On their way toward the gates, Gregory’s pace slowed. “Look,” he murmured, motioning off to the side where Petak was pushing a broom.
Yukiko shook her head. “Guess that’s his punishment for trying to burn you and getting Dunn, instead.”
“Think he’ll give Laozi any trouble?”
“I doubt it. I think that old man is more capable than we’ve seen.”
Gregory nodded as they kept walking. “He does seem very calm about everything.”
Reaching the gate, the adept in charge gave them the standard warning of being back before sundown. A minute later, they’d arrived at the main street and saw a dozen rickshaws waiting. The first one in line was the rickshaw driver they’d used on most of their previous days off.
“Good morning,” Gregory greeted the man. “We’d like to go to the park where you’ve taken us before.”
“Yes, sir,” the driver grinned as he took the coin Gregory offered him.
“I’d forgotten all about us getting stipends until this morning,” Yukiko said.
“I’m glad they give it out every day off. My plans would have been severely curtailed, otherwise,” Gregory said.
“You don’t have to do anything for my birthday, dear one. Just being with you is enough,” Yukiko murmured as she rested her hand on his knee.
“After what you did for me? I have to repay that at least some, Yuki. It isn’t much, but I do hope you like it.”
“I will. Anything from you will be treasured.”
Gregory gave her a soft smile. “It’s the same for me, but I want it to be special.”
“I understand, dear one. I’m looking forward to what you have planned.”
It didn’t take them long to get to the park. Thanking the rickshaw driver, the two of them walked to the middle of the park, where a gazebo sat.
“We need to do our meditation for the day, so I thought we’d start with it,” Gregory said. “That’ll be all three paths at least touched upon for today.”
Yukiko gave him a smile. “A relaxing day?”
“We were told to relax during our days off. We are, even if we aren’t giving up on the training. I know that you feel the same as I do about it.”
“I do,” Yukiko nodded as she moved a dozen feet away from him. “An hour?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
~*~*~
Gregory sighed when the hour came to an end. The cavern eluded him, as he couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d planned for the day. He’d still been able to trance and do the stretches, but it wasn’t as deep as it could’ve been.
Yukiko ended her routine at the same time and met his eyes. “I couldn’t find the cavern.”
“Too excited?”
“Yes.”
“I understand. Now, we get to move on to the next part of my surprise for you.”
Yukiko’s smile grew, her eyes sparkling. “I wonder what it will be.”
“First, back to the main street to find a rickshaw.”
“Hmm, so down to the lower ring, at least,” Yukiko said as they started walking.
Gregory chuckled. “Maybe it’s the outer ring?”
Yukiko considered for a minute. “No, I don’t think it will be.”
“We’ve never gone to the outer ring to look around. Maybe I just want to see the rest of the city with you.”
“Like our first day off together? It’s a possibility, but I don’t think that’s our destination.”
Gregory stayed quiet as they walked, not wanting to give her any hints.
They quickly made it back to the main street. After a few minutes of walking down toward the lower city, Gregory saw an empty rickshaw and flagged him down.
“Yes, sir?” the driver asked, coming over to them.
Gregory leaned in, speaking softly before giving the man some vela, “The Rough Gem, please, and don’t let the lady know.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Thank you,” Gregory said before he motioned to Yukiko. “After you.”
Yukiko kept her face impassive as she got in. She felt bad that she’d overheard him— one of the things her heritage had given her was better than standard hearing. She fidgeted as the driver got them moving, wondering if she should tell him.
“Yuki? Is something wrong?” Gregory asked, seeing her uncomfortableness.
“I’m sorry, Greg. I didn’t mean to… but my hearing is very good because…”
Gregory’s brow furrowed for a moment before he nodded, giving her a soft smile. “Well, the cat’s out of the bag. I don’t blame you, Yuki. You know the destination, but not the reason.”
Yukiko glanced at him from the corner of her eye, seeing him calm and not upset. “I know you wanted to surprise me.”
“Did you guess where we were going?” Gregory asked, placing his hand on hers.
“No.”
“Then my surprise worked. It was just revealed a bit early.”
Yukiko’s lips pulled up when she heard only love in his tone. “You’re going to buy me something.”
“Yes. It was finished last night, from what Dia told me.”
Yukiko blinked. “How long?”
“Nearly a week… the moment we thought of joining Aether’s Guard. I knew if we did, we’d have a stipend. I asked Dia privately how much the stipend would be, and was happy to hear it would be enough for my surprises to work. I was planning to sell some things, otherwise.”
Yukiko lapsed into silence as she thought about what he was doing for her. Swallowing, she placed her other hand atop his. “You didn’t have to go so far.”
“Maybe, but I wanted to go further… so much further.”
“I understand, dear one. I truly do,” Yukiko said, squeezing his hand. “I want to do everything I can to make your life better.”
“Two peas in a pod,” Gregory murmured as he squeezed her hand back.
Yukiko leaned over and gave his cheek a quick kiss. “Peas in a pod is a good way to describe it.”
Gregory blinked, not having expected the kiss. Public displays of affection weren’t well regarded by society. Glancing her way, he found her cheeks dusted pink, but she was smiling. Shaking his head, he smiled back at her.
~*~*~
Gregory helped Yukiko out of the rickshaw when they reached Rough Gem. Thanking the driver before he led Yukiko to the door of the shop, Gregory felt butterflies in his gut. She said she’d love anything, but will she really feel that way when she sees it? She’s seen and probably owned jewelry worth a hundred times what I had made for her… He pushed his anxiety down and opened the door for her. “After you, dear one.”
Yukiko gave him a bright smile as she entered the shop. The interior was lit by the large window in the front, as well as two lanterns that were aimed to point at the display case at the counter.
The woman behind the counter smiled when she saw the two of them enter the shop. “Welcome to the Rough Gem. Are you shopping for something significant?”
“I’m Gregory Pettit. I had a piece commissioned, and I’m here to pay for it and pick it up.”
The woman’s smile grew wider. “Oh, let me get the master. Please, wait just a moment.”
The two of them looked over the display together while they waited. The curtain to the back parted, revealing the woman and a middle-aged man.
“I’m Blon Wesla, the jeweler. Did you want to present the item now?”
“Now is fine,” Gregory said as he pulled out a small pouch, setting it on the counter. “The agreed-upon price.”
The jeweler took the pouch. “I’ll bring the piece out. One moment.”
When Blon stepped into the back, the woman stepped up to the counter. “Is there anything else we can do for you?”
“Not at the moment, but possibly in the future,” Gregory replied.
“Very well,” she replied.
Blon came back out a few minutes later, holding a small case in his hands. He set it down for Gregory. “Here you are, sir.”
Gregory gave him a nod before he slid it in front of Yukiko. “Dear one, this is for you.”
Yukiko took a deep breath, resting her hand on the case and opening it. Her eyes widened fractionally as she gazed at the object inside. A gleaming wrist cuff sat on a velvet bed. Two gems came together at the center of the cuff, forming a heart. Picking it up with care, she saw the engraving and her breath left her in a rush: My heart is yours, as your heart is mine. Always together. Not saying anything, Yukiko opened the cuff and slipped it onto her wrist, closing it with a wide smile.
“You like it?” Gregory asked, not sure how she felt about it.
“I do, dear one,” Yukiko said, her eyes bright with happy tears held in check.
“It’s made from cobalt, so the metal is durable and won’t need special care,” Blon said. “Some mistake it for silver or other metal.”
“Cobalt, topaz, and peridot…” Yukiko said, her eyes fixed on Gregory’s, “and very well made. To manage it in less than a week, too? Very good craftsmanship.”
Blon blinked, not expecting the young woman to know so much. “Thank you.”
Gregory felt his heart unclench when she said she liked it. “I’m glad. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes,” Yukiko replied.
Gregory pulled his gaze away from Yukiko’s cyan eyes. “Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be back for more in the future.”
“I’m always glad for more business and repeat customers,” Blon said, bowing his head to them. “May you have a good day.”
“Thank you,” Yukiko smiled.
Leaving the shop, Gregory was glad to see an empty rickshaw coming their way and flagged them down. When the driver stopped for them, Gregory was quick to hand over some vela. “Stabled Hunger, please.”
The driver’s face twitched into a frown, but it swiftly vanished. “Of course, sir.”
When they were moving, Yukiko took Gregory’s hand. “It’s lovely… thank you. It fits wonderfully.”
“I had to draw the diameter of your wrist for him,” Gregory chuckled. “Luckily, I had a good idea of your size.”
“It’s a touch loose, but not enough to bother. The rounded edges are a nice touch. It’ll be less likely to dig into me. The stones and inscription, though… They’re beautiful. Our birthstones and the heart being half and half, showing we share our hearts with each other…”
“I’m happy he managed it. I was worried it would be late.”
“You paid to have it done in time, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I wanted it to be today.”
“I would wait, Greg. Never feel like you have to rush a gift for me. If you just let me know it’s being worked on, I’ll gladly wait for it. My upbringing is hard to disregard at moments like that.”
Gregory nodded. “I’ll remember your wish, Yuki.”
“Stabled Hunger?” Yukiko asked, changing the subject. “Are we having a private meal?”
“You’re very astute, dear one. It’ll be hard to keep a secret if you have information to work with.”
“I don’t want to ruin your surprises,” Yukiko said, squeezing his hand. “I’ll do my best not to. That place is going to be special to us, considering what happened there.”
“When we could both accept our hearts,” Gregory nodded. “I’ll always be fond of it for that reason if no other, though the food, staff, and clientele are all good reasons to enjoy it, too.”
“I agree.”
~*~*~
Entering Stabled Hunger, they were greeted by Ramon from behind the bar. “Novices, the room is ready for you. Nessa!”
Nessa, Ramon’s daughter, came hurrying into the taproom. “Everything is ready!” she said quickly.
“Well, take them!” Ramon said in the exasperated voice of a father.
“Oh, right.” Standing up straighter, Nessa dipped a curtsy. “Novices, if you will follow me, I will escort you to your dining room.”
Both Gregory and Yukiko smiled at her formality. “Thank you, Nessa,” Yukiko said.
They were taken to the same private room they used when eating with Yukiko’s parents. This time, it had a different atmosphere: candles illuminated the room, the light scent of cherries filled the area, and crystal glasses were sitting on the tables with the china.
Yukiko slowed as she entered, taking in the room as her heart swelled for the man she loved. “Oh, Greg…”
“We won’t get many chances to court, Yuki. I thought it best to officially start on an important day for you,” Gregory said, his voice thick with emotion.
Yukiko gave him a bright smile as she took her seat. “It means so much to me.”
Gregory’s smile matched hers. “I’m glad you like it.”
“Your beverage is a dark cherry tea,” Nessa said as she poured for them. “We were told it was a brunch, so Mother prepared the food to match your request.”
“That’s why breakfast was lighter than normal for us. I had wondered,” Yukiko said.
“Dinner will be a good meal, too,” Gregory said.
“I’ll bring your food,” Nessa said, giving them a curtsy before she left, wearing a large smile.
“I believe she’s a romantic,” Yukiko giggled when the door closed.
“When we finish eating, I’ve arranged for a rickshaw to be waiting to take us to Gin’s old home,” Gregory told her. “We can spend a few hours there before we have to return to the academy.”
Yukiko’s eyes glinted as she thought of many things they could do, then sighed, shelving most of them. “That might be dangerous.”
Gregory nodded. “Yes, I thought it might be. The last part of your gift will be there. And before you jump to any further thoughts,” Gregory said, seeing her eyes start to light up again, “it won’t be any of the things that would upset your father.”
Yukiko’s cheeks heated and she gave him a sharp smile. “You presume to know what I was thinking?”
“I don’t, but I know what I thought of before I arranged your last gift to make sure we didn’t.”
Yukiko sighed wistfully and gave him a soft smile. “I love you, dear one. Thank you for helping us avoid the temptation we both feel.”
Gregory’s brow furrowed in pain. “It’s difficult. I hope Darkness doesn’t take too long for us.”
“Aether, please…” Yukiko whispered without thought. When the words registered, she looked at Gregory, who was giving her a wry grin. Cheeks heating again, she stared into his eyes and her tone shifted, “Aether… please?”
Gregory’s face flushed red and he coughed, pulling his gaze away from her as Yukiko giggled. Gregory was just starting to control himself when a knock came to the door a few seconds before Nessa entered.
“Your meal,” Nessa said, not having any idea of the byplay she’d missed.
“Thank you, Nessa,” Yukiko said. “What’re we having?”
“Cherry bane fowl with sides of cherry rice and lightly sautéed vegetables,” Nessa replied. She placed plates down in front of them both. “I’ll be back to check on you. Please, enjoy.”
When the door closed behind Nessa, Yukiko nodded. “That explains the cherry incense. It was making me hungry for cherries.”
“Vana made excellent food for us before,” Gregory said. “I’m sure this will be no different.”
“I agree,” Yukiko said. “Thank you for this birthday meal, my heart.”
“It’s my pleasure to make you happy, my heart,” Gregory replied.
~*~*~
Nessa came back to check on them as they were finishing the last bites on their plates. “Did you enjoy it?”
“Your mother is a great cook,” Yukiko said.
“Everything was perfect,” Gregory added.
“I’ll let her know,” Nessa beamed. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Two bitter beans, with butter and sugar on the side,” Gregory said, “and the dessert.”
Nessa collected the empty dishes. “I’ll bring them right back.”
“Dessert?” Yukiko asked when Nessa left. “If it’s too big, I might not be able to go anywhere.”
“I’m positive Vana will make sure it isn’t too much,” Gregory chuckled.
“That’s true. She seems to know how much her guests can handle.”
The dessert was cherry tarts, which they both devoured with glee. With the meal ended, Nessa thanked them for their patronage. Gregory pulled out most of what was left of his stipend, making sure he paid before they finished their bitter bean.
“Thank you again, dear one,” Yukiko said as they got up to leave. “It was wonderful. Another bite and I might not have been able to walk.”
“I could carry you,” Gregory said, “but I’m sure that would be frowned upon.”
“Not by me,” Yukiko said.
“Come on— your final gift awaits you,” Gregory said as he opened the door. “Dinner tonight is from everyone.”
As they entered the taproom, they found a small gathering of eurtiks, who gave them wide smiles and greeted them. One of them was Mumisa, Murium’s mother. Yukiko guided them to her table, giving the woman a smile.
“Hello, again,” Mumisa smiled. “My daughter told me that she is employed by a clan now to care for their archive. Your clan.”
“Aether’s Guard,” Yukiko said softly. “That’s the clan we joined, but it isn’t our clan. We’re the youngest members of it.”
“Only for this year,” the same wolf-eurtik who had spoken to them last time said. “My daughter will be an adult next year. If Aether smiles, she’ll be going to the academy, and if she does, she’ll be joining your clan.”
“I wish the best for her, Mister…” Gregory trailed off.
“I’m Gufta Lyall,” the wolf-eurtik introduced himself. “My daughter is Daciana.”
“I wish the best for Daciana,” Gregory said.
“Thank you,” Gufta grinned.
“If you’ll excuse us, we have places we need to be,” Gregory said.
“Of course,” Gufta said.
“I’m ready, Greg. Sorry for the delay,” Yukiko said, having finished her conversation with Mumisa.
“It’s fine. I was talking to Gufta. A good day to you all,” Gregory said to the room as a whole.
“The rickshaw is ready,” Nessa said, coming in the front door.
“Thank you, Nessa,” Yukiko smiled. “Have a good day, and thank you for your excellent service.”
Nessa gave them a smile. “Thank you for your patronage.”
~*~*~
When they arrived at Gin’s old home, Gregory asked the rickshaw driver to return an hour before sundown, making sure the man was given a little extra to assure it. With their ride secured for later, he led Yukiko to the front door.
“The last gift is here,” Gregory grinned as he knocked on the door. “It’s a little odd, but I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will, dear one.”
The door opened a moment later, revealing an older woman that could have easily been related to Dia. “Ah, you’ve arrived. Good. Your guests are waiting for you.”
“Thank you,” Gregory said as they stepped inside and exchanged shoes for slippers. “Hopefully they haven’t waited too long?”
“Not too long,” the woman replied. “I’ll show you the way.”
“Thank you, Miss…?” Yukiko fished.
“I’m Baylyss. You know my sister, Dia,” she replied.
That statement hit Gregory like a battering ram. He knew that magi aged much slower, but it was driven home in that moment. Based on her appearance, Baylyss looked like she would have been Dia’s mother or grandmother.
His thoughts were shelved when they reached the room. Inside, three people were sitting at a table with a few decks of cards and dice, along with Shogi and Go boards. Gregory watched Yukiko, who examined the room.
“To help us learn the games for our third year?” Yukiko guessed.
“That was my thought. It seemed like a good idea to have some practice with them. It’s a learning experience, which is good for us and relaxing.”
Yukiko gave him a smile. “This is a good idea, Greg. You’re thinking well ahead, and that makes me happy.”
Gregory’s brow furrowed slightly. “You already know how to play them all well?”
“Go, yes. Shogi, I’m not good at. Cards, I’ve tried my hand in a number of variants, and dice… I think I know the basics. Gin and Lin didn’t let me play with the men often, so my knowledge there is very spotty.”
Gregory sighed, “Oh.”
“Greg,” Yukiko said, turning to face him, “this is a good gift. It’s good for both of us, and I’m happy with it. I will not lie to you.”
Seeing her honesty, Gregory felt his lips twitch upward. “Okay. You say it, so I believe it, Yuki.”
“Where did you want to start?” one of the men at the table asked.
“I’d like to start with dice. That’s my biggest weakness,” Yukiko said, drifting over to the table.
“That’s where we’ll start, then,” the man smiled.
~*~*~
The sun was just starting to set when they arrived back at the academy and followed a couple of other novices through the postern gate. The initiate on duty at the gate checked their medallions, his eyebrows shooting up when he saw the seven rings glowing with power.
“Novices, names?”
“Pettit and Warlin,” Gregory said.
“Ah, the champion and runner-up? That makes sense. A good day to you both.”
“You too, sir,” Gregory replied. Putting their medallions away, they headed for the clan hall.
A couple of minutes later, after taking some of the lesser-traveled paths, Yukiko spoke up, “He was surprised about our rank until he knew who we were. I wonder what that’ll be like in another month.”
“When we’re up another rank? I’d say incredulousness. When we break into apprentice before the end of the year, that’s when we’re likely to get scrutinized.”
“Yes, that sounds right,” Yukiko said. “Tomorrow is the new year and I find myself looking forward to it for the first time in a long time.”
“You weren’t looking forward to this new year?”
“It would have meant me going to Buldoun to marry,” Yukiko said softly.
“Wouldn’t that have stopped you from following in your father’s footsteps?”
“For a few years, at least, but I would’ve forced my way into that role in my husband’s house. I had to give up that dream when I became a magi. It would’ve taken longer to reach it… first, my duty to the empire, then to my husband. Things changed when I arrived here, though. I met my heart and my old dreams vanished like ephemeral mist before the sun. I now dream of being beside you for ages to come.”
“Together.” Gregory gave her hand a brief squeeze before releasing it.
“Together.”
When they reached the clan hall, Dia was sitting on the porch, smoking her pipe. “Evening, Dia,” Gregory greeted her.
“Evening to you both. Yukiko, your mother’s gifts to me and the previous staff arrived today. She was most generous. Please give her my thanks the next time you send her a missive.”
“I’ll do so, Dia.”
“Good. Tomorrow, there are no classes, as it is the solstice and time for the new year. It will be a clan day— everything’s closed inside the walls of the academy, even the archive. Sleep in, and I’ll come rouse you when the festivities are ready. Every meal is a set feast, and there will be things for you to do. Oh, and don’t take any extra additives for the day. No powder, pills, or leaves.”
“Understood, Dia,” they said, bowing to her.
“Good. Once you two have bathed, we’ll be ready for dinner.”
“We’ll go now,” Gregory said.
“I’ll let the cooks know,” Dia said, taking a long draw on her pipe.
“Dia, a question before we go,” Yukiko said. “It’s been bothering me… we advanced three rings over the five months we’ve been at the academy. How possible is it for a novice to reach the apprentice tier by the end of the learning cycle?”
Dia’s eyes sparkled and she smiled. “That’s a very good question. As you undoubtedly saw, most of your contemporaries made two rank advancements, and some made three. Gregory managed four. You’d expect, then, that over the rest of the year, the others would get two or perhaps three more rings by the end of the year. That would leave most of your class at the eighth rank, and the ones who started out higher could reach the ninth or tenth rank. A few will be in the first rank of the apprentice tier.”
“Yes,” Gregory said when Dia paused to take another pull on her pipe.
“However, most students won’t reach the initiate tier by the start of their third year. The ranks indicated by your medallion are to help you gauge your growth, but your tier and title while at the academy are determined not by your actual tier, but by the years you complete. Most adepts are still in the initiate ranks when they are sent off to their postings. Most fresh magus are just brushing at adept ranks. To advance to master, you must have the power to match that tier, and for each tier thereafter, it is the same. This is why reaching master and beyond is not easily accomplished.”
“Oh, I hadn’t known that,” Yukiko said.
“The magi don’t advertise it,” Dia said. “The perception of power is normally enough to curtail any major issues with the populace.”
“We’ll be making it to initiate before the end of our apprentice year,” Gregory said.
“I don’t doubt it,” Dia smiled. “You and Yukiko have been the fastest rising stars of the academy in ages. The aether required to break into the next rank, and especially the next tier, is higher than the previous. That means the growth rate slows down. There are ways to help that— early on— for novices, apprentices, and initiates.”
“The leaves, powders, pills, and other alchemical supplements,” Yukiko nodded.
“Yes. They help a great deal for the lower tiers, but the higher tiers require more potent ingredients to get a helpful boost. Powdered cores are some of the best supplements for those of higher tiers.”
“My thanks, Dia,” Yukiko said. “If we were into the apprentice ranks by the second tournament, would it cause problems?”
“It’ll cause a stir,” Dia smiled. “Your contemporaries will be even more inclined to try removing you from the tournament and academy, as you’ll outshine them. For the clan, your ascension in that way will bring prestige. Because of that, we’d be more inclined to do even more for you.”
“I see. Thank you, Dia. We’ll go bathe now.”
Dia looked down at the bowl of her pipe before starting to clean it out. “Things will be ready for when you finish.”
Bathing didn’t take them too long, but the sun had finished setting by the time they were done. Everyone was already in the dining room waiting for them. A feast was laid out on the table, and the scent of food filled the air.
“Now that the birthday girl has arrived, we may begin,” Dia said.
Jenn grinned at Yukiko. “How was your day?”
“It was good,” Yukiko said, taking the seat beside Jenn. “Gregory had this made for me.” She showed off the wrist cuff.
Jenn tapped the cuff lightly. “I don’t think it’s silver.”
“Cobalt,” Yukiko said. “It’s a tougher metal, so I should be able to wear it in all circumstances.”
“The heart is two stones?”
“My birthstone, and Greg’s,” Yukiko replied.
“Ah, that makes sense,” Jenn said, pulling her hand back.
“Let the feast be served,” Dia said. “Yukiko, it’s your birthday, so you get the first serving.”
“Thank you,” Yukiko said, making sure to include the cooks in her statement.
Dinner was a lively affair with everyone excited. Since tomorrow was the solstice, most of the conversations were about the festivities being planned. Jenn looked a little sad that the morning routine was being changed for the day, but didn’t gainsay it.
When dinner finally came to an end, finished off with orange tarts, everyone at the table was full. Dia wished everyone goodnight and reminded the novices once more that their normal schedule would be changed for tomorrow.
The three novices retired to Jenn’s bedroom for an hour of studying.
“What else happened for you today?” Jenn asked.
“We had some instruction on various gambling games,” Yukiko said, “as well as strategy games.”
“The instructors were amenable to coming back next week,” Gregory said. “We’re likely going to spend days off at Gin’s home, learning more.”
“Ah.”
“You can come with us,” Yukiko said. “Today… Greg wanted to make it special for me, since it was my birthday. He had a special brunch made, and gave me this gift.”
“Oh. Okay… I thought that maybe you didn’t want me around on the days off.”
“No,” Gregory and Yukiko said together.
“No,” Gregory said again. “It was just a special day, is all. You’re more than welcome to join us for days off.”
“He’s right,” Yukiko said, placing her hand on Jenn’s. “I’m sorry we gave you that impression. You’re a friend and our compatriot. We enjoy having you learn beside us.”
Jenn’s lips twitched up, and she looked down at Yukiko’s hand. “Okay… Thank you both. I do want to go and learn. Speaking of, I’d like to learn more economics.”
“Yes,” Yukiko said. “Where had we been?”
