Chapter 11

To Isolde's surprise, the next morning was as quiet as any other, after eating her breakfast she had a free day to herself. Relieved that the court seemed unaware of her late-night encounter with the prince, she decided to spend her free day exploring outside the castle grounds. As she stepped outside, the cool morning air brushed against her skin, carrying the scent of dew and earth. She wandered out past through the castle doors once again finding herself in the courtyard. Heeding the prince's warning she hurriedly made her way past the bustling activity but, she could breathe a little right? After all the prince seemed to trust her...

Lost in thought, Isolde found herself near the stables warily she passed by quickly after all the sun was high, it wouldn't suspicious if she was just strolling by. Isolde paused when she glanced towards the stables, where a young stable boy was brushing a sleek black stallion. The animal's coat glistened in the morning sun, and its hooves clacked against the cobblestones. Isolde, still wary of her earlier encounter with the prince, maintained her distance as she admired the magnificent creature.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" a warm voice behind her asked. Isolde jumps, startled, as she realizes she's been watching the horse with rapt attention.

She turns to see Jasper, the kind-faced man who had driven her carriage from the Academy. His gentle smile puts her at ease as he gestures towards the stallion. "That's Blackstar," he explains. "The Prince's favorite. She's got a mind of her own, that one, but she's as loyal as they come."

"Jasper!" Isolde beamed, "I'm so happy to see you! What are you doing here?" she asked, half running to him. Jasper grins warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he meets Isolde halfway.

"Isolde! It's good to see you again, too." He chuckles softly, his hands still holding the brush as he gives Blackstar one last pat before turning to face Isolde fully.

"Well, as you might imagine, I'm here on business." Isolde cocked her head to the side,

"Business? Do you mean within the Castle?" As Isolde tilts her head, her curiosity piqued, Jasper's smile fades slightly, replaced by a look of caution. He glances around the courtyard as if ensuring no one is within earshot before leaning in to speak to Isolde in a lowered voice.

"Indeed, within the castle. But perhaps it's best we discuss this elsewhere, yes?"

"Elsewhere?" Isolde echoes, her eyes darting around the courtyard as well, mirroring Jasper's caution. She nods, understanding the importance of discretion. "Where do you suggest?" she asks in a hushed tone, her heart beating a little faster at the hint of a secret. Jasper's eyes flicker towards the stable's entrance, then back to Isolde.

Worried, Isolde followed after him, "My grandmother is okay? Right? don't tell me this is about her?" Jasper leads Isolde into the stables, the air thick with the smell of hay and horse.

He stops near a secluded corner, his face grave. "Your grandmother is... fine, as far as I know. But there's something you need to understand, Isolde." He speaks in a hushed manner, his words laced with urgency. "I don't have much time, so you need to listen. The castle isn't what it seems. There are... factions at work here."

Isolde's face pales, her hands instinctively moving to clutch at her dress, "Factions? What do you mean?" Jasper's eyes dart nervously to the stable entrance before continuing. "There are those who support the prince and those who... don't. The recent assassination attempts - they're not isolated incidents."

Isolde's breath catches in her throat, her mind reeling. "I don't understand why you are telling me this. What do I have to do with Anything you're speaking of?" Jasper takes a deep breath, his face etched with worry as he glances around the stables again.

"You need to be careful, Isolde. The factions are watching. I fear your late-night encounter with the Prince and his subsequent anger did not go unnoticed."

He pauses, gauging Isolde's reaction before continuing. "Those who oppose the Prince... they view any connection to him as a threat."

Isolde stilled, "How do you know about that? J-Jasper, you're scaring me." Jasper reaches out, his hand gently squeezing Isolde's arm in a gesture of reassurance. "I know because I have ears in the court, Isolde. And right now, those ears are whispering that Lady Rose is not happy about your connection to the prince."

Isolde's eyes widen, a chill running down her spine. "Lady Rose? But... but she was just warning me about the Prince's affections, wasn't she?"

"She's engaged to him I-I don't understand..." Isolde's voice trembles slightly as she struggles to comprehend the complexity of the situation she's been thrust into. Jasper's gaze intensifies, his hand still resting on her arm, a silent plea for her to understand the gravity of his words. "Engagements in courts like these are often more about politics than love, Isolde," he explains in a hushed tone. "Lady Rose, she-"

 "What's going on here?" Jasper and Isolde both startle as a gruff voice interrupts their conversation. They turn to see a tall, muscular man with a scowl on his face. He's dressed in the livery of the castle guards, and his hand rests on the hilt of his sword. "Well? I asked what's going on here," the guard repeats, his eyes narrowing as he looks between Jasper and Isolde.

Jasper steps slightly in front of Isolde, his posture tense, Jasper's face stiffened before his lips curled into a smile, "What? You don't recognize me Eien?"

The guard, Eien, scrutinizes Jasper for a moment before recognition crosses his face. "Jasper? I didn't recognize you with that... getup." He gestures dismissively at Jasper's plain clothes. "What are you doing in the stables? And who's this?" His gaze shifts to Isolde, who shrinks slightly behind Jasper.

Jasper's smile falters for a moment before he regains his composure. "Just having a friendly chat with my old friend here, Eien," Jasper replies, his tone casual but firm. "This is Isolde, she's new to the castle. I was just giving her a quick tour of the stables."

Isolde nods in agreement, trying to look as nonchalant as possible despite the nervous energy thrumming through her body. Eien's eyes narrow suspiciously as he steps closer, his hand still resting on his sword hilt. "New to the castle, huh?" He peers at Isolde intently before turning back to Jasper. "Just be careful with what you're teaching her, you hear? Don't want to start any... rumors."

With one last glance that lingers too long, he turns and stomps out of the stables. As the stable door closes behind him, the silence that follows is thick and heavy. Isolde breathes a small sigh of relief, her nerves still on edge.

She eyes Jasper suspiciously, "Who are you, Jasper?" Jasper's expression softens as he turns to face Isolde fully. "I'm... a friend, Isolde. One who knows more than you might think. And I need you to trust me, especially now." 

"Now, go I'll get in contact when there's less prying eyes. I'll explain everything then." Jasper shooed her out of the stables. Isolde hesitates, her gaze flickering between Jasper and the stable door.

"Everything? But I don't understand—what are you involved in, Jasper?" Jasper's eyes are serious, a silent plea for her to trust him. "I can't explain it all now, but I promise you, Isolde, I'm on your side. Now, go. Before anyone else comes by."

Isolde hesitated, "Go!" with that, she took off running to the castle gates she needed to get out, go somewhere, anywhere. As Isolde hurried out of the stables, her mind reeled with the revelations Jasper had shared. The weight of his words hung heavy on her shoulders - factions, assassination attempts, and the ominous warning about Lady Rose. She quickened her pace, her heart pounding in her chest as she rushed through the castle courtyard. 

The autumn air nipped at her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the stables. As she reached the castle gates, Isolde paused, looking back at the looming structure. The sun cast long shadows across the stone walls, and she could see figures moving about in the upper windows. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. The gates stood before her, offering an escape from the suffocating atmosphere of the castle. She could leave, go back to her grandmother's village, and forget about all of this. The decision weighed heavily on her, the crisp autumn air biting at her skin as she stood at the threshold. In the distance, she could hear the faint sounds of the bustling city beyond the castle walls - a stark contrast to the hushed whispers and secrets within. The gates beckoned, promising freedom and safety but also leaving her grandmother's dream unfulfilled.

"Are you alright?" Isolde whirled around, seeing a familiar face: Lorren, the other mage she had spent time with at the academy, her silver hair framing her amber eyes. "I saw you running out of the stables....are you hurt?"

Isolde's heart pounds in her chest as she turns to face Lorren, the other mage's concerned gaze cutting through the fog of her thoughts. Her hands, still clutching at her dress, tremble slightly, but she takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The gates loom behind her, a silent witness to her internal struggle.

"Lorren," Isolde breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I accidentally startled a horse, I just didn't want to cause a scene." Isolde replied thinking of anything that would make sense. She glanced at a basket in Lorren's hand, "Are you going somewhere on your off day?"

Lorren's eyes flicker with understanding as she nods, "I see. The horses can be quite skittish sometimes. But I'm glad you're alright." She gestures to the basket in her hand, "I was actually planning to go to the city markets today to pick up some ingredients for potions."

She studies Isolde for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly, "You look a bit pale though."

"Oh? Do I? It must've been the food I ate earlier not agreeing with my stomach." Isolde giggled, "But, the market sounds fun! Were you looking for anything in particular?"

Lorren's gaze softens clearly concerned but not pressing the issue. She nods, "Yes, actually. Do you... perhaps you'd like to join me? It might be good for you to get out of the castle for a bit."

Isolde's face lit up, "Would you mind? Herbs were my grandmother's specialty maybe I can help!" Lorren smiles warmly, "I would love the company, and I'm sure your knowledge of herbs would be invaluable. Shall we?" She gestures towards the gates, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the prospect of a day away from the confines of the castle. 

Isolde nods enthusiastically, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Let's go! I could use the fresh air and a change of scenery." Lorren leads the way out of the castle gates, the cool autumn breeze enveloping them as they step into the bustling city streets.

The cobblestones are slick with dew, and the air is filled with the mingled scents of roasting chestnuts, freshly baked bread, and the earthy aroma of the nearby forest. Lorren walks with a purposeful stride, her silver hair shimmering in the dappled sunlight that filters through the trees lining the road. Isolde marveled at the sights she tried her best not to come across as a tourist but her trips to the city center were far few. The market square teems with life - merchants hawking their wares from colorful stalls, farmers displaying baskets of late autumn produce, and craftsmen demonstrating their skills to curious onlookers. Children dart between the stalls, their laughter mixing with the general buzz of the market. As Isolde follows Lorren deeper into the throng, the mage points out various stalls of interest, explaining the properties of different herbs and ingredients.

 Lorren navigates through the crowd with ease, her silver hair catching the light as she moves. She pauses at a stall selling exotic herbs, examining a particularly rare specimen.

"This is what we're looking for," she says, holding up a small, delicate leaf. Isolde takes the leaf in her hands, "I don't think I recognize this herb what does it do?" She asked feeling it tenderly, the leaf was delicate and small she glanced at Lorren they shared a likeness.

Isolde's fingers trace the intricate veins of the leaf, her eyes narrowing as she examines it closely. The herb is unlike any she has seen before, its petals a shimmering silver, and its scent a faint, lingering whisper of magic. "This is a Moon's Whisper," Lorren explains, her voice barely more than a whisper as she leans in, her amber eyes reflecting the silver of the leaf.

 Lorren continues, "It's said that the ancients used it to communicate with the spirits of the moon. Its essence is believed to enhance one's connection to the lunar magic." She looks at Isolde, her gaze intense, "It's a rare herb, and difficult to procure. But I heard about it when..."

Isolde's eyes widen as she processes this information, her fingers tightening slightly around the delicate leaf. "Lunar Magic?" Isolde asks once again; she had never heard of such a thing, and she felt as though Lorren were introducing her to an entirely new world.

 Lorren nods, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement and perhaps a touch of secrecy. "Yes, lunar magic. It's a form of magic that's closely tied to the moon's cycles and the spirits that reside within the celestial body."

"By harnessing the power of the moon, they could gain knowledge of the future, communicate across vast distances, and even wield immense magical power."

Isolde cocked a brow, "Don't tell me this is your secret? Can you wield such magic?" Lorren's lips curl into a subtle smile, her amber eyes glinting with a playful light.

"Me? Oh no, I'm far too practical for such... mystical pursuits." She chuckles softly, her fingers brushing against the Moon's Whisper leaf in your hand. "But I've heard tales of mages who could, in the right circumstances."

Isolde giggled, "So, do you plan to experiment?" Lauren looked away quickly, "Of course not, it is forbidden.....But, unless you don't plan on telling, then maybe? I could-"

Lorren's eyes sparkle with mischief as she leans in closer, "I could if I had a willing accomplice to help me brew the potion." She glances around furtively, making sure no one is within earshot. "It would have to be done in secret, of course. We can't risk anyone finding out, especially not the head mage."

Isolde's eyes widened, she could see the sparkle in Lorren's eyes like they would bulge out from sheer anticipation, hanging off Isolde's next words Isolde's heart raced as she realized the gravity of Lorren's proposition. The idea of delving into forbidden magic, of exploring the secrets of the moon, was both exhilarating and terrifying. She glanced around the bustling market, taking in the colorful stalls and the chattering crowds, all oblivious to the clandestine conversation unfolding before them. 

"I...I don't know, Lorren."

"Don't feel pressured, but do keep my secret." Lorren winked as she dragged her to the next stall, filled with an array of colorful, pungent herbs. The aroma was overwhelming, and Isolde found herself overwhelmed by the sensory input.

As Lorren begins examining various herbs, her movements quick and efficient, she turns to Isolde with a curious expression. "So, Isolde, I've been wondering..." she says, her amber eyes searching her face intently. "How are you adjusting to life at the castle?"

Isolde sighed, "To be truthful, I've been struggling, I mean, I don't know I didn't grow up around nobility there are such regulations and unspoken rules how does one keep up?"

Lorren finished purchasing a small dessert before guiding Isolde to a nearby table, "Sorry, I don't mean to sound like a child. What about you, Lorren? You grew up in the Northern Clans how was that like?" As Isolde settles onto the wooden bench, the table creaking slightly beneath her, she feels a pang of vulnerability. The market, with its ceaseless hum of life, seems to fade into the background, and for a moment, it's just her and Lorren. Lorren's expression softens, her amber eyes reflecting the warmth of the autumn sun.

 "I'm not from nobility either, so I understand what you're feeling." She offers a small piece of the pastry she'd bought. "The Northern Clans were... different. Much more communal than here, but also more insular. There was always the threat of border disputes or incursions from beyond the mountains, so we learned to rely on each other from a young age." She pauses, seeming to lose herself in thought for a moment. "It wasn't easy, and it's not for everyone. But I found strength in the bonds I formed there, even if those bonds were born of necessity more than choice."

Isolde listens intently, feeling a connection form between them. She nods slowly, "That does sound intense. I mean, I felt close to people in my village, but there was never quite that level of... necessity to the bonds." Isolde takes the pastry, nibbling at it thoughtfully as she listens to Lorren's story.

The sweet, buttery flavor melts on her tongue, a welcome distraction from the weight of her own thoughts. "I can only imagine what that must have been like," she says softly, her eyes drifting to the bustling market beyond. "To have that kind of... intensity in your relationships from such a young age."

As Lorren continues to speak, her amber eyes flickering with the memories of her past, Isolde finds herself drawn into the tale. She can almost see the snow-capped mountains of the Northern Clans, hear the echo of distant drums signaling the approach of danger, and feel the cold, unyielding winds that shaped Lorren's character.

 Lorren's gaze drifts to the bustling market, her expression thoughtful. "It's a different world out here, isn't it? So much variety, so many different lives all intertwined." She takes a bite of the pastry, savoring the buttery sweetness. "I remember when I first came to the castle, I felt just as overwhelmed as you do now. Everything was so... grand, so imposing. I didn't know if I'd ever fit in."

Isolde giggled feeling better about her position, "Is it bad to say I find comfort in our suffering?" Lorren chuckles softly, her amber eyes crinkling at the corners. "Not at all. It's... comforting to know I'm not the only one who feels like a fish out of water sometimes."

She sips from a small cup of tea, the steam rising in the cool autumn air. "But you know, Isolde, that's half the fun of it. We're here, we're learning, we're growing." Isolde nods, taking a bite of the pastry and savoring the sweet, buttery flavor.

She swallows, then says, "You're right. I guess I just need to... embrace the uncertainty, you know? Throw myself into the learning and the growing."

Lorren smiles encouragingly, "Exactly. And you're doing great so far. I've seen how hard you work in your studies." 

"And I have a feeling you'll do just as well with the more... adventurous pursuits if you're up for it." Lorren's eyes sparkle with mischief as she gazes into Isolde's eyes she doesn't have to day anything she knows she referring to the lunar magic. 

Isolde's heart skips a beat, the weight of Lorren's unspoken proposition hanging heavy in the air between them. Isolde couldn't help but smile, "Okay, fine!"

Lorren's eyes widen with excitement, a grin spreading across her face. "Really? You'll do it?" She leans in, "This is going to be amazing, Isolde. Just imagine what we could discover, what power we could wield."

Her hand finds yours beneath the table, giving it a squeeze. "We'll have to be careful, of course. We can't let anyone know, not even the head mage."

"We'll start small," Lorren continues, her eyes gleaming with excitement and a touch of caution.

"Just a simple potion, to test the waters. And we'll keep it a secret, between just the two of us." She leans back in her seat, her grip on your hand softening but not letting go entirely. "There's a secluded spot in the castle gardens, near the old well. It's perfect for what we need."