A Strange Tutor

2. Raven's Letter to Kai

Dear Kai,

I'm really putting my faith in you that this guy can help me learn magic. He acts more like an interrogator than a teacher. He makes me perform these magical tests on things and quizzes me. When he isn't making me do that, he expects me to read a dusty old book by candle light. Oh, btw, he doesn't allow electric light anywhere in the house. It doesn't make sense to me since Wong uses an electric stove. I help Wong with the chores a lot. He's really nice though, about the only one who is. He assures me Strange is just trying to sound me out and that he normally isn't this harsh. I don't believe him that much.

The house is creepy, I won't lie. It feels dangerous and Strange's ominous warnings don't make me feel any better about it. There are a lot of things he won't even let me touch. Half of his house is taken up by bookshelves but most of them are chained shut. He snapped at me when he caught me trying to open one. There are strange symbols on the carpets and floors, odd statues of creatures whose eyes seem alive and objects that give off strange sounds behind their glass cases, also marked with symbols. He won't even let me go into his study or the basement. I'm nervous about this guy and what he's up to.

Oh, I saw Tony Stark last Tuesday! He came in to ask Strange about some weapon he found that he thought might be enchanted. At least I think so from as much of their conversation as I could overhear before Strange ushered him into his upstairs study, you know, where I'm not allowed. He seemed friendly to him as they were coming and going, a side of him he never shows around me.

I get really bored with everything here. The only things I can read are the big musty volumes in really small font about magical stuff I barely understand. I get a stiff neck and headaches trying to read them all. There's no Wi-Fi connection in this stupid house and I can't email my friends. I have to write this to you on paper and hope that Wong doesn't notice the address when he makes his run to the mailbox.

I haven't mentioned anything about you as you asked, I guess maybe he knows I'm keeping a secret. But I agree about your suspicions; I think he would kick me out if he learned about you. So far I don't like him at all. I hope you and Katherine and Helena are okay during this whole Sokovia issue. I heard Strange talking about it with Wong as he was preparing dinner. You're Asgardian so you'll probably be okay. Just keep you head down and let it blow over.

Love,

Raven.