The Master and the Apprentice (for KinkyVelvet)

[ChrisWk]

This wasn't quite like any other day. Master Wizard Arius had spent most of the day just cleaning part of his house, or more specifically the room of a young apprentice that would move in later that day.

Never before had the Master Wizard had an apprentice before. Of course he had held classes in the King's castle and attempted to teach many young aspirings witches and wizards, but none of them showed any promise... Most of those he taught were already in their mid to late twenties, hardly able to start a fire after hours of concentrating and really trying their hardest. Needless to say, it wasn't a difficult choice to give up on them. They clearly didn't have it. The gift.

Very few did, and it was long and far between those who did. Arius was one of them. One of those exceptional wizards. While growing up, he had mastered spells even his masters couldn't dream of. He invented spells never seen before, and quickly became one of the most renowned wizards in the entire kingdom. Needless to say, studying under him was a privilege.

Although he had become a 'Master Wizard' at the young age of 33, he wasn't one you'd mess around with. The king had requested his services several times over the past couple of years, and sometimes even requested him to aid him in battle. Seeing as Arius was still alive and well, one could assume he wasn't one to mess with in battle either.

Though today was a special day. For once, he had agreed to take in an apprentice; a young girl by the name of Lily. He had sent several letters back and forth to her parents for weeks already, and from what they had told him, she truly had potential. Unlike the morons he had taught in the king's castle. On one hand, Arius was quite excited. Finally someone to teach who would actually have what it takes to perform spells and so on, but on the other hand, he was also a tad bit worried... Though his reason for being worried wasn't that he was worried Lily wouldn't live up to the expectations he had for her; that was the least of his worries

What Arius did worry about, was simply teaching her, and having her live with him full time.

Of course she was a prodigy, capable of doing magical things most couldn't even dream of, but she was still just a girl. He couldn't forget that. And just like any other teenager, she would need a stable household to live in with rules, chores and expectations. Some of which would naturally be magic based, but she would also be expected to follow all other normal household rules; such as being respectful and doing as she was told.

Master Arius had finished cleaning out a room for her that very morning, and had sat down for a cup of hot tea as he awaited her arrival. He did keep an eye on his watch, but wouldn't be upset if she was an hour late. It wasn't the easiest place to navigate to, after all.

[KinkyVelvet]

Indeed, the road was difficult, but Lily was walking along it at a good pace.
The girl was dressed in a very simple way, which betrayed her peasant origins
Her long black hair was tied up in a scarf and she wore the good dress, the travel tights and carried a sack with her few belongings.

She was had been fortunate to be accepted as a student by the Master Wizard.

It all started at fifteen with the first small signs, growing exponentially over the next two years. She at seventeen she was capable, if she concentrated, of making things happen, even if sometimes the results weren't encouraging because she didn't know exactly how to do it.
And then there were the flashes of involuntary magic.
Shortly before leaving she had inadvertently set the neighbor's laundry on fire.
It was best not to think about what could have happened without a guide to teach her how to use magic properly.
Finally, after the last deviation she found herself in front of her destination, she approached, looking around her to see if there was anyone.
It seemed like a quiet place.
She made up her mind to go over and knock on the door. "Master Arius?" she asked.

[ChrisWk]

Just as he had finished his cup of tea, he hard a couple of knocks on his door, along with a soft young voice.

10 or so seconds after knocking, the door opened inwards, revealing Arius. He was young, but despite being a Wizard, he wasn't weak or short. Far from it. The Master Wizard stood at an impressive 6'2" and had some decently sized muscles. Of course he wasn't ripped, but certainly not scrawny or weak. His hair was a nice shiny brown, and his eyes a beautiful emerald green; almost shining a little.

"Ah! Lily, I've been expecting you. Come on inside and put your luggage down." Arius said with a smile spanning across his face, stepping aside so she could walk in, all whilst he held the door open for her.

[KinkyVelvet]

Lily, from her 5'32 ", had to lift her head to look at Arius. It was impressive, in the village she had never seen anyone like this... 'towering' was the word that came to her.
Liky came from a family whose progenitor didn't shine for height and she was not very tall either. She did not come from a rich family so food was always counted, however she was not undernourished, had a beautiful healthy complexion and the strong build of someone used to work.
Lily smiled in turn as entered with the only baggage she had. "I don't have many things," she said, looking around curiously. She had to admit that she had imagined Arius as a scary old man, she was glad she was wrong. "Ah, and these are for you, to thank you again for accepting me as an apprentice," said pulling out some scones she had made before leaving. She was visibly aroused, like a curious ferret.

[ChrisWk]

Arius did of course take note of the small bag that Lily had brought with her. Of course her parents had mentioned that they came from humble origins and couldn't afford to pay for any apprenticeship, but it was only now that he understood just how poor the family she came from was. Though luckily for Lily, that life of being a poor peasant, farming all day long with no hopes of ever climbing the social ladder... Those days were over. If she was what her parents had promised, she had incredible potential. Potential to become a great Witch someday, and hell, perhaps even a Master Witch.

The other students he had at least attempted to teach in the King's castle, well... Most of them had been spoiled, rich little brats who had everything in life served to them on a silver plate. It was already clear to him that Lily was nothing like that. Lily seemed quite curious, which was understandable, and certainly a good quality to have. Seeing her pull out some scones for him.

"Thank you, that's very kind." he replied with a smile, not having expected a gesture such as that.

"Come on inside, let's have a talk and get to know each other a bit better. We can have the scones you brought. Do you like tea?" Arius asked as he lead the way into the kitchen. The kitchen wasn't massive, but it had all the bells and whistles a wizard was expected to have.

Without saying a word, he lit a fire underneath the kettle, just with a slight wave of his hand. Lighting of a fire for him was understandably easy, being a Master Wizard and all; though for Lily.. That was still probably rather advanced, but again, not something she would be able to learn from just anyone. The main problem for any young aspiring Witch or Wizard was learning the basics, and properly mastering the basics. You'd be surprised with how many advanced spells also take in use quite basic ones, as a little part of it. So mastering a simple spell like lighting a fire, and not letting it get out of control, was incredibly important. Likely one of the first things Lily would learn.

[KinkyVelvet]

Lily nodded enthusiastically. "Sure, I love tea," being greeted in such a friendly way he soothed her.
She was a beautiful girl, sociable and curious. Maybe too much sometimes. But one quality Arius would surely appreciate was that Lily knew she was ignorant and was there to learn.

She sat down composed, waiting for tea. It was evident that she was quivering to ask the great wizard questions about magic but she didn't want to pester him.

When she saw Arius magically ignite the fire her expression turned vaguely guilty, as if she were remembering something.
She wasn't very good at hiding her thoughts and at that moment she thought that mastering that magic would have been very useful a few days ago, already.

[ChrisWk]

Arius was quick to make some herbal tea, which he cast a quick spell on as well. Essentially making Lily her first ever cup of magical tea. He placed to cups on the kitchen table and poured them both some oddly sparkly and green tea, almost glowing a little. Arius had made her some energy tea, which would surely help after such a long day or two of travel. He then also got two plates and put a scone on each, before serving the two of them those. Truth be told, he was actually quite eager to try it, as it looked rather delicious.

"There you are. The tea might look a bit strange, but there's no need to worry. It doesn't taste any different, if anything, just a little sweeter. It'll help you regain some energy after your long journey." Master Arius said as he sat down himself, taking a quick sip of his own tea. He had no doubts that he would need some energy for the coming days as well.

Arius then grabbed some ink and quill, along with a scroll.

"Now.. I will just need some general information about you to send to the King... Your name is Lily, that much I know.. Tell me, what town are you from and how old are you?" Arius asked as he looked up at her.

[KinkyVelvet]

Lily was not at all intimidated by that strange tea and was already taking a sip, even before Arius' reassurance.
She sneezed from the tingle, then nodded.

"Yeah that's right, I didn't say practically anything, my full name is Lily Rosen, I'm from a little town called Moonfield", she seemed to concentrate. "In Sestre County. I just turned seventeen. My father is a woodcutter and Mom works for the baker," she said, grabbing a scone that was actually delicious. "I also have an older brother who, however, left for the capital in search of fortune when I was little and occasionally sends us a few coins," she added, filling Arius with unsolicited information.

[ChrisWk]

Arius got to writing as soon as she started talking more about herself. He naturally did listen to everything she said, but he didn't write it all down. The King didn't need to know about what her older brother was doing, after all.
He looked up and smiled with a nod, before rolling the scroll up and tying it off. The Master Wizard then opened the window they were sitting by, before whistling out to the outdoors. And only a few seconds later, a raven landed in the window. Arius immediately got to tying the scroll to its foot.
"Deliver this to his Highness." Arius said, and miraculously enough, the raven bowed its head before flying off, and as it had done so, he closed the window again.

"Lily of Moonfield.. It has a nice ring to it." Arius smiled, taking yet another bite of the delicious scone.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Lily. Your parents wrote a lot of good things about you in our letters. They also mentioned that you have no proper schooling, so I assume you cannot read?" Arius asked, and wouldn't be surprised if she couldn't. Very few peasants did. Though that was just fine, as he was prepared to teach her that as well. She would receive a proper education. Both a normal one, as well as a magical one.

[KinkyVelvet]

"No, I can't read," admitted Lily.
"But I can count, logs and sacks of flour," she nodded.
"And I know how to garden, and clean and cook," she added, fearful of looking like a poor ignorant peasant.
"And.. well, magic, but you already know that," she added. "I know... do small things, even if nine times out of ten they are involuntary. And disastrous." she admitted.
"And even those volunteers are disastrous in fact," she added in a groan into the tea cup.
Maybe she had talked too much.
Maybe Arius didn't want an apprentice who caused disasters.