. I grunted at that thought, leaning closer into Jor's neck as I nudged him into a spiral through the air, wanting to distract myself.

There was nothing like the freedom of flying, where you could cast aside your thoughts and focus solely on the whistling of flocks of birds, or the silence among the clouds. What I wouldn't give to spend forever up here, sometimes I envied Delphanie just because she did live up here. I lost myself in thought to daydreams of what it would be like to live floating in the sky, letting Jor take over the flight as he guided us home. Still, a small part of my brain couldn't stop nagging at the arrival of the Nightingale representative. I'd have plenty of time to mull over it tomorrow. I shut the thought down as the green spires of our mountains came into view.