The Alchemist's Starling

Never Forget You

Hope you all like the surprise!

Chise's POV

An hour ago, I had just woken up from my freaky encounter with Joseph. When Alice walked into my room, I was surprised. But when I walked into the living room, I was shocked. We had... lots of visitors... Elias was wearing his veil, he seemed a bit frosty too. I knew he wasn't comfortable having four Alchemists and Lindel's Familiar in the house. Silver had disappeared somewhere as well. I met an Alchemist called Adolf, and another Alchemist called Tory, who was a bit too enthusiastic. Alice and Renfred were there too.

They explained to me why they were here and what Joseph had done. My blood boiled at the thought of Joseph mutilating those dragon hatchlings just for his experiments... it's not right. Why does he think he has the right to cause other people suffering just because he suffers? He's not the only one who experiences pain.

Elias and I are going to help the College retrieve the two dragon hatchlings that Joseph stole. I'm so glad Elias agreed to help, even though I did have to blackmail him a little. Everyone was now happy that Elias had decided to help. To be honest, I was relieved.

Suddenly, Merituuli, Lindel's Familiar, bounced off Adolf's lap where she had been sitting comfortably. She bounded over to me, jumping into my arms and beaming happily. I was taken aback, but I kept calm.

"Apologies, young Robin! But I just remembered that Master Lindel wanted to speak to you urgently!"

"He does? Why?" My eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.

"It would be better for Master Lindel to explain, I'll let him speak now..."

Merituuli closed her eyes for a moment. She opened them again, slowly, and smiled warmly at me.

"Hello, my dear granddaughter. It's been quite some time since we last spoke."

It was Lindel's voice. He was speaking through Merituuli. As the Caretaker of the Dragon Aerie, he is not allowed to leave the Land of Dragons, so he often sends Merituuli in his place.

"Hello, Lindel. How are you?"

"I am well, Chise. Although, I've heard from the Fae that you're as reckless as ever."

Ack. Why does everyone say that? It's true, I don't think before I act. But if there's a way for me to help someone, even if I means I'll get hurt, I'll do it.

"Well... I suppose there's truth in that..." I quickly changed the subject. "Merituuli said that you needed to speak with me urgently, aside from the dragons, is there something wrong?"

Lindel sighed. "... Yes, Chise. There is something else. I wish there were an easy way to ask you this, but there is not."

I was getting nervous at his words. I really didn't know what he was going to ask me. I glanced over at Elias, and I knew he was staring at us intensely. I knew by his demeanour that he was also confused.

Abruptly, Lindel's Familiar raised her paw-like hand, and I set her down on the floor. She reached out her hand, her palm facing upwards. I soon realised that she was taking magic from the air and using it to form a ball of light. My eyes sparkled at the sight, my own gift of the Sight allowing me to see everything clearly. I heard Tory titter excitedly - he is fascinated by magic.

When Merituuli was satisfied with the ball of magical energy, she stared at me, speaking with Lindel's voice.

"Chise... Do you know who this girl is?"

Lindel's voice was deadly serious as an image began to materialise within the ball. At first, all I could see was purple, but then the image became much clearer...