Alexandria held her hand out for a handshake, a surprising gesture considering the difference in our ranks. I reached out and clasped her offered hand, noting with interest the strength of her grip. She clearly kept herself healthy, likely spending plenty of time training to stay in top condition. I could tell she was a great beauty when she was younger, and something about her features seemed familiar. Glancing down at the books I had selected, she let out an amused sounding scoff.

“Would you like any assistance looking through the archives? I spend most of my time in between these shelves for my own research, so I am quite familiar with many of the best in our collection. Not to sound rude, but you seem a little lost and out of your element.” Alexandria said.

Laughing a little at the truth of her statement, I decided to take her offer into consideration. I had turned down the elderly record keeper but Alexandria gave off an air of intelligence and approachability that emboldened me.

“If it would be no trouble to you, then yes I could use some help. I am looking for books on Aether, specifically focused on Mages who had an Aether aspect and their experiences.”

Alexandria raised her eyebrows in surprise at my words, clearly not expecting the reply.

“Now why in Ferris would you want to study Aether? That is an advanced subject, not the sort of thing for a total novice like you to delve into so early. I know fully trained Mages who have gone decades without bothering to look into that field.” she said, as she reached down and grabbed the books I was holding.

I considered what to say to this woman, but knew I had no real chance of producing a believable lie on the spot. I would have to hope if I told her the truth it would not eventually backfire on me.

“I found out that I have an Aether aspect and from what I have read, it is more dangerous to the user than anyone else. Specifically, I have heard that having an Aether aspect usually shortens a Mage’s life much more than any other type of Mana. I was hoping these books could give me a lead on ways to stave off some of that threat to my life.” I said after a few seconds of thought.

“An Aether Mage, now that is an interesting development indeed. You are likely the only living Mage in the Kingdom with that particular aspect, certainly the only in Volaris. I can see why you would be eager to find answers to that particular problem. Certainly not good news to learn you will die much younger than most Mages. But if I may say, the books you chose are, to put it bluntly, drivel and quite useless for your situation. You may find specks of wisdom hidden in their pages, but mostly it would be a waste of your time and energy. Follow me.” Alexandria replied with a hint of distaste as she examined the titles.

Turning, she began walking down another row of books without another word. I chased after her hastily, as she moved quickly through the Library. Stopping abruptly, Alexandria reached up and grabbed an extremely large tome that likely had a thousand pages, if not more. Spinning to face me, she held the book out for me with a satisfied look.

“This is a historical account on Aether across the centuries, with personal accounts from nearly every Aether Mage to ever live in Ferris. It includes accounts of training exercises, experiments and methods of strengthening the body to withstand Mana-burn associated with your particular talent, though I cannot speak for the effectiveness of any of them. I would personally recommend you return these ‘books’ and instead order a copy of this from the archives for your own collection.”

Taking the offered book from her, I turned it over in my hands. Both the front and back cover were covered in a rich black leather with an intricate circular design inlaid in bright gold. The title on the spine was simply “A Study on Aether”, also printed in the same golden color as on the covers. We returned the other books and Alexandria led me back towards the entrance of the library, continuing to ask me questions as we walked.

“I am quite surprised such a young man is so interested in studying rather than training. Not many students would already be down at a library looking for more reading material. Most would be far more eager to learn new spells or ways to do battle, not read dusty accounts of long-dead Mages.” Alexandria said in a curious tone.

“Truthfully, I plan to become better in combat as well but rushing ahead has never been my nature. I would rather get a good foundation and have a plan first, so I can minimize mistakes later. And I already have learned to touch my Mana, though I have a long way to go before I mastered that skill.” I explained carefully.

I had already considered attempting to learn spells on my own, but resolved to get better control of Mana before I got to that stage. The pain I felt had me worried, and caution was essential or I would meet the same fate I had seen in my visions. A part of my mind felt I should be more cautious about sharing too much information with this woman, but something told me I could trust her.

“A wise choice, a hastily constructed foundation often leads to injuries rather than improvement. And being able to already manipulate Mana so soon after your Awakening is remarkable, certainly faster than most Apprentices. Correct me if I am mistaken, but I would guess the Duke would not appreciate you learning too much about defending yourself. Tell me, what do you hope to accomplish during your time at my school? It seems you desire more than to just be a simple advisor” Alexandria asked, her voice remarkably persuasive to my ears.

I noticed absentmindedly that we had left the Library and were now walking back towards the main square. I could not completely recall when we had done so, but I vaguely remembered making a copy of the book Alexandria had recommended. As her question rang in my ears, I felt a strange honesty fall over me and I answered with a clarity I had not really felt before.

“No, the Duke would likely be furious and disown me. Part of that may be why I am already down here, seeking ways to become a better Mage. I... I want to become stronger, to be out of the control of others and live my own life. If I stay weak, others will continue to dominate my life and make decisions for me, even if that means using me. If I stay the way I am, I will never truly be free. I will do whatever it takes to avoid my destiny, no matter how much I have to grow through to get there.” I answered after a minute of thinking.

“Even if that means betraying your home? Your lord? Your King even?” Alexandria probed, a strange echoing note to her voice.

I knew I should lie and deny her accusations. Admitting was high treason and carried at a minimum permanent banishment from Ferris, if not execution. Yet despite that, I felt as if I was in a trance and answered with just a dull nod.

“I can see why he is so interested in you. Your raw ambition would serve his purposes wonderfully, though I am sure you know nothing about that. Not yet at least. I am glad I had a chance to examine you a little more closely. I always have never trusted the opinions of others, as it rarely ends well. You see my son has learned some of my skills, but his talent at touching the minds of men was always far below my own. He treats minds as if they are a painting to be admired, rather than a book to be carefully read and examined. A true shame that my life’s work may very well die with me. Regardless, I will have to keep a closer eye on you, though as I am sure you understand I will have to make sure you are unaware of this. Good luck with your studies, and I do hope I will not end up needing to kill you.” Alexandria said with a smile and laugh.

Before I could process Alexandria’s words and ask what she was talking about, she leaned in close and tapped my forehead with two fingers. The instant her fingers made contact with me, my vision blurred and my head throbbed with a splitting headache. The world became a dizzying mixture of disjointed sounds and lights and I felt myself falling to the side.

Blinking a few times, I shook off a strange lethargy that had settled over me. I was back in the main square of the Academy with a thick book clutched in my hands, half leaning against a nearby wall. I could recall entering the Library, retrieving a few books and bumping into someone, a woman, I think.

After a few seconds of concentration, I remembered that it had been another record keeper who had directed me to a better choice before assisting me in creating a copy for my own collection. She had been polite but quiet, only giving me simple instructions. The rest of the last few minutes were somewhat muddled in my memory, as if I was half-asleep.

Strange, I must be far more tired from today’s events than I had realized. It made sense though I thought, as I considered just how much I had accomplished today. My sleep the night before had been restless, and I had been very busy the past several hours. I decided to cut the day short and get some rest rather than continue exploring the Academy.

First thing tomorrow morning, I could visit the exercise facilities and begin a regime to train myself into something resembling a healthy young man. After that, I would still need to start my newest book as well as continue with my Mana cultivation. I had too much to finish and not nearly enough time in the day.

After stopping by the dining hall to grab a small snack to take back with me, I returned to my room. Taking an hour, I finished the two books I had started earlier in the day as I picked at my impromptu dinner. The book on Mana cultivation confirmed my fears that I had been hasty to begin channeling Mana, which was unwelcome news. But I was confident I could begin rectifying that immediately and solve the issue entirely in due time.

Glancing over at my window, I noticed that the sun had set and night had fallen. I had developed a throbbing headache at some point in the past few hours, which combined with the mental fog that had begun to settle over my thoughts told me I needed sleep.

I quickly washed off in my bathroom, experimenting with the settings before settling happily into the hot water. The tub was as massive as I had thought, and almost seemed closer to a communal bath rather than one designed for a single fifteen-year old.

After drying off and changing into something to sleep in, I moved into my somewhat-disconcertingly large bedroom. Laying down in my new bed for the first time, it began to finally sink in that I was a full Apprentice. Yet despite the deep sense of satisfaction I felt, I could not shake the strangest sense of uneasiness, as if I was forgetting something vital even as I fell into a deep sleep.