The Art of Altercation

Chapter 1

"Never a dull moment," it was a phrase Celeste often wished she could relate to, but Marmand seemed to be a town that only knew dull moments. For as long as she'd lived in the small village, nineteen whole years, nothing exciting or out of the ordinary had ever happened, and it was her prediction that nothing ever would. Her father and brother constantly told her it was a good thing, a nice boring town that warranted no attention from outsiders, and that meant no scrutiny from them either. It was true enough, she supposed, if anyone found out her secret she'd lose any of the small freedom she was allowed, and that wasn't something she particularly desired. So she put up with the dull town and the dull life that was decided for her, and she'd continue to put up with it today, and every day after.
Celeste hurriedly dressed in her ill fitted tunic and trousers and pulled on her well worn boots. She decided last minute to run a brush through her unruly dark hair and bolt downstairs.

"Finally decided to join me for breakfast eh?"

"Well I couldn't not grace you with my presence, what kind of sister would I be Elliot?" Responded Celeste with a quick but ever overdramatic bow. She slid into her seat at the dining table and began to scarf down her porridge.

"You're lucky you decided to 'grace me with your presence' when you did, I was just about to head to the Capitol," he proceeded with a rather pointed look. How could she have forgotten? Today her and Elliot were to head into the Capitol for supplies, a trip her and her brother took every month, and one she looked forward to everytime.

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's get going, fathers needs those fabrics and threads, not to mention a new pair of shears," she hopped up from the table and pulled on her satchel.

"If only you could be this motivated all the time," he chuckled lightly, "but before we head out let's go over the rules." Elliot certainly loved to remind her of the rules.

"I know the damn rules! Stay with you at all times, no talking to nobles or the city guards, and absolutely under no circumstance do I use my magic. Trust me, I know, can't have the people knowing they have an altercator in their midst." Altercators were what people had decided to call those gifted with magic, or who could "alter" reality as they say. Celeste's magic had always been something she had to keep hidden, it was difficult at times but for the most part she managed, and today in a city full of the Queen's men she'd have to do better than simply manage. Luckily each month she had done just that, and today she would do it again.

"I know you think I'm being overprotective Celeste, but you know what the Queen does with altercators, you'd be conscripted and dad and I would never see you again," Elliot heaved a deep sigh, "I can't lose you, so promise me you'll do as I ask." Celeste knew her magic was just as much her family's burden as her own, but it didn't stop her from feeling annoyed.

"I promise to do as you say Elliot, can we just go now? I'd like to reach the Capitol by noon." With that Celeste huffed out the front door before Elliot could pester her any further. She wouldn't let the weight of her secret sour her mood, today was going to be a good day, she just knew it.