There was a thud. Seb turned around suddenly, deep lilac eyes flashing. He watched as Mar tried to stand back up.
"I-I'm okay..." Mar said with her eyes cast down, "I just got a bit... dizzy."
They both looked at their Professor who was holding on to the bedpost. Seb quickly put his glasses back on.
"Now listen and listen well," said Agate, a bead of perspiration trickling down her small chin, "If you have ever paid attention to your history classes, you would know that the order of the Sword of Briar Rose was disbanded after the Great Revolt 13 years ago." the 2 students nodded in reply. "The Briar Rose family was formed by an alliance between an Alcione and a Heilig family. They dissolved their own knights after that incident, and their only daughter and heir was said to have been lost in battle."
"She was Luise Auror Belatrice Hermione of Briar Rose, a powerful elementor who was taken hostage during the battle." said Mar, "We from the military division look up to her for she chose to be a soldier rather than a magus. Her contribution to elemental weapon technology was praised by all, and her valor on the battlefield is second to none. She was one of only 3 people in history able to use all 9 elements in harmony. "
"Yes, my cousin Louise, known as Hermione to those closest to her. We also knew that she was with child by the end of the revolt." Agate looked sadly at the bathroom door. "She was betrayed by the person she trusted the most, that is why after the battle, she just disappeared without a trace. It was years later when one from our small circle received a letter from her, saying she was living in seclusion with her child. There was nothing more in the letter, and she would never have written to us if she didn't have a need for a charm-- a spell of hiding for her child..."
Mar suddenly gasped. "That was one of the bands that were taken to the university vault," she said.
"I shall take care of that later." said Agate, "Right now, I, Agate Althea of the Althea clan of Healers, lay a Geist on you both-- Not a word of this to a soul. No one is to know of that child's true identity. His mother might be a tad too overprotective, but there is a reason behind that. She means to keep him hidden, and now, you two, shall help us do just that."
The two were rooted where they stood, their eyes staring at Agate. The professor continued. "I order you two to protect Theodorin Silvius of the Briar Rose line and pledge your royalty to him,” she told the two. “This geist will only be broken when Dorin learns the secret of his parenthood on his own, and only then could you speak to him of this day."
"I hear and obey," said Mar, her hand on her sword's hilt.
"I obey," said a faraway voice from Seb's direction.
"Thus the Geist is given. And received." Agate finished.
The two students fell on the floor as the last word of the Geist was spoken. Mar looked up at their professor. Only a powerful archmage has the capability to place a geist upon people – an absolute command that can only be broken upon completion. To think that someone this powerful was wasting her time in the healing arts, when she could be of more use in the military department!
"Both of you rise," said the professor as the door to the bathroom swung open and Dorin stepped into the room wearing a blue vest and a white long-sleeved shirt under a gray cloak.
"Ah, you look dashing in that!" declared his aunt Agate, running to his side to fuss over him. “Now you look like a proper novice student!”
"I had some trouble tying the laces on... " he said, gesturing at the white, knee-high boots he was currently wearing, "They feel so soft even though they're brand new!" he exclaimed, "And these clothes... it's as if I am wearing a cloud! It's so soft and light on my skin!"
Seb couldn't help but feel sorry for the kid. He took his slate once more and wrote a note down. [I can sell you new clothes for half the price.]
"Really?" Dorin replied excitedly, "Are they as nice as these ones are?"
"The university can supply you with casual clothes," said Mar, hitting Seb on the head, "They also have dormitories for those who live far away and a common cafeteria serving free food for those who can't afford to feed themselves."
"You are only here for the Photography class, is that right?" Agate asked her nephew.
"That's right, aunt Agate, it's just a three-day, two-night event, which starts tomorrow..."
"Then make sure you return on the fourth day."
"Of course," Dorin grinned, "Mother doesn't even need to know if I get home before she does!" he took his satchel and started stuffing his old clothes inside.
"By the way," asked Mar, as she looked at the bag, "Where's your camera?"
"Huh?" replied Dorin.
[I have an extra camera back in my dorm.]
"No. You would probably ask for too much," said Mar.
"tsk" said Seb, to which he got another bump on the head from Mar, and a punch from Agate.
"Aunt Agate-"
"Don't call me aunt," snapped Agate. "Here in campus you address me as Professor Althea. Besides, I'm too cute to be an aunt. Tell anyone about our relationship and I kill you."
"O-okay... Professor Agate..."
"Professor Althea!"
"P-professor Althea... um... my mother's ring?"
"Confiscated!" Agate said, "As well as that pocket watch of yours."
"Eh? But why?"
"You're not allowed to show the crest around. It would just connect you to me."
"oh... okay."
"Your coins are confiscated too! I'll just leave you enough money for your expenses."
"Yes, professor..."
There was another "Tsk" from Seb.
The two watched as Dorin accepted everything his aunt told him without much question. It goes to show how his mother has been raising him.
"You two," Agate addressed the students, "Go back to your dorms. I'll take care of the rest of Dorin's papers and find him a room in the boy's dormitory."
"Huh? Can't I stay here with you?" Dorin asked.
"Dorin, it is not proper for a man to sleep in the same room with a woman!" proclaimed Mar.
"But she's my aunt! Besides, I've always lived with my mother, we even bathe together and share the same bed! She may be out most of the time, but..."
"Your mother is different!" yelled Mar and Agate in unison.
"Now, off you go."
Agate walked to the other end of the room where she pulled at a shelf to show a door. "And remember your promise."