The Jem

~3~

Crimson didn't remember getting into bed. Hell she didn't even remember what sleeping in a real comfy bed felt like. It was glorious. She got out of her bed and rubbed her eyes thoroughly until she looked into the mirror.

Wow she hadn't looked in a mirror for years, but she stood there taking herself in. Her olive skin shimmering and clean now, her light brunet hair that went just below her shoulders, gleaming from the sun that shone through the velvet curtains. And finally she saw her eyes, her beautiful crimson eyes that gleamed brightly. She loved her eyes she'd always thought of them as something that stood out in her.

Although she was clean, she was still extremely skinny.Her cheekbones were too defined and her faceseemed hollow. So she had to eat to get her strength back. But she didn't complain when they offered her food because she hadn't had a good meal in 8 years. She didn't care when the other people in the big castle stared at her when she shoved food down her throat. She didn't care one bit.

Crimson bathed in her ensuite and then got changed into the clothes she had been given, and headed down to the Throne room.

She got lost a few times but finally found her way there. She bowed in front of the Queen. Then saw the two guards on each side of the Throne and two guards at the door, they all looked like they were frozen.
"Good morning, how was your first night? Cordelia asked.

"Great thank you." She bowed lower.

"Well then shall we begin?"

"Yes I think I'm ready."

"Hunter, escort her to the training grounds and tell the Mage to talk her through her magic." She ordered. He said nothing just faintly nodded. That was the guy who took her out of the horrible dungeon, she growled quietly as he stepped towards her.

"And Hunter, remain by her side at all times." He nodded again. Then he began walking out of the room, his face poker.

"Do you have magic?" She tried to keep up with him but her legs weren't carrying her so well.

"Yes." He answered sharply.

"What kind of magic?"

"The kind that doesn't concern you."

"Why are you such an ass?" He stopped mid step then turned to her and said, "All I was asked to do was stay at your side, I'm not here to make nice conversation with you."

"Fine, lead the way." She mumbled.

Shortly, they arrived at the training grounds, it was enormous. And people of all ages and species and forms were there. Crimson even saw Deeja fighting other feline creatures. This place was amazing.

"This way." Hunter gestured. Maybe he's a wolf or something, Crimson thought, the name was quite ideal.

She saw the Mage, he was what she expected him to look like. An old man with a long beard, wearing a golden cloak and holding a gold staff.

"Crimson, we having all been waiting for you." The old man stood, his arms open wide.

"So I've heard." She said.

"Come sit." He pointed towards two grand wooden chairs which had beautiful carvings on them of ancient dragons.

"So what kind of magic do I have?"

"The kind that is quiet special my dear, you have the power of Earth. The power that ties the elements together."  He Said softly.

Hunter just stood by her chair, not saying a single word.

"And how do I access it?"

"You have to feel it in your veins, you have to trust your magic."

"You're making it sound easier then it is."

"I know but you young lady are to become a very powerful being. It even says so in the prophecy."

"What is this 'prophecy' people are talking about?"

"When the Gods above shone the Crimson light, and when evil looms she'll be the one to fight."

"Lots of people could be called Crimson, how do you know it's me?"

"Because you weren't named Crimson, you were marked."

"I was What?"

"When the Queen shone The Jem on your forehead the day she found you, you were marked as Crimson. That's when those people stole you and unfortunately, The Jem too."

"This is crazy, I can't do this." She stood.

Suddenly she heard someone snort out a short laugh. She turned to see Hunter smiling.

"Of course you couldn't do it." Hunter was now grinning mischievously.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"It means I knew you couldn't do it"

"Why don't you go back to being a silent brick wall?" She hissed.

"Why don't you stop acting weak?" He argued

"Because I am, I just got out of a dungeon, a dark, cold, lonely dungeon!" She was now standing face to face with him, glaring at him with hatred in her eyes, but all she could see was amusement dancing around in his.

"There you go again, feeling sorry for yourself."

"You know what? I'm going to prove you wrong, and then when I become 'powerful' I'm going to kick your ass." She snarled.

He only shrugged and then his face returned emotionless. She finally realized that everyone had stopped their training and gone silent and were now staring at the two of them.

"Sorry" Crimson smiled awkwardly towards the crowd, then returned to her seat. When the noise got louder again she said, "Ok, teach me how to access my magic."