Mage and Suitors

Chapter 4

Early in the morning....

I woke up before the sun was shining to get ready. Since everything was laid out it did not take me long to get everything ready. I was putting my boots on when I heard a light knock at the front door.

"Give one more minute then I will ready to go."I said towards the door while getting my other boot on.

I slowly opened the door where I saw Zila standing there. I was a bit confused on why he is here.

"Why are you here Zila?" I asked coming outside then closing my door.

"I want to escort you while you go out today." Zila asked while bowing.

"Um I have to double check with Kishi and Sui if it is alright for you to come since they are they ones wanting me to go with them." As soon as I said that I saw them walking up. "Perfect timing." I said walking over to Kishi and Sui.

Kishi and Sui looked at me with a strange look from what I said.

"Kishi .... Sui, Zila wants to be my escort today is it okay if he comes with?" I asked the two of them.

I saw them look at Zila then all three of them nodded their heads.

"As long as he does not get in the way of our work." Kishi said with a straight face.

"Understood." Zila said with a bow. "You can share a horse with me Talissa." He said with a smile.

So we walked off to the stables where they got there horse then we headed off to the temple that needed help. The horse were pretty much running for about three hours with a few trots here and there. If it was a normal walk with a horse it would have taken six hours. By the time we get to the temple it is covered in a thick dark almost black misty goo that was destroying everything it touched.

Both Sui and Kishi tried to contain the taint but it was too much for them. Just in matter of twenty minutes the two of them were exhausted thus nothing had changed.

I put a hand on each of there shoulders the broke out my tome then started chanting while using my talismans plus started my summoning circles. I was using a mix of light, air, earth, fire, water, metal and electricity to combat the taint. I was using different methods of spells, chants, summons and talismans to destroy the taint, repair the land and heal the sick from this disaster. I was using every ounce of magical energy within me. Time felt like it was going slow for me but it was passing at its normal rate. Once all my magic was used up and the dust settled everything was back to normal except for a cloud filled with taint. My summons quickly dealt with it. While it was disappearing I heard something.

"I may be at bay for now thus I shall return." A creepy voice said "For I am born from the land so you shall feel my wrath." Then the voice faded away.

Everyone just started at the spot the creepy cloud was coming from looking confused.

"That wasn't the least bit weird." I said sarcastically.

"Agreed." Kishi, Sui and Zila said together at the same time.

A few moments later I felt dizzy then fell to my knees with a bit of heavy breathing.

"Talissa!" The group of men said while I was half out of it, then blacked out.

Back at the mansion...

"How did this happen?" Lord Borudo was looking a Talissa.

She was pale while laying almost lifeless if wasn't for the fact for her heavy breathing. So looked in pain while trying to stay alive.

"She needs an elixir to help her recover since she used so much magical energy." Kishi said after his healing attempts failed. "She is also running a high fever if we are not careful we could lose her in the next twenty-four hours." He said with a serious tone.

"I just need a few more items in order to make mix the elixir." Achak said currently grinding a few items. "It just going to take a few hours to make it until then Kishi just treat her the best you can until I complete the elixir." He said working away on his task.

"Can I do anything to help?" Zila asked Kishi.

"Wipe her down with a cool dam cloth." Kishi answered him softly since he was trying to keep her stable.

"Zila, use this water it will take away any impurities on her skin." Sui said placing the purified water down next to Zila. "I will be working on the next batch of water." He said working from giant barrel of water turning into smaller batches to be used.

"Let me know if you guys need anything I have no problem being a runner." Raiden said out loud.

"I have a list of items that needed to be done." Achak said holds out a piece of paper.

"Certainly." Raiden went to grab the piece of paper.

Mamoru and Tsutomu stood outside of the room to keep the Lord from being in the way of the others. While also keeping the other four retainers from causing problems. Well Fudo is just doing food runs since he acting the most stressed out.

"My Lord, why are you letting so many of your retainers help her." Mitsu asked with a blunt tone of voice.

"I believe you fail to understand her value. In her country she is a Master Mage which is in the top tier in regards for skill and power. Most of those with magic ruining through there veins don't even get to mage status. Her country is run by a group of five elders." Lord Borudo said pacing in the main hallway.

"So explain why she is so important." Uadhah asked with a bit of confusion in his voice.

"She is the key for our country alliance to her country. If she marries a retainer or even a lord or gains the favor of the Emperor our country is safe from the taint for she will teach her children how to fight it off." Lord Borudo says still pacing, occasionally looking at the room she is in.

"So if we lose her we fall to ruin." Eer spoke the train of thought on his mind.

"So why is it that Rosen Quarts are the only country that is able to produce the fighters that can combat this taint?" Uadhah asks wondering why since no one has really brought it up.

"Do to the fact that they let them learn more than one form of magic. Also they are able to learn different ways to execute the magic. At least that's what the Emperor has told me." Lord Borudo told them honestly.

"My Lord I have an update for you." Zila said with a serious look on his. "She seems to be somewhat stable but now we are running into the trouble of keeping warm." He said with grim look on his face. "She has drank the elixir Achak made but there has been no change in her level of magic. She is still dangerously low." He finished speaking.

"I have a question for you Zila? Since you were there when you watch her perform her cleaning of the temple. What methods did she use also which elements were in use as well?" Eer asked with a serious face.

"She used the elements light, fire, earth, water, metal and electricity." Zila took a moment to think back since a lot happened at once. "Spells, her tome, talismans and summoning circles. There could have been more but I am not sure." He answered honestly.

"Thank you Zila, please return to watching over here. If the others have done all they can please tell them to take a break to recover there strength to get new ideas." Lord Borudo said with a sad tone in his voice.

"Yes my Lord." Zila said returning to the room then passing on the message.

A few minutes later all of then men that were in the room or even standing guard came out to gets some air while eating. Then everyone went if there different ways to gather their thoughts on what was happening. Zila after a while left the room as well since nothing was changing.

Everyone went to bed with a prayer in their hearts even those who felt uncertain about her. Everyone would gather there strength to fight harder to save her in the morning.

All I know it was dark when I opened my eyes. I felt cold plus a little on the sluggish side. I slowly got up to seek out the sunshine to recharge my light magic which turns into the other elements. I noticed a small place to lean against while I watch the sunrise. I felt my strength slowly returning while sitting in the light.

"Ahh that feels a lot better." I just kept sitting in sun waiting for everyone to get up.

An hour later....

The retainers went to check up on Talissa since they did not want their lord to see the worse if she didn't make it. They walked into the room to see it glowing bright white making it hard to see.

Once their eyes adjusted they saw her sitting up against the wall looking outside glowing bright white. They all stood there unsure what to do or even if they should speak.

A minute later....

"Talissa!" Olin said running up to me to give me a hug.

"Sorry for worrying you Olin." I returned the hug tightly.

"Is there anything that you need?" Olin asked with a smile of relief.

"A hot meal and if it you wouldn't mind if you could brush me hair since it seems to have a few good knots in it." I said softly since my strength was still returning.

"Most certainly." Olin say while getting up to find Fudo.

"Olin, stay and brush her hair I heard her vague requests." Fudo said happy to see she was hungry. "Talissa is there anything particular you want that to eat?" He asked me with a serious face.

"Sweet yet savory.... wait that's not a good breakfast idea.. give me a moment." I said seriously thinking.

"If you want sweet yet savory for you meal I will create it." Fudo said with prideful smile.

" Okay I leave the challenge up to you. The other thing is add green tea somewhere in the meal." I said with a smile.

"Challenge accepted!" Fudo said with a fiery look in his eyes then dashed off to the kitchen.

I giggled to see Fudo so full energy this morning.

"Zila, could you pass on to Fudo and Lord Borudo on what am about to say to everyone in the room." I said looking towards the room. "I am sorry for making you all worry and thank you for all your help to get me to wake up." I said giving the whole room a deep bow. "I will try to recovered as fast as possible so that I may be able to do my task as the best I can." I finally lifted my head.

Everyone in the room returned the bow then lifted there heads then headed off to do their duties for the day. I felt a little bad since I made them worry so much.

"Olin, do you think it would be okay for me to make dinner for the retainers and Lord Borudo?" I asked him while he was brushing then braiding my hair.

"I think it would be good but where are you going to cook?" He asked me.

"My kitchen, I just need to make the table hold a total of fifteen people." I responded back to him.

"Why fifteen people?" He asked me.

"Well there are eleven retainers, plus the lord, then the two of us. the extra seat giving it breathing room between everyone." I said explaining it well enough.

"Okay I understand that. Any ideas of what to make?" Olin asked curious of what I was going to make.

"I was thinking of salad, soup, then a pasta dish, and then finish it with a dessert." I paused to think about it. "It is classed as a four course meal in my country. I should work on the invitations for this. Olin, do you mind helping?" I said finally standing up since I had the strength to.

"Most certainly." Olin responded while helping to the room of where I will be having my breakfast.

A soon as I get comfortable Fudo comes out with a covered plate. He places it down in front of me.

"I hope you enjoy your matcha pancakes with a whipped cream cheese on top drizzled with maple syrup. On the side is a rolled omelet with cheese, onion and chives. There is also a small bowl of fresh strawberries. Please enjoy your meal." Fudo said with a prideful smile.

"Thank you Fudo it looks amazing." I took a bite while he watched me. T"his is the best thing I have eaten.... Sorry Master Rain I have found someone who has beaten your pancakes." I said like a prayer.

Fudo smiled while I was enjoying my breakfast. In matter of thirty minutes I finished my food.

"Thank you Fudo, it was a tasty. Also thank you for the wonderful meal." I said getting up while giving him a smile. "Alright off to go change and get ready for the day."I started walking out.

We walk out of the mansion to head to my house to prepare for tonight feast that I will be making. Once inside I head to the bathroom to clean up then changed my clothes. Once done I sat down at the kitchen table made quick magical invitations for the dinner I weave a quick spell to send them out to each of the eleven retainers, Lord Borudo and also Olin.

"Okay time to set the table." I said using a floating spell while Olin was getting the basic ingredients for tonight's dinner.

By the time Olin returned my living room changed into a big dinning room with it set for all except center pieces.

"Welcome back Olin!" I said with a smile.

"Wow the whole room feels has changed. It looks so different." Olin said handing me the bags filled with food.

"Thank you." I went to the kitchen to pull out the items. "I have another task for you to do. Could you make two flower arrangements for the table and let me know if anyone responds to the letters." I said starting the sauce for the pasta dish.

"Most certainly." Olin leaves to get the flowers.

I got the sauce started on the flame since it is going to take a long time to get the tomatoes to the way I want them. I began to work on the soup as well. I decided to go with a ceaser salad, a potato leek soup, chicken parmesan with tortellini. While chopping up vegetables for the ceaser salad I was trying to figure out what would be a good dessert. I had berries so I got the idea for a berry tart or a berry cobbler.

I smell the sweet smells of flowers which meant Olin was back making the arrangements. I finished the salad then put in the ice box to keep it cool. I also started on the dressing with takes a little to make. I noticed the soup was about to its half way point along with the sauce as well.

"Its lunch time so were making good progress." I walk in the living room to find Olin putting the arrangements on the table.

"Nice choice of different lilies. It looks good." I said with a smile.

"I am glad you like it. Do you want me to go around to see if they are coming for dinner since they will all be in one place for the most part." He said with a small note pad in hand.

"Thank you it will be a great help so I know how much chicken to make." I said having a little snack.

Olin left after eating the snack that was brought to us from the kitchen. I went to get more water from the well to clean my dishes as I go. I was also trying to keep the kitchen somewhat clean as well. It was about three hours away from dinner time when Olin came back saying everyone but him self would be join us at the table I seemed confused until he said who was going to be in charge to make sure everything went out the way I wanted to.

"You have a good point since it is my dinner party I shouldn't be stuck in the kitchen. Okay let me show you how I wanted everything plated with your portion so you can plate while I am guessing the help will be arriving once everything is done." I said to Olin.

"Yes they will come help when I tell them that you are ready for your guest." He said with a smile.

About an hour before they were suppose to come everything was ready so it took me twenty minutes to explain how I wanted the salad to go out first since the dressing is already mixed in that it just need to be plated then go. Second would be the soup while you plate it with some rolls to the side it was pretty simple. The it was the main course which he watch me plate the pasta first then the chicken then add a bit more sauce. The dessert was easy since each had their own container just make sure you add the ice cream on top before it goes out. I left the kitchen to Olin while placing the menus out on each seat then went off to doll my self up since it was a dinner party. I grab my sleek little black dress and a pair of silver heels then did my hair making it all curly and bouncy. I put on minimal make up then head to the living room to wait for them to come. I had about ten minutes before everyone showed up.

"Olin, do I look alright." I said peeking my head into the kitchen.

"You look amazing I am sure they will like your outfit." Olin said while having a thinking face on. "What are we to serve to drink with dinner?" He asked unsure.

"In the ice box there is a sun brewed tea that's a mix of bitter and some sweet. Fresh berry lemonade in there its balanced, also lemon berry water I make and if they want something else we can always make a type of hot tea." I said answering his question.

"Okay got it, so nothing that will make them drunk got it." He said getting back to it, while went to living room to wait.

Ten minutes later...

I am patiently waiting for them to come to the door. Then I hear a knock at the door. I open it to see Raiden, Zila and Kishi the first ones to arrive all holding a gift box.

"Thank you for coming your the first to arrive." I hold the door open to let them in.

"Where can we put the gifts we were wanting to give at the banquet but were unable to?" Kishi asked with a bit of wounder in his voice.

"You can.. put it right here on this table with the vase of flower Olin got me yesterday." I said pointing to the table in center of the few chairs I had out for seating.

The three of them came inside then put down the gift that is when they seemed to have gotten a good look at me. All of there eyes were lock on me which made me blush a bit.

"Is there something wrong." I asked them.

They shook their heads then nodded no. That is when I heard another knock on the door. I went to see who it was this time is was Achak, Sui, Mamoru and Tsutomu. Each them were also holding a gift of some kind.

"Come in your the second group to arrive." I hold the door open to let them.

I closed the door behind them when I heard another knock at the door. I opened it to find it to be Fudo.

"Come on in Fudo." I said open the door to let him in.

They went to to set down the gifts when they also got a good look at me. Another knock at the door where I was hoping it would be the last of my guests. It was Eer, Mitsu and Uadhah. They looked the most nervous of the group so far.

"Come on in, your right on time." I said holding the door open for them.

They walked in then set down their gift. I notice they were all sort of staring so I broke the silence.

"So the only one we are missing is Lord Borudo. Does anyone know when he is going to arrive?" I asked looking towards the door.

"He said he would be here in a few minutes. He was finishing his surprise for you. He said get seated and started." Mitsu said with a straight face.

"Okay... Follow me then to the table. Lord Borudo gets the other end of the table while I take this end. Pick where you wish to sit then we will get started." I said taking my seat at end of the table closest to the door.

Right before I sit down I hear a knock.

"One moment." I stand up open the door to find Lord Borudo standing there waiting with a nervous look on his face. "We were just getting seating so your right on time. Come on in." I said holding the door open.

Lord Borudo quickly came in then place something down on the table then headed for his seat. I walked over to mine noticing all eyes are on me. I walked with pride to my seat then took my seat. Olin quickly came over to my side so I knew it was my cue to start speaking.

"I want to thank all of you for coming to my dinner party on short notice. So I would like to start off with an explanations of what will be offered tonight. Its not your normal dishes that you would normally have. So I have place a enchanted menu card in front of you to explain what is in each item I have prepared for you tonight." I said with a smile. "I don't think my cooking to as great as Fudo's so I hope you least enjoy your meal." I said with smile.

The group laughed at that while looking at menu the drinks appeared which I saw their eyes widen.

"Are you sure this okay to use magic?" Kishi asked me.

"I sat in the sun for a long time which helps restore my magic. Plus I only used a little bit since its mostly coming from the already magic paper." I gave them all a smile. "I am sorry I worried you all so much. Next time I will do better." I gave them all a determined look.

The salad course went by smoothly mostly everyone was enjoying their food, at least it seemed like it. By the second course everyone relaxed a bit more.

"So I have a question for you?" Raiden asked while the soup course was being taken away.

"Ask away." I responded before taking a drink of my berry water.

"I know you said before that Zila, Kishi, Olin and my self were your first friends why is that?" Raiden asked with a curious look on his face

A few people were a little shocked by his question Lord Borudo looked a little upset.

"It is mostly because of my social standing. A lot of my peers will not acknowledge me even with my Master Mage rank. I will never meet there standards" I replied to the question honestly.

"Why do you say that?" Zila asked.

"For the simple reason my family are commoners. The magic is so weak running through there blood there is now way that they could be acknowledge in the magic ranking system. I am considered a fluke. If it wasn't for Master Rain taking me in and teaching me mostly everything I know I would not be were I am today." I responded with a lonely tone in my voice.

"Was it like being an apprentice?" Fudo chimed in.

"Sort of like an apprenticeship" I responded back.

"What was it called in your terms?" Achak asked me.

"My parents signed over there right to claim to Master Rain. By the view of the Elders I am Master Rain's daughter. Which means I can never see my birth parents because I no longer exists to them." I said with a sad tone. "Which was part of another reason none of my peers wants to get close to me for the simple fact even though Master Rain was a teacher he was granted a lot of mission outside the country. I had to follow where ever he went." I finished speaking then took a drink.

"Have you ever fallen in love?" Achak asked with a brotherly look on his face.

"I wasn't deemed pretty enough for the men I came in contact with. So I stopped trying after the time I got ditched and my heartbroken by a classmate of mine. I was joke to most people. So I decided I no longer I was going to be everyone door mat so I threw my self into my studies. I was rank third in my class when I finished schooling. Then was the second one in my class to be granted the title of mage. Then I became the youngest Master Mage." I said with a prideful smile.

"So what comes after Master Mage?" Mitsu chimed in.

"It Sage the second hardest to become. After that if you live long enough than you can be granted title of Elder. Only Five Elder can exist at a time. They can be pick from the group of Sage or Master Mage depending on the reason" I answered his question.

After that the main course came which made me excited because it was one of my favorite dishes to make.

"I have a question what made you pick this dish?" Fudo asked me wondering why I went with this choice.

"It is one of my favorites to eat and make. Plus its easier to make the more people you have. So that is why I went with it. I also trust my skills with this dish since it was one I would often make for dinner parties or when guest were over." I replied honestly.

Fudo seemed to like my answer thus he began to try my dish. By the time the main course was over everyone looked like they licked their plates clean. They must have liked it at least I hoped so. I made dessert optional if they wanted to have it. Dessert went by quick thus so did the clean it up. Thank you magic, it made it so much easier plus all the dishes were done.

I saw the servants off then everyone else left as well. I decided to leave the gift opening until tomorrow which made Lord Borudo happy plus a bit relieved as well. Once all my guest were gone I decided to sit out on my deck to gaze up at the moon a more comfortable outfit that was suited to sleep in most couldn't tell since they looked like everyday clothing. While I was gazing I noticed that someone came back to check on me.

"I see your still up." Achak said with a happy tone. "May I join you on the deck?" He asked nicely.

"Most certainly." I said with a soft tone. "It seems something is bothering you?" I pointed out.

Little did I know that the rest of the retainers were right around the comer listening in.

"It seems you picked up on that well." He seemed a little unsure how to bring it up. "I was wondering did you have any brothers?" He asked.

"Yes but they were all much older than me so I didn't know them well. Before you asked I did have a sister but she was married off before I could even got to know her." I said with a sad tone in my voice.

"Then I have a question for you?" Achak asked while he was a little bit nervous. "Would you be alright with if I became like a brother to you?" He asked me with a serious tone.

"May I asked why?" I responded back to him.

"I have this gut feeling that you need someone to protect you but not in a fatherly way. So I wish to be a big brother to you. Is that okay?" Achak said to me.

"Okay, it would be nice to have a brother that actually will talk to me and who I could run to in times of trouble." I said with a small smile.

"Then it is official starting right now I am your big brother. You can address me as you see fit." Achak said patting me on the head which made me smile.

"Okay oniichan." I said to Achak.

"Talissa what does that mean?" Achak asked me.

"Its a word I learned from travels meaning big brother." I told him with a smile. Achak gave me a smile then patted me on my head which in turn made me smile back at him.

"Tomorrow I would like to take you out to show you the shopping district." He said towards me.

"Oniichan that sounds like fun." I responded to his spoken thought.

"Then we better head off to bed." He patted me on the head.

"Night Oniichan." I said heading inside.

Achak watched me head inside then waited for me to turn off the lights.

Back at the mansion.....

"Nice job, Achak." Lord Borudo said towards Achak. "You took your self out of the running then placed your self in the friends zone." He finished his thought.

"I know."Achak said with a smile. " I am not a young buck anymore. I am the oldest one here. So I see her as someone I wish to protect by being her brother." He said with a smile heading off towards his room.

Lord Borudo seemed confused as why Achak was so happy about that.

"My Lord is everything okay?" Uadhah asked wondering why he was looking the way he was.

"Yes please don't worry." Lord Borudo paused for moment. "Uadhah I have a task for you." He said in a soft tone.

"Yes My lord." Uadhah said with a firm voice.

"Follow them tomorrow and if any trouble happens jump in to save her to gain her favor." Lord Borudo said to Uadhah. "I know you do not have much luck with women so this is to see how she reacts around you. Mind you after this help it is every man for them self in order to gain her favor." He finished saying then headed to his room.

Uadhah seemed a bit confused but he has never given an order like this before. He went to his room to prepare for his mission tomorrow. He finishes his preparations then heads to bed.