Studying Heidi

Elaine and Micarnel reached the hideaway first. 

"Who's the old man?" Bomya asked. 

"Child, I do not need any disrespect from you," Micarnel said. "When I was your age we respected our elders. No one would have ever thought of calling one 'an old man' to his face or talked at them." 

"He's one of my contacts from Midver," Elaine answered. "He got busted so we're going to hide him here. We'll find a way to put him to work."

"Hey, don't talk about me like I'm not here," Micarnel protested. "Rude little buggers."

"Elaine, welcome back!" Wil came sprinting forward. "Is Heidi really gone? Who's this guy? What happened to his eye?" 

"Shut the bloody dog up," Micarnel scoffed. "She talks too much."

"Heidi should be back shortly," Elaine said. "I'll explain everything later. For the moment, I need to prepare my lab. If you see Camilla, ask her to join me. Oh and take Micarnel to see Ho'liny. He's in rough shape." 

"I don't need a pup to show me around," Micarnel protested. 

Elaine sighed. "You don't know our base's layout. Just let her help you. Consider it her good deed for the day."

Micarnel grunted and turned his nose upwards but reluctantly followed Wil. 

She showed no sign of being irritated at his attitude but took him to see Ho'liny. 

"This is Elaine's friend, Micarnel, " Wil introduced. "Can you examine him?"

"No problem," Ho'liny said. "Could you take a seat please, Mister Micarnel?" 

"Of course, My dear," Micarnel said. His features immediately softening at the sight of the goblin girl.

Wil gave them a sideways glance. What an odd change in attitude. 

*****

Heidi woke up in Moricia's arms. She nestled closer. 

"If you're awake, you could say something so that I can put you down," Moricia noted. 

"I'm tired and you're comfy," Heidi said. "Besides, I don't get a chance to lay my head against such a nice pair of breasts ever." 

"And you're walking on your own," Moricia said. She gently set Heidi down.

"Sorry, was that too far?" Heidi asked. "I... I don't talk to people much. Unless it's to say Welcome to Trendsetter. Your change is whatever." 

"I'm surprised that someone as capable as you can be such a mess when just talking," Moricia stated. "But what's a Trendsetter?"

"The gas station I work for," Heidi answered. "Well... worked for, I guess. There's no way they don't fire me after missing so many shifts without a word. But maybe I can use my newfound magic to be a magician or something." 

They continued their trek, chatting about nothing. It was only a short distance to return to the rebellion's base at that juncture. 

"Welcome back," Bomya stated. "Heidi, Elaine and Camilla want to see you." 

"Oh, okay," Heidi said. "Where... where should I go?" 

"They'll be in the room they had blocked off earlier," Moricia answered. She handed Heidi a torch. 

Heidi felt her cheeks flush. "So they want me to... um... uh..."

"They don't just have a bed in there," Moricia said. "It's not going to be for that... probably."

Heidi headed inside to her meeting with the two women. The room had a comfortable looking bed in the corner, a large examination table in the centre with various implements that resembled medical tools but weren't quite the same. There were bookshelves near the bed.

"About time," Elaine said. "Sit down and strip." She gestured towards the table.

"Oh... um... I've never... " Heidi glanced at Elaine and Camilla. "But I guess it would be okay. Just be gentle with me. It's my first time." 

Elaine rolled her eyes. "We need to examine you. Scientifically. I can guarantee that this won't turn sexual."

"Dammit," Heidi muttered. "My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined." 

"Quite impassioned for a clueless virgin isn't she?" Camilla asked. 

"Love, don't encourage her little fantasies," Elaine said. "Now, Heidi, we're going to need you to do a few small spells while I examine you. Let's see what makes your power work."

*****

Wil nudged Moricia with her snout. "Welcome back. I'm glad you're okay." 

"Thanks," Moricia said. She casually scratched Wil's ear. "So, what are they saying?"

"Elaine keeps telling Heidi to cast spells and then muttering words like 'fascinating,'" Wil answered. "And Camilla keeps teasing Heidi with double entendres so she messes up and has to apologise," Wil answered. 

"That human girl," Moricia muttered. 

"Are... are you jealous," Wil asked. 

"Of course not," Moricia snapped. 

"You sounded jealous," Wil said. Her ears perked. "Ooh. I think they're almost done. Elaine just said 'one more test.' Which means you'll get to sit close to Heidi soon. Good for you!"

"Do not test my patience," Moricia warned. 

After about fifteen more minutes, Heidi emerged from the cramped laboratory/ bedroom flanked by Elaine and Camilla. 

"So, what did you find out?" Moricia asked. 

"She has no innate magical abilities," Elaine answered. "However, she does seem to be capable of drawing magic to her from her environment."

"What does that mean?" Wil asked. 

"Every living thing has a magical aura as well as certain gems," Elaine stated. "At least, in our world. That isn't the case for hers." She nodded at Heidi. "Somehow, when Mori gave her a healing draught, it activated something within her. And her body adapted to be able to draw from those magical auras and convert it into her own power."

"She could be the single most powerful mage in existence," Camilla added. "Normal magic users are limited by the strengths of their own auras but for her, there's no theoretical limit. As long as she has plenty of auras around her, she could have unlimited power." 

"Then why did she get weak and collapse?" Moricia asked. 

"It puts a strain on her body to use that power," Elaine answered. "And she's out of shape." Heidi's cheeks visibly flushed. 

"But as she builds up stamina she'll be capable of utilising even stronger spells and doing it longer," Camilla said. "Ladies, we have a secret weapon."