A Different World, New Perspectives

[Kit Heron]

Kit almost ran to his bunk as soon as he said "thank you" way too many times, threw himself on the bottom bed and pulled out the book.

For a moment though, he smiled at the comfortable bed; he had gone from sleeping in a barn, to a a blanket on the floor, and now an actual bed! It felt like the height of luxury, and he thanked Veditova that Dáire had chosen to sit by him in that tavern, that very day.

Making sure his bare flesh didn't touch it, he took the wand from out of his belt and put it under his pillow. Though the contact with the magical object would be difficult to sense unless someone was very much open to magic and was standing right next to him, he was not taking any chances. And besides, he had a book to read.

*

Kit's eyes were fixed on the book, reading quickly but making sure he would remember it. He had no doubt that the Professor would not only expect him to know it, she would probably make sure of it by asking him of its contents. Naturally.

First the rules. They made sense, but Kit felt a twinge of disappointment at the very first rule: Do not use magic, except in authorised private locales under supervision. Well, that didn't seem fair. He wanted to practice as much as he could! In the closest Kit came to sulking, he inwardly forced himself to accept the rule, as both Vanessa and Dáire had been very clear on what would happen if he were to be found out by a not-too-friendly local.

Practice your suppression techniques regularly. Kit turned his eyes up from the page as he considered this one. He knew the theory behind suppressing his abilties. He had read many books from users of many different types of magic on the very topic, and there were a lot of styles to choose from. Some chose to use visualisation: imagining locking your power behind a door, or covering it with a blanket ... it had never really worked. The books by Mind Mages talked of warding the mind simply by running through silly songs or rhymes in one's head, over and over. Some had actual spells that could dampen the magical energy that came out of you ... but Kit had always wondered how casting a spell was meant to overt other's sensing his magic?

Use the meditation techniques taught to you every day. He had never meditated before. Well he had, but not properly. His mind was always turning over knowledge, running unanswerable questions over and over, contemplating theories. Plus, living with a master who took a switch to you every day and many times without warning, did not make one feel peaceful enough to reach such a state.

There were more rules, and he read them twice to make sure he knew them. Kit knew that the rules were for his own protection, and also, in a way, to protect all of the mages taught by the Professor (professors? There might be more!).

The next part of the book were brief descriptions of the kinds of magic and what a person with that ability could do. It was quite short, and Kit knew he could fill a few pages extra for each discipline. But Vanessa had no idea what Kit knew, so he supposed a brief introduction would be standard for anyone beginning their education. He suddenly wished he had a pen and paper, so he could write some notes ... but what would he write? He was hardly in a position to start putting in suggestions and adding comments! This was one part where he wasn't worried; he knew magic very well. It would be much better if he could actually do any of it, but still ...

And then there were the questions, and these brought him down a peg or two. They were not questions with definitive answers, but (he suspected), questions to determine a person's understand and intent. He would rather have questions on the 'Basic Fundamentals of Holistic Energy Pertaining to the Use of Magic in the Practice of Elemental Projection', than 'what will you do with your magic?' He wasn't sure.

He spent some time going over them, thinking of many different answers and hoping that when she asked him, the right ones would come to mind. Veditova help him if he got one wrong!

"You must be the new kid."

Kit realised he hadn't even noticed the two men enter. He glanced up from his book and gave a small, kind smile. "Hello. I'm Kit Heron, and yes, I am new. You must be Lynwood and Kent. I'm pleased to meet you."

The older of the two, gave a smile and a nod. "I'm Kent, this is Lynwood. Lynwood will be on top of you tonight."

Kit joined in as the two men laughed, and Lynwood climbed up onto the top bunk. "Thank you for the welcome."

The two seemed pleasant enough, chatting to each other and swapping jokes. They seemed to acknowledge that Kit was studying as they pretty much left him alone, though offered him a drink when Kent went to get some beer. Kit had agreed, but had regretted it as it didn't taste at all pleasant. Lynwood laughed as the young mage pulled a face. "You get used to it." He assured him.

Kit smiled to himself as he settled in for sleep as it got dark. He felt safe. He knew he should still be vigilant, but also knew not to be held by suspicion, and so he allowed himself the chance to relax and sleep in an actual bed. After the day's events, you would have thought he'd not be able to turn his mind off, but he found himself falling asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

*

The next morning, Kit woke early. He had always had to, to prepare the fire and make breakfast for his master, and so his body got him up naturally, just before his two roommates began to stir.

Kit had slept in his shirt, which wasn't ideal, but he was not going to show his scars to these people. He didn't want to even think about his past (which was almost impossible to do) and he certainly didn't want to answer questions about it.

"We'll show you where you can get breakfast." Lynwood offered, as he pulled on his trousers. "Cook'll feed you til you burst, if you let her! Especially a young lad like you. Come one."

Kit quickly slipped his wand and the book into his bag, threw it over his shoulder and followed the two men as they made their way to an eating area that was filling up with people. The smell of bacon, sausages, eggs ... they smelled delicious, and Kit felt his mouth watering. And the cook piled plenty on his face, and he thanked her with a broad smile. "Come back to me when you're done lad, and I'll get you started on a few errands for the day. You're to report to boss come noon, though." She instructed.

"Yes, Miss Lena."

He sat with the two men, and others joined. The conversation was merry and jovial, a few exchanging playful insults whilst others planned their day. The food was delicious, and he packed himself full of it. Everyone around him was much broader than he, so he figured he might as well eat his fill.

When the plates were returned, people wished each other a 'good day', and Kit searched out Lena. "Miss Lena, I'm ... well, reporting for duty, so to speak. What would you have me to do help you, today?"

Lena smiled, and rummaged in her apron, pulling out a small piece of paper and a few coins. "Aren't you so polite! Just a bit of food shopping today dear. You'll see where you need to be when you get to the market. There's a copper extra for you to get a bite while you're out. I know how a lad's stomach works and no doubt you'll be hungry again in half an hour. Be careful, now. And remember, back for noon!"

Kit took the coin and the list. "Yes, Miss Lena. Thank you, Miss Lena. Have a lovely day." He said, and marched off confidently ... before hurrying back to ask where the market was.

And then he was off out into the city proper, doing his first task (even if was just shopping for herbs and vegetables) for the East Hall.