Aviva Deros is like any other elf. At 17, she has her True Wish granted. But as the gods look into her heart to discover her most passionate longing, they find memories and magic that could have some terrible consequences.
The day I received the news, I woke with a start. I had been dreaming about false wishes, in a world where magic didn't exist. I got up and changed quickly, slipping on a red dress. I also pulled on red slippers, then rushed downstairs. Ma had set out breakfast, and Elena was already sitting down. I sat down across from her. I cut myself a slice of ham, and began to eat. However, Elena looked uneasy, and I couldn't help but ask her what was wrong. "Elena, whatever's the matter? You look as if you found a lion in your bedroom, and you're picking at your food!" Elena looked up at me, then looked down again. After a minute, she finally opened her mouth. "Nova...you don't know?" Elena looked more worried than ever now, but had a hint of confusion in her face. I shook my head. "Nope," I said through a mouthful of ham,"better tell me!" Elena sighed, then looked me in the eye. "Nova, you're going to the Academy and leaving me forever!" She cried, then ran up the stairs to her room. I stared after her, mouth open. "T-the Academy?" I whispered to myself. Had my wish from the week of my birthday come true?
After eating, I went looking for Ma. She was in the kitchen, of course. When she saw me, she put a huge smile on her face. "Nova! There you are!" Ma chirped, unnaturally happy that morning. I returned her smile, and asked: "Is it true? Am I going to the Academy? Really?" Ma's smile faded when I asked the question, and she only nodded. I walked out of the kitchen, unsure of what to do. "Nova! There's a list of items for the Academy. I bought most of them when it arrived last night, to save you trouble, but you'll have to get a few books and quills." I turned around and have Ma a thumbs up. At least I had something to do. I headed down to the market, and bought the books I would need. There was just one last thing. The list said I needed a 'personal notebook' because the Academy 'believes that every elf needs their own space, and this notebook is all yours' I smiled. The notebook was optional, but I gladly danced into town to get it. I also bought a new pen, not a quill, but a pen, with a little clock at the top. My notebook had an owl on the front, made of floral designs. Weighed down with supplies, I made my way up the hill to the cottage. Ma was in the garden, planting some seeds. Elena was watering them after Ma, Flo was watching from the top of the fence, and Rangi was dancing around being silly but unhelpful. I laughed at the scene, and headed inside to start packing.
That afternoon, having finished packing, I walked by the river, wondering if it was all a dream. I scooped up a handful of water and let it dribble through my fingers back into the river. What kind of magic did I have? Perhaps water magic, I had always loved splashing in the river and swimming. Or perhaps something smaller, like an art magic. Being able to draw something and then make it come to life would be amazing. But magic often related to personality. I lay down on the grass and looked up at the sky. It was a clear blue, with not a cloud in sight. I smiled dreamily, and sat up. It was almost afternoon, and that would be when the carriage to the Academy was coming.
I was checking my room, ensuring there was nothing left behind, when I heard horses outside. I leaned out my bedroom window, and saw a large carriage pulled by two beautiful white horses outside. Grabbing my trunk and case, I rushed downstairs. I also grabbed my satchel, one that looked like the sort you would find on an explorer's shoulder, and rushed outside. There was no-one else inside the carriage, but the driver got down and helped me with my bags. I kissed Ma on the cheeks, and hugged Elena and Pa. I gave Rangi a pat on the head, and stroked Flo. Then I got in the carriage, and was off.
We stopped at one other house on the way. Each carriage only held two people, including bags. The other house we stopped at was a one floor bungalow, right by the sea. The girl who got on had long, straight blonde hair, and looked very small, only around 13. When she stepped in, I smiled at her. She looked me in the eye, held out her hand, and said: "Lorraine. Lorraine Bidore. And you?" I took her hand, and replied: "Nova Deros." She nodded, and looked out the window as we started to move again. "So, do you know where we're going?" I asked. It had just occurred to me I didn't know the location of the Academy. Lorraine's turned to face me. "Well, no. Not really." She said, a hint of surprise creeping into her voice. "But I know it's on an island. They say there are some beautiful beaches there!" I only nodded. I had already guessed what Lorraine's magic would be. Water. It was obvious, even with what little information she had shared.
An hour later, we had arrived at a small town by the sea. The driver got down and opened the doors, first helping Lorraine out, and then me. He then picked up our luggage. The sea lashed against the boats, and the wind whipped my hair about. The driver led us to a large ship, which he said would take us to the Academy. He handed a young man standing on the pier our bags, and waved goodbye to us. We waved back, then stepped onto the ship. ------------------- I do author notes now. Author notes are cool.
For anyone who got that reference, have this:
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For anyone who didn't, you don't get a panda hug and you need to go do some research.
