Tafel sat in her seat and closed her eyes. A minute later, she opened them. Her horns glowed silver, and a portal appeared by her side. She stood up and retrieved a stone tablet, placing it on the floor. Thirty-six tablets later, there wasnt much space to walk. Luckily, her room in Vurs palace was gigantic. When all the tablets were in place, Tafel stood on top of her chair to help her see all the contents at the sa ti.
The door creaked open, and Tafel turned her head. A small movent caught her eye, and she saw Stella flying into the room. The fairy queen glanced around before landing on the demons shoulder. So, this is where you were hiding, Stella said.
Tafel rolled her eyes. I wasnt hiding, she said. I told Vur I was going to study the translation Minerva gave .
Stella rubbed her chin and stared at the tablets on the ground. Werent you really interested in learning these spells? she asked. Why are you only starting to read these now?
Tafel scratched her head. Mostly because of Emile, she said. He thought I had an unhealthy obsession with getting stronger because of how hard I was studying, and Minerva was also making the sa point. Although she said I wasnt possessed, I just wanted to make sure, so I tested myself.
By buying gifts for everyone you knewexcept for and putting off learning the spells to show they werent controlling your actions?
Thats right, Tafel said and nodded. She crossed her arms over her chest and made a point to look the fairy queen in the eyes. Vur told he got you an armadillo from that auction. Dont act like you didnt receive a present.
I got a present from Vur, but not from you, Stella said and shook her head. I know Vur cares about , but your lack of a gift is making doubt how much I an to you.
Wheres the gift from you to ? Tafel asked and raised an eyebrow. Why is this a one-way thing?
Stella shrugged. Im not the one who went on a gifting spree. No one I care about got a gift from , but everyone you care aboutexcept for got a present. She clutched her chest and stared at Tafel with teary eyes. Her lips trembled, and after a few seconds, Tafel caved.
Alright, what do you want? the demon asked with a dark expression.
The fairy queens eyes lit up. Oh, nothing much, she said. Spending ti with you is the greatest gift I could ever have. Ill just sit right here while you learn all these new spells.
Youre interested in the Tricksters Book too, huh?
Stella nodded. Who isnt?
Vur, for one, Tafel said. Then, she shifted her gaze onto the tablet in the top left corner. She pointed at it. Thats the first page, and it goes in order from there.
Stella took a seat on Tafels shoulder, sitting in a cross-legged position. She propped her elbows up on her knees, and planted her face against her palms. She squinted at the tablet for a while before letting out a sigh. Learning spells is too difficult as a fairy, she said and shook her head. Its not fair.
Well, demons cant exactly sneeze on people to curse them, Tafel said, shifting her eyes to look at Stella. And we cant turn people into various animals either.
I dont know how to polymorph either, Stella said and sighed. Only fairies from Erins lineage can do that.
Tafel shrugged. My point still stands. Everyone has certain things theyre good at, and no one can learn everything.
Except Vur, Stella said.
Tafel sighed. Except Vur. She scratched her head. I suppose other blue mages could learn everything too.
Stella snorted. If a blue mage that wasnt Vur tried to learn a dragons skill, theyd die.
***
In the middle of the ocean, a massive boat with three sails left white wakes as it cut across the surface of the water. Keith stood next to Danielle, the two resting their elbows against the railing of the ship. Danielles face was pale, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
Alright, theres no need to be ashad, Keith said, his hand patting Danielles back. We all get seasick sotis. This might be the most stable boat Ive ever ridden on, but that doesnt an anything.
Shut up, Danielle said and took in a deep breath. Why do you always talk so much nonsense?
Keith scratched his head. Maybe its my nerves? he asked. Arent you afraid of dying? Were off on a mission to hunt a dragon that destroyed a continent.
Danielle shrugged. At least were prepared, she said. In the end, a dragon is still a living thing. Stab it, and it bleeds. If it bleeds enough, it dies. Its as simple as that.
Yep, Keith said. If we get bitten by a dragon, our legs will be severed from our torsos, and if were unlucky, well slowly bleed out in agony. If were lucky, well be crushed between its massive jaws and given a swift death. Its as simple as that.
If youre scared, you can jump off this boat, Danielle said. I dont think that woman cares enough about you to fish you out of the water. Even if she wants to, its easy to disappear into the ocean.
Yeah, easy to disappear into a leviathans stomach, Keith said and snorted. He swallowed and turned his head to the side, facing Danielle. You know, Ive never really gotten the chance to tell you this before, but since it seems like were going to die, Ill just say it. I really
Shut up. If you say one more word, Ill slit your throat, Danielle said and glared at Keith. There have been plenty of tis where we about to die. This ti isnt any different, so dont give none of that were going to die nonsense.
Keith scratched his head. Is that a rejection?
Yes.
Well, damn. It looks like Im dying single.
Seriously, Danielle said and clutched the railing of the boat. Can you go bother soone else? Before Keith could reply, a stream of vomit flew out of Danielles mouth and splashed into the ocean.
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