Beginnings

In Between

Days came and went. Each one was the same monotonous routine. Waking at the crack of dawn to start moving. If there was a destination, Vin was unaware of it. Mae provided for him and was decent company. He'd blindly follow her wherever she went. He couldn't risk being on his own... alone.
She found sources of water, trapped and gathered food. She conjured fire out of thin air each night, cooking up the squirrels and rabbits, this made the meat exceptionally delicious.
Each night, Mae would pull a book out of her flat brown bag and immerse herself in it.

Vin was bored..

He plopped his head on the pages of the book Mae was actively studying. "Why do you read from the same book every single night?" Vin whined out.

       Mae let out a soft sigh.  "A large part of being a Mage is studying spells and committing them to memory.  A weakness every Mage has is loosing the memory of how to cast a spell immediately after it's used.  Each time I use "FireBall" I need to re-learn it.  If I didn't, my mind would be blank on how to proceed with the spell.  I'm also attempting to learn new magic."
A frown formed on her lips.  "I often wonder if I have what it takes."  Her voice and eyes drifted off as she said this  

    Vin slipped off the pages of her book.  He pointed a finger at Mae's face to bring her attention back.  "Are you kidding me!?  You shoot fire!  From your hands!!  Have you seen me do that?  No!"
Though, I'd like to some day.  I would feel so powerful.

Mae let out a heavy sigh. Even though the hood of her robes partially obscured her face, it was apparent her thoughts became heavier. " Little one, do you ever wonder why I am alone out here in the woods?"

"No, I haven't. I was also alone. You're not alone anymore, not with me."

She did crack a small smile. "Indeed, you are wonderful company. I apologize if I insulted you, it wasn't my intention. I'm thinking about the reason why I'm seeking refuge in the woods." Her expression darkened before she proceeded with voicing her thoughts.
"I'm on the run. The counsel is looking to capture me and lock me up for life, just because I'm a red robed mage."

Vin tilted his head to the side, a look full of confusion. " The counsel? Lock you up because of what you wear?"

Leaning back, Mae got more comfortable while sitting against a tree. " The counsel is a bunch of wealthy individuals with too many opinions and too much power.
There are three types of mages, white robed, red robed and black robed. White robed mages only learn and use light magic. Black robed mages only dark magic. Those who chose to wear red robes have an interest in both light and dark, dabbling in both of them. I am a beginner to magic since I'm only 21 years old no one can practice magic until they are 20. I knew since I was a child I'd want to experience the best of both the light and the dark. Recently, the counsel decided that only the white robed are acceptable and legal. Red and black robes are all being hunted down and imprisoned. The White robed have become corrupt and arrogant while sitting in the palm of the counsel. The counsel has spoiled them into rotten and disgraceful beings.
I've been hiding in the cover of this forest. Traveling each day to avoid being found. That day you found me, I had heard footsteps approaching me. I was running for some time and lost them. It was you who found me."
She slipped her hood down and gave Vin a nod of thanks.

Vin stood up on his hind legs, tapped his chin with his finger. He paused the tapping when an idea struck him. " Take off the robes! Wear something else. Those hooligans won't know what you are if they don't see the robes."
How did she not think of that herself? My intelligence must be above hers.
He grinned with proud smugness.

"No, I will not do that. I will not change who I am. I will hide in a forest, but, I will not hide who I am." It was apparent by her tone that she couldn't be swayed.

Vin's posture slumped, he looked crestfallen.

Mae reached over and tickled Vin's ear, causing an eruption of squeaky giggles from him. The action did appear to lift his spirits.
" If the counsel's hunters or anything dangerous gets too close to us, I know know a teleportation spell. I studied up on it last night. I'll get us far away from any danger. I'll protect us, don't you worry."