All most there. I just don't want it to end. 4,500

Abiram said. “You only have six years? I am looking at nine or ten at least. But I am double majoring. The leaders have said they will give my intended a waver so she can take medic classes. I am going to tell her that she is free to take any classes she wants to. Berviel insists that all students take an introductory class on magic and that is bound to be the darkest classes she will run into. I just hope mingling so much with mages won’t bother her to much. I know that most of the lab spaces are over on the Amberviel campus and so it is likely she will have classes over there as well.”

Sara said. “Also what about clothing? I mean if she wares the habit she is likely to get more notice. Will the elders allow her to go about in long dresses? They would still cover, but not stand out as much. That is something else you will want to talk about with her. It might help if she knows they do offer cooking classes as well. Perhaps pick up a catalog so she can see there are fitting things she can study if she is not interested in the medical classes. Though it sounds like they think she will be?” Not for the first time she was wondering when and how much they guys knew about there intended. The girls were not told so much as a name before the baptism and the start of the courting time.

Abiram said. “That is a good point. I hadn’t thought about the habit I will ask about it. Yes, they feel she would be a good medic, and is showing interest in that area. No I do not know who, but they let that much slip. I still haven’t told Father. I thought I would tonight. It seems best he know now and has time to get used to the idea. I am not going to tell him there is a good chance I will be working with mages on some things. However I will tell him that some of my classes will be at Amberviel. I don’t feel right keeping that back. It is a five year garneted, but will continue as long as my grades are good, and will extend to my wife once I marry. I have to be in a dorm the first year, but after that I can ask for am apartment and move when there is one for me. Like I said, it is five years extendable with books included and a spending allowance. I am still nervous about the mage school connection but a chance to be at the first ranked school was to good not to grab. I mean it goes a long way to showing that you do not have to use magic.”

Zac said. “It is not us you need to convince, but I think he will agree that is a valid point, having the leaders behind you will help. My parents and older siblings know my plans but father has asked I wait to declare it openly. But this is not open. So this is what I will be declare when we announce our choices. I have accepted a six year full ride scholarship to Yesvan, the fifth ranked school in the nation. It is also a mage school. Therefore I will not be accepting the vows. However I hope that the community will benefit from the work I do, even though I am outside it. I am to start in mid July, as I will need time to get settled in out there. I think that will work, I hope it will. I will leave the rest up to my father. But I will tell you all clearly. I think you know I am a healer, I am all so a mage. I do not yet know which is stronger, but suspect it is that later of the two. What I did to help out at school means that not train both gifts will destroy me, and likely a good bit of the area around me when I go. I was all ready at that point with my healing abilities, but feeding her power took more than what my healing gifts alone could do. I would do it again, with no hesitation. However I was going to take the classes. It was a part of the agreement. The six years is really eight, and will be more. It includes books and spending money. Not bad for a school that high. Jack’s was up to four years and the same spending allowance. But like he said, as tempting as it was that is not the place for me. Though I likely will visit from time to time. Now then you have to decide if this will be the last time we talk. I am not shunned, but if you feel you can not associate with me once I am in school I will understand. My father has not yet said what he will do. I know it is a very gray area.” There was a tense silence when he finished speaking.

Abiram broke it after a few minuets. “That is a good offer, and Yesvan is a hard school to get into. Harder than Berviel actually. I didn’t know they recruited anyone. So just what school is Jack with anyway? I don’t think you ever told me.”

Sara said. “I will answer you. But first I want you to answer something. I need you to really think about it, and answer truly, not what you think I want to hear. Can you?” He nodded looking puzzled, more so as Zac nodded and smiled at her encouragingly. “We are supposing here, mind you. As you said Amberviel shares a good many classes with Berviel. So students at both schools mingle right? Well then what if someone from here was at Amberviel? It is a mage school and so they would not be there with even a hint of approval. Would that bother you, take you away from your studies? Cause you to change your mind about going?”

Abiram was clearly puzzled, more so as it was plane the other two knew why she was asking. “No, why would it? If they never joined the church I would have no reason to avoid them, and if they were shunned it needn’t be no different than seeing them on the street would be. It would be a bit uncomfortable, but workable. And the elders make allowances, as long as it is related to work you are permitted to speak with the shunned. I can see no reason why it would be a problem.”

Sara said. “Jack is at Amberviel, and I do have a good offer from them, perhaps to good. But then I started off with a four year scholarship from them.”

Zac’s jaw dropped. Tim blinked. “I never heard of Amberviel offering four years a first offer.”

Zac said. “Just what were your scores? I knew they were good. But Wow really? And you said there was nothing tempting! I can’t even think where they went from there.”

Sara was watching Abiram and hardly noticed there reactions. “Now dose that change things? Knowing what Jack’s school is and the offer I have?”

Abiram said. “I was wondering why he would be visiting Jack, but it was you wasn’t it? You are really going to leave. Am I the last to know it? No it doesn’t change my answer. It will be nice to have you there if a bit odd to think of you at a mage school. Why didn’t you tell me? I am stunned, but not upset. I just whish you had of talked to me, let me know how you felt. You are sure you want to do this?”

Sara said. “Father is going to disown me when I do not stand forth and say I am joining the sister church. Mother all ready has. I am not sure you want me so close under those circumstances. I have other offers I can take.”

Abiram looked at her confused not sure he had heard right. “What do you mean? Surly not! Yes I want you there. You are my sister, having you there will help me, and you can help my intended to settle in. I do not see why there would be reason to cut you out just because you can not swear to our church. I hate that you will be out in the world, but you have taken no vows. Perhaps one day you will, once you have what you need. It is your right as much as mine to try what is in the world and see where you fit. What other offer could you be considering? I mean what could fit your needs better. Is there one doing more work on the weather systems? That is what has you going isn’t it?”

Shaking a bit Sara took out her charm, and bought time by written to Viv. ‘see u at amb’. That done she looked up. “I am sure he will, he told me so. Last Sunday when he walked me home, he basically said that no child of his would ever leave the light. Not in those words but I got the message. Then latter that night Mother came to my room and said I should just tell him so they could deal with the failure and recover from it. Said that I needed to remember that here you ran on a different path them us of the world and I needed to be careful what I brought to Anna’s door. I wanted to stop her, tell her she was wrong and had no right to treat me like an outside. But instead I let her leave and shut the door on me. I let her tell me that I was not a family member with out contesting. After she was gone I wrote Father a letter and by the time it was done I knew. Am, I am sorry, but I can’t stay in the shadows waiting to be asked before saying what I see. Not anymore. I just can’t be what the church needs me to be. I whish I could.” She jumped and looked down at the charm. “I am not fit for life here or in the sister church. I don’t know that I ever could have.  I thought I could but. Well.”

Zac said “Everything all right with Viv? I am sorry, I know it is going to be hard on you. Harder than for me, as I have had time to plan and adjust. I have been fully aware since before we went to the test I was just act a part.”

Sara said. “I think you were ten the first time I heard you say you were going to leave the church. Though you were careful about saying anything if you knew I was around, so likely you had told Ab that long before then. Yes it is fine, Viv is just very happy and wants details. I think I am going to have to see if the school will send her a direct letter. She can tell I am upset but can’t tell why, and that is not something you can explain in so few words.”

Abiram said. “She didn’t know? Why didn’t she?”

Sara said. “I was going to tell her after I signed the consideration Monday. I wanted to wait just incase I couldn’t sign it. I went to the office as I had left the offer in my locker. When I got there I was told there was some urgent mail, as well as a new offer, for me and it needed an answer. I had finished answering it and was getting ready to sign the paper when I felt the storm. I just jumped and ran to the door. It is a good thing they followed to see what was wrong with me. I don’t know how long it would have taken me to say something if they hadn’t. I was entrapped by the storm but when they spoke it freed me, so I was able to help. I did stop by and sign the paper before I started knocking on doors. Of course I had no idea what it said. I didn’t sit down and read it until this morning. But I figured it wouldn’t be any thing less than the other offers, so would be safe enough.”

Tim said. “Just how high were you in the tests?”

Zac said. “What was the offer? And wait you had a new one Monday? But.”

Sara said. “It was the storm stuff. They liked what I did. It was something none of them found so it made them want me enough to try anything. I likely could hold out for more, though I don’t know what that would be. I passed every area in the tests which only four did nationally, though many just barely qualified as a pass, and some I do not remember being tested on.” She looked down for a bit, wondering what to say and what not to say. There was too much to say everything at once. Should she tell them what she would be studying? She decided to go with the offer. “I will have an apartment, full stocked with a grocery allowance, a minimum eight year scholarship, a guaranteed place on the satellite team and life time access to all data from any school involved satellite. Even should I change schools at some point, I will have rights to all Amberviel data Oh and there is a spending allowance above that. They will be here the last of June, first of July to move me. That way I can take the first set of classes and get settled a bit before everyone starts. It all so means I will not have to be in the guest house as long as expected. So what do you think?”

They were shaking there heads. “I think there is something you are not saying missy. They don’t let freshmen into apartments. They are going to move you? Eight years? It all sounds a bit too unreal. Just what did it say?”

Sara started to answer but a Dryad spoke first. “We looked over the papers. It is as she said, and no hidden debts to it. If there had of been we would have stopped her. It is an honest commitment. Our best found no fault. There is nothing tying her should she wish to move to a different place. They however would still be bound by the terms. It is a good deal. Worthy of one of us. She is as puzzled as you by it. But the others were truly pleased at what she sent them. For they had not seen what she did, and therefore expect she has a big role to play in the time to come, and want to see she has what she needs.” Sara looked at them, wondering for the first time if they had a hand in the offer. “No Bright One, none of the kin did interfere with it in the least. We saw no need to.” She turned to Zac. “You need a teacher soon boy.”

Zac said. “I will be with one in two months if all goes well. My father has asked I stay that long, and it seems only fair to do as he asks if I can.”

The dryad said. “That long is doable. Eat this. It will make it easier on your teacher, and you.” The Dryad held out a round objet and watched Zac until he ate it. “Now don’t forget your lunches children.” With that she faded back into the forest.

Tim said. “That was just spooky. I didn’t know they ever spoke to us. How do they move like that?” He started set out the food, that they had forgot about. “We should eat though.”

Sara said. “Well this is a fairy grove and so not totally in the same world, laws are different here and that plays a role. Then to, well when you are not looking it is easy to miss things. You don’t expect to see the woken ones so they can hide from you easier than if you were looking. It is part illusion and part nature. They understand the world better and so can blend.”

Abiram said. “Well I guess there is no need to worry about what was hidden in the papers. If they say it is safe and a good deal, you know it is. They are master at negotiations and contracts. Still it is a bit too good. And what was that about not getting involved? And what is that title about?”

Sara said. “The way she was talking had me wondering if they played a roll in the offer. I still am not sure there wasn’t a bit of influencing going on. I am not sure what the title is about. I thought I knew, but now think I was wrong. It is not something they will explain to me yet. Perhaps some time latter.”

Zac said. “Sara may I tell Jack? He will be relived to know what you decided to do. Oh, you did remember I have a token from him didn’t you?”

Sara said. “I didn’t remember you saying anything about it, but I thought you must have one. Yes go ahead. He might all ready know. But then I can’t be sure the consideration made it to them. Sent as it was just before the storm hit here.”

Abiram said. “Just how did you know the storm was there? How much have you been talking to Jack? Are you sure this is what you want and not something he talked you into? I just am not sure about him.”

Sara shook her head. “You can read his letters if you want to. Yes he talked a lot about life on campus in them, but each one all so include a list of reason not to go. The more he said I should be there in the first part of the letter the longer the list of reasons why I should stay would be. He really did his best not to make sure I thought of everything. I don’t know why he brothers you so. I think you are seeing what is not there. He is not out to take advantage of me. He is just trying to help me do what is right for me. Sadly that means leavening.”

Abiram said. “In away I am glad there will be someone there who has made the change. Yet are you sure he is who he says? He never did say who his family was, and I find it odd.”

Sara said. “His family disowned him and so he changed his name. I find nothing odd in it. Before you ask I will not change my name, but I will still have family support, he does not. His Grandparents agreed with his father’s banning of him.”

Zac said. “You sound sure of that. I don’t know what we can find in Hammer but if you want to go shopping some time I will take you.”

Sara said. “On Grandfather’s list of things I was to buy was clothing. He told me before it was announced that I would be leavening home soon. He has been pushing me go far more than Jack has. He has me read Jack letters to him and then dose his best to counter all of the reasons given in them for me to stay. However the decision was one I had to make on my own. It was not easy, and I did not make it lightly. If I could be what I need to be. I truly wish there was a different way. I don’t want to hurt the family as I know this will. So had Jack heard? What dose he say?”

Zac said. “Jack hadn’t heard, but says he will get a place on the van they will send. You will have to resign as all contracts made with in two weeks of the storm are void. There is to be a big news cast once they know it can be heard. And that they offer moving service to anyone over a certain distance. But he is at fault for it being offered to you as he pointed out you would need it. He hopes that won’t make things worse, and wants to know if Abiram would like the same offer, if that would help it look better to your father. I told him by all means send something saying they did so.” He took a sandwich and handed it to Sara, watched her take a bite then took one for himself. “Being in the grove affects me a bit I think I was sick at the thought of eating until I started. I guess my shields are not quite right.”

Abiram frowned and reached for a sandwich. “I guess I have to get used to hearing things like that. But it is odd to think of. That is going to be one of the big adjustments.”

Zac said. “Likely you won’t hear much really. More likely to see something. I mean I don’t see why they would go around talking about it most times. But a mage has to use the gift once they start to. Some of that will likely be things that can be seen. Like items moving on there own. I just, well I get tired of hiding. It is nice to be able to say it.”

Abiram said. “It must have been hard on you to know and not say anything. To have to make that choice can’t have been easy. I am sorry you had to make it. I can not say I agree with it, but I do not condom you for it. However in light of what Sara has said it raise new questions. I mean why is it worse for her to go study weather then for you? It is not just the parents involved, though I do not think yours will react so strongly, but the community will also be fast to speak against her.”

Tim said. “It is accepted that some boys will leave, but not so of girls. Perhaps it is time some changes were made. But still, having a daughter leave is a big deal.”

Sara nodded. “We are to be beacons, showing the path. When we leave then it looks like our teaching failed. It is thought that if we were taught right then we would be unwavering, therefore my going as seen as a failure on the part of my parents. When a boy leave as seen as changeable but a girl is not expected to return. For what can relight a beacon so damaged that it fell?”

Tim said. “Sara you are very good at avoiding what it is you are going to be studying. You said you had a right year minimum scholarship. So how long will you be in school?”

Sara bit her lip. “Well I don’t know that I will ever be done really. But I will need at least ten years, likely sixteen, before being thought fit to work on my own. However, if I like Amberviel well enough I might just stay on there.”

Abiram said. “The weather programs I looked at weren’t that long.”

Sara said. “Well I am studying history, math, geography, and well a bit of everything as well as weather. I am not sure I will find a good place to stop. I want to see what I like and what I don’t. They are giving me the freedom to do so. There is a set up for those that need the basics, so I can try the things I was not permitted to. At some point, if I stay there, I will be considered an employee of the University, but employees can take classes for free, so nothing will really change. Abiram I said in my letter that I was going to talk to you before signing with Amberviel.”

Abiram said. “I plan on telling everyone at dinner tonight. I thought it best he have time to get used to the idea and the family diner seemed like the right place to announce it.”

Sara said. “Yes I think that will be best. We had best get these baskets full and get back. So you want to tell me what you are supposed to? Or am I miss reading and Father was not asking you to talk to me? He just seemed a bit to eager for use to go. Usually he frowns a bit and says something about not being gone to long. What? It helps to know how to read him.”

Abiram shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. I told him it was your choices to make and I was not going to interfere with it. He wanted us to find out what school was after you.”

Zac said. “I told him that the only one you had named was a sister school. I didn’t tell him witch one, and there were some at the center. They just didn’t have weather programs, but Ivy was there and they have a good history program. I did tell him that so he might think you have an offer from them.”

Sara said. “Six years, books and allowance, single room in the dorms, with an in room fire place. The dorm looked cute, more like a cottage than most dorms I saw pics of. Sadly it was never in the running. I had it down to two schools. Redvine was my second school, it is behind in the satellite program but has other factors in its favor. It will likely launch a more advanced satellite, but will be at least half a year latter in doing so.”

Zac shook his head. Tim said. “Interesting, another mage school. So Zac how long will you be stuck at the school? I mean once you start studying that magic stuff you have to stay don’t you?”

Zac said. “Well I can change schools, but yes I agree to be under supervision until judged fit. Visiting Amberviel will be no problem, as it is a mage school. So I will likely spend the holidays there until I can go longer unsupervised. How long that takes depends on how long it takes me to get control, which will happen well before I am judged ready. Control just means the student is safe to spend a week or two with out a teacher around, but not more than three. Learning never ends, but most are found ready to study on there own in less than sixteen years.