The Shimmering Magi

Part 9

Minerva watched as the sky turned dark pink at sunset, a color she had never seen before. From her bedroom window, she could see the spectacular display of colors as the sun disappeared below the horizon. Memories of her fascinating day at the Neptilius passed through her mind, but eventually the frustrations of the world she had left behind returned. She recalled the makeshift room she lived in with her aunt and uncle, surviving in a world that seemed to want nothing to do with her while tormented by doubts about what had happened to her parents.

Minerva remembered her childhood years spent near the love of her mother, but everything suddenly disappeared. Life had taken away what she loved most. Now, however, she couldn't dwell on that as she focused on trying to make the water on her bedroom floor rise. She imagined that a water elemental would begin to move.

"Minerva," Willow said as she entered the room. "We're waiting for you to eat."

Minerva smiled knowing it was time to eat. After all, this day had been exhausting, and what she wanted most was to satisfy her hunger. She walked with Willow through the corridors of Neptilius, anxious to discover what life had in store for her. She didn't know what to expect since she was used to eating microwave dinners alone in front of her uncle's television.

Entering Neptilius' cafeteria, she was surprised to see so many young people in blue coats, many of whom had beautiful runic designs on them. Minerva looked down at her skirt and felt out of place.

"This way," said Willow, accompanying Minerva to one of the tables. "You can sit here."

Minerva looked around and noticed that none of the faces were familiar. She was surrounded by strangers chattering amongst themselves. The tables were long, with young people sitting on both sides. It was becoming normal for her to see that everything was made of water, including the decorations and even the chairs.

After a short time, an army of water elementals arrived. They carried trays of food and served everyone with great coordination.

Willow also sat down to eat, and other adults were seated at a table overlooking the young students. Minerva studied the faces of the other adults so she could recognize them in the future if necessary. She still knew very little about Neptilius.

Once Willow and the other magicians began eating, everyone else followed their lead. Minerva was very hungry, and although she was afraid of eating something she had never seen before, she followed the example of the others.

The food was delicious, a mixture of flavors she never thought she would try. She wondered what it all was as she silently enjoyed her meal. The dinner continued, and once everyone finished, the water elementals arrived with more food. The second course was filled with sweet treats that Minerva enjoyed to the point of licking her fingers.

Eventually, everyone began chatting with each other, and Minerva felt lonely again, just as she was used to feeling. Only now she was surrounded by people, feeling like a stranger at the magicians' dinner she never thought she would attend. Everyone was wearing their water magic coats, demonstrating their control over the element.

Once the banquet was over, Willow got up and addressed everyone. "As you may know," she said, "we have a new member of our prestigious school. Minerva is here to help us balance the elements."

The young people looked curiously at Minerva and her schoolgirl outfit. She didn't know how to react and immediately blushed.

"Today she has proven herself to be one of us, and although she has a long way to go, she deserves to wear the colors of Neptilius."

Minerva felt the water on the floor start to rise up her legs. She wondered what was happening, but there was nothing she could do about it. With fear, Minerva stood up, realizing that the water was continuing to rise. In a short time, her entire body was covered by water. Minerva closed her eyes and took a deep breath before the water covered her face, but it stopped.

When Minerva opened her eyes, she noticed that she was now wearing one of the coats that the other young wizards had. She felt comfortable under her outfit and spun around without thinking about all the eyes on her.

Those present saw the coat of the new member of the Neptilius rise up as she spun. She emanated a sweetness with her action but quickly stopped when she felt the gazes on her.

"I hope everyone will do their best to make Minerva's stay at Neptilius enjoyable," said Willow.

Duncan approached Minerva to congratulate her and then took her to meet other students. Minerva spent the rest of the evening enjoying herself, listening, and learning everything she could about this wonderful place.