Operation Witchcraft

Chapter 6: Tam Qua

Olivia had noticed when Ella turned to ice. She also noticed when Ella slipped away, after Demetri was called. She knew her best friend wasn't going to talk to him, but rather... follow. Stalk? Olivia didn't have a good word for it.

Demetri was an odd one. He tilted his body away from Ella, but his eyes would return to her, every few moments. Olivia was able to grab his attention pretty quickly, or at least peak his interest. He liked hearing Olivia's questions, or more specifically, answering them. Demetri didn't speak to her like she was an idiot, his voice remained patient and even, and if he felt annoyance, he didn't show it.

The intercom had a slight crackle to it, and after Demetri got called off, Olivia was left to fend for herself. It didn't take her long to spot Wendall, who was flirting with a girl across the room. Wendall, ally. Girl? Really not taking his flirting. Olivia walked over, a small smile on her face.

"So tell me, dinner and a movie? Thursday night."

"Well..."

"How about just the movie?"

The girl blushed slightly, and then caught Olivia's eye. The girl waved to her, a bright smile lighting her face. Wendall whipped around, giving Olivia a glare. Today, he wore a dark read bandana, and wore a bright ruby earring. His hair stuck out, pointing every which direction. Overall, he looked like a pirate that was trying just a little too hard.

"Hey, Wendall!" Olivia put as much sunshine into her voice as possible. "Who's this?"

"Kennedy," the girl said, sticking her hand out to shake Olivia's. Olivia shook it back, surprised at how hard Kennedy squeezed.

"A fellow mage. She's a year younger than me, but three years ahead in the program." Wendall said. Kennedy puffed her chest out ever so slightly, and stood a bit taller. She wore her achievements like an armour.

"That's amazing. I'm the same age as Wendall but I'm about twenty years behind in training."

Kennedy's eyes turned into little saucers, "That's you?! I've been hearing rumours about a new mage who somehow went undiscovered all this time. The Sanctuary is thinking of taking you in. You would need a tutor," Kennedy winked, "and I put my name down."

"That would be me, yes." Olivia kept a smile on her face, but on the inside she was reeling. When Ella had spoke about the Sanctuary, she only barely kept hidden the disgust toward the organization. Olivia hadn't had enough time to make her own opinion, but the way Kennedy spoke implied that she wouldn't have a choice if the Sanctuary decided to take her in.

"It will be so exciting when you start training. We never have a mage start training this late, so we will have to start ASAP." Kennedy started to chatter about training, and Olivia stood, mute.

After a few minutes, Wendall put a hand on Kennedy's shoulder, "Hey, Den, maybe cool it a bit? I think Olivia might be a bit overwhelmed." Kennedy seemed to suddenly remember she was there, and a blush colored over her face.

"Uh... yea. Sorry, I got a bit excited." She checked her watch in a large, dramatic, gesture, "Oh! Look at the time! I have to go..." Kennedy walked off, a bit faster than casual, but not quite a run.

Wendall turned to Olivia, a half-smile half-grimace on his face, "Sorry about that."

"Don't worry about it. Just a bit much all at once."

"Did Ella leave you alone?" Olivia nodded. "Hmm, well you can follow me around, if you'd like. I have a few assignments I need to do." Olivia nodded again.

Wendall gestured towards the Library, letting Olivia walk before him. As the pair walked towards the Library, another pair passed them, heading to the mission room. They spoke in hushed tones, but Olivia caught one distinct word from them, 'tam-qua'. Wendall seemed to stiffen as they passed, but he quickly relaxed again.