The Phoenix and the Lamb

Chapter 95

Disclaimer: I do not own Cult of the Lamb or Warrior Cats by Erin Hunter. I am simply a fan of the game and the series. I was inspired by Jbrine061. Please check out her story. She is amazing. Now onto the story.
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Ebany carried the cases that contained the pieces of her staff. Merlin walked by her side. He could easily teleport them, but he enjoyed taking a walk through the forest with his apprentices. Merlin glanced at Ebany, seeing that she had quite a lot on her mind. She didn't say it outright, but it was rather obvious on her face.

"Ebany, is there something on your mind?" He asked.

"... A few things, I guess." She replied.

"May I ask what?" Merlin inquired.

"... My stronger powers for one. I haven't used them yet, but I can already feel stronger, like never before. It feels like when I got my tail feathers all over again..." Ebany looked down.

"We shall work through your knew abilities and strengths. You needn't worry about that, child." Merlin looked at her.

"Mmhmm..." Ebany didn't sound so convinced, not even when she felt a pat on her head.

"After we have a meal, I shall bless your staff. The rest will be up to you." Merlin told her.

"What if I can't think of anything to bind with it?" Ebany expressed her doubts.

"You will. It comes naturally to every wielder I've known. The process is more or less the same for everyone." Merlin explained. He was there when Nox became the wielder. "If you'll allow me to change topics, what would you like to eat?"

"Hmm... Don't know." Ebany told him.

"Then let us decide when we get there." Merlin said as they continued to walk.

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To their surprise, there was someone already in the castle kitchen. It was none other than Merlina, Merlin's twin sister! Merlin was pleasantly surprised at the unexpected visit. He hadn't seen his sister in months! Merlina looked like her brother, but the color of their eyes were different. She looked like a sweet magic grandma!

"Sister! What are you doing here?" Merlin asked.

"Oh, I was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by to see my brother and his apprentice!" Merlina smiled as she stirred a big pot of stew. It was usually a cauldron. "And I'm making dinner."

"I see that. And I see that you still have yet to inform me of your visits." Merlin walked over to her.

"Oh, where's the fun in that? And yes I know that you have magical incidents here and there. I have them too." Merlina retorted.

Ebany had met Merlina some time after starting her apprenticeship. She acted like a grandmother to her and Rune loved when she visited. Speaking of which, the pup was reaching up and begging for spills. That meant any dropped foods on the floor. Sadly, there weren't any for Rune this time. Merlina took a small break to give Ebany a big hug and congratulated her for being chosen by the Crimson Stone. Ebany was going to hear that for a while.

Once the stew was ready, they all had dinner. Ebany reminded Rune to eat slowly and not inhale the food. There was small chitchat while they ate. Merlina was good cook, that's for sure, so much that Rune had seconds. Ebany was tempted to have seconds herself. It was that good and she was kind of putting off the ritual. It would be Merlin that would get her back on track. After she finished, they would make the staff.

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Merlin guided Ebany to his office. Once inside, the cases were opened and each piece was taken out. Merlin laid each one on his desk and held his hands over it. He closed his eyes and began to change. The pieces glowed as they lit up, being granted his blessing. It was a rather energy consuming spell, so when he was finished, Merlin sat down. Ebay hurried over, concerned for her mentor, but he assured her that he would be fine.