Brew 12

The following morning, Emery steppe outside just before sunrise, a smile on her face. The basket she had left under the window was now empty – except for a scattering of crumbs and a single envelope. “Seems the fairies do indeed still live around here,” she murmured with a chuckle, lifting up the basket.

She returned to the kitchen, brewed herself a cup of tea and sat at the table. Her heart thudded in her chest as she carefully opened the aged envelope.

Aria,

I don’t know if you’ll read this, or even if you will want to.

But there are some things I need to say and this is the only way I can express them best to you.

I brought you into the village because I thought it might help you see more of the world. I wanted to show you the beauty and kindness the village has and, in turn, show them your beauty.

However I didn’t think about was what you truly wanted. I though showing you joy would be enough- but I didn’t consider the weight that comes with being seen.

You were so braver. Braver than I realised and I’m sorry I didn’t consider your true feelings before taking you to the village.

Mama reminded me that sometimes people need space before they come back. So I’m not coming back tomorrow. Or the next day.

But I hope you do.

Your tea will be waiting for you... as will I.

-Blaise

Emery exhaled deeply and set the letter down. “Oh grandfather,” she groaned, rubbing her temple. “You truly were an idiot.

She leaned forward, arms crossed on the table, legs swinging idly beneath her. Her thoughts swirled. Her grandfather, even in old age, seemed to have never been great with words. This flaw went back further than she had realised.

Tears welled up in her eyes again. The letter and the grimoire were evidence of that.

Toriyami entered the kitchen, ruffling Emery’s hair as he passed by to the kettle. “Don’t worry about it,” he said gentle. “Not all men are idiots. And besides- you’ve not even finished the grimoire yet. I’m sure there is more to it.”

Emery sat up straight, her expression heavy. “I’m more scared to read on than before,” she admitted. “Because now… I understand Aria’s side more.”

Toriyami sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “If you don’t finish it, you’ll never have the whole story,” he gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Do you mind if I asked what happened to your grandfather?”

Emery shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. After I was sent to the Aethera Magic Academy, we barely spoke. The only real communication I was when I received a letter advising me, I had inherited the deed to this tea shop.” Emery bit her lip, holding onto her arm tightly. “After we lost grandmother and my dad…”

She lost her words as tears fell again Toriyami didn’t press on, simply taking his sleeve and wiping her cheek. “Maybe this grimoire his way to connect with you.”

Emery sniffed, then gave a wry smile. “Toriyami… maybe you don’t understand women either.”

-----

Aetheris Vale was vast – home to the Aetheralight Church, a hub of religion and magical practice, as well as the Aethera Magic Academy – a place where witches, wizards, humans and even beast men lived together without fear.

Blaise sat in his first council meeting, quietly overwhelmed. Around him, officials spoke in turns, debating, posturing and gesturing. But what truly caught his attention were the beast men – dignified, proud and nothing like the rumours his had heard growing up.

The beast man sat beside him was particularly striking. A tall wolf beast man with sleek silver-grey fur and sharp amber eyes. His presence radiated confidence.

“You’re staring,” the beast man said casually.

Startled, Blaise looked away, his face flushing.

The beast man chuckled and patted Blaise on the shoulder. “Don’t worry I won’t bite,” he extended a clawed but carefully controlled hand. “I’m Caelum, and you are?”

Blaise took a couple of deep breathes through his nose as he reached out his hand. “I’m Blaise, from Thistlewick Village.”

“Ah, Thistlewick you say,” Caelum said with a warm chuckle. “I pass often when visiting a friend in the east. Wonderful pastries in the region.”

Something about Caelum’s demeanour – calm, good humoured and respectful – put Blaise at ease. There was something nostalgic about it, like the warmth of a long-forgotten memory.

Before Blaise could say more, a rustle under the table caught his attention. A fox – orange haired with clever eyes – circled his feet then leapt onto the desk.

“Hello there,” Blaise said amused as he reached out to pet it.

The fox slapped his hand away with a whip of its tail.

“You smell of the forest,” the fox said bluntly.