[center][h3]~Day four, Night~[/h3] ~Livia and Fia~[/center] The rest of the day had passed rather uneventfully. Fia made...well, decent progress with writing and reading considering it was only her first day. After that days events, the headmistress was feeling rather tired and wanted to get to bed earlier than she usually did, if she could. She wasn't particularly looking forward to sending someone to deal with something in greece. She supposed she could always send Katherine or Aetheria again - or she could go herself. That was always an option. She was confident that whatever it was she could best. That said, that wouldn't be any fun nor interesting at all and she didn't have the luxury to go around flinging magic recklessly and she couldn't keep Katherine and Aetheria from their jobs. ...so she'd have to send students. Livia sighed, changing into something more appropriate for sleeping in. It was going to be a long semester wasn't it? Something was telling her that there would be difficulties in the coming days. She'd have to go through the roster of students to see who would be appropriate to send on such a task. ...Actually, maybe this would be the perfect chance for some troublemakers to redeem themselves? Hmm...That Prince and his Fiance...She doubted they would exactly view it as punishment, but students with the audacity - and cleverness - to get into the restricted section could perhaps be just the people she was looking for, and if what Aetheria said was true then Swen's betrothed could stand to learn how to...not be so stubborn about things. Hm. Yes, that would work nicely, wouldn't it? Then it was settled. After everything with Greece was finalized, she'd send them to handle it. Thoughts for later though. For now, she finished changing into a light robe, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. [color=a187be]"Done changing, Fia?"[/color] The red haired girl nodded, walking to the bed in one of her own nightgowns. They had purchased clothes the previous day, and Livia had gave several different dresses to the girls in addition to a few other garments. The way she approached made the girl's discomfort with getting so close fairly obvious, although she made the remainder of the distance without encouragement as she sat next to Livia. Sleeping with someone else was a new thing to the fourteen year old, and although the closeness was uncomfortable ... it was warm. And neccessary. The previous night of sleep had actually been decent - nothing really occured, and she simply woke up the next day well rested. Livia's magic seemed to work properly when dealing with her dreams, and that was enough to make the girl content. [color=salmon]"... thanks ..."[/color] The girl learned the true meaning of the word as she read. For the vast majority of her existence, the crimson haired girl used it as a response for beatings or for eating bread rather than gruel. These past few painless days with a full stomach and the previous restful night showed the girl that the headmistress deserved that at least. Livia laughed softly. [color=a187be]"No need to thank me, Fia, but you're welcome."[/color] There was something...oddly satisfying about being thanked for such mundane things. She couldn't exactly pinpoint what exactly it was, but it definitely was something she didn't mind. More importantly though she hoped Fia got another goods night rest like the last. [color=a187be]"Remember Fia, physical contact is a must."[/color] She began, just to make sure the girl remembered. With little else said, Livia yawned. She was a bit tired, and had been feeling more tired than she usually had recently. Nothing that she should be worried about, probably, but on the off chance it was...well, she'd deal with that when it happened. She had enough time. So she simply laid down on the bed, intent on getting...well, a mostly good nights sleep. The crimson haired girl nodded after a few seconds, slipping into the covers herself. After a few seconds, Fia placed her hands around Livia's so they had a connection. Despite maintaining physical contact, it seemed the girl wanted as much distance as possible. This probably would not surprise the headmistress. What would surprise her was when little Fia scooted up to her after a minute, turning around so that she would be in Livia's arms, trusting the older woman not to take advantage of her vulnerability. Livia ... was warm, and her arms were soft, comforting. This woman had sworn she would protect her, and Fia in spite of herself was starting to believe that, even after two days. Something told her to trust this woman, although she didn't know what it was. Just a gut feeling? The red haired girl took an intake of breath, suggesting that she had something to say, but then released it, deciding against it. Livia's words from earlier ran through her head though, and with her next soft intake of breath a few words came out. [color=salmon]"... sometimes .... I ..."[/color] The typical few seconds passed as the smaller girl gathered the courage to finish what she was saying. [color=salmon]"... I .... missed master ..."[/color] [color=a187be]"F-fia?"[/color] The first thing she noticed was how warm the girl was, and got the vague notion to try and hug her. She didn't want to startle her though, so she refrained. Still, that was progress. Much faster progress then she had expected. In fact, Livia was rather surprised a the act. The only other person she had been this close to recently, was Katherine. Of course If she wanted to be this close, then she would let her. She didn't have much longer to question it either way. Not moments after, she said something more surprising and somewhat alarming. That was...decidedly not good. It was good she wanted to talk about it, though, and perhaps there was something Livia could work with there. [color=a187be]"Fia dear, why would you ever miss such a horrible person?"[/color] Livia chided somewhat more harshly than she likely intended. It was likely understandable, however. Fia was a familiar. Or at least, a creature that was bound as one might be. Likely the side effects of the bond, then. Something that could likely only be fixed by getting her another master. Unless Fia had just been abused to the point where she actively needed to depend on someone else...if that was the case, then Livia would just have to do her best to address that issue. [color=a187be]"But...I suppose it is understandable given the circumstances."[/color] Fia waited half a minute before responding, spending time collecting her thoughts. [color=salmon]"... master ... would leave ..."[/color] The girl remembered how the man would toss her a waterskin, and chain her to the wall, unable to move more than a foot. [color=salmon]"... for ... days ..."[/color] Unconciously, the girl crossed her wrists, as if they were bound together still. Livia listened as intently as she could given the situation. Perhaps she had misunderstood Fia. It wouldn't have been hard to do considering how little she said. That said, she wasn't going to interrupt. She would let Fia speak all she could - she had to learn to speak more confidently and clearly, even if it was difficult too. The girl shivered slightly, remembering the cold, sleepless nights. Half a minute of these shivers passed, before she was able to collect herself enough to countinue. [color=salmon]"... shackled ... rats ... bit ..."[/color] When her master was gone, the tower would become infested with more creatures than usual. Perhaps it was magic, but the girl didn't know exactly why. The pests would be her companions, and her enemies. Seeing an easy target, they would wonder up, and try to eat the girl when she was too weak to resist. Any other food was sealed away. Just her. As she continued, Livia only scowled quietly. This bastard was lucky Katherine had gotten to him instead of her. He'd be finding himself in a very familiar position...and Livia had [i]plenty[/i] of things she always wanted to try on someone that would prove of great benefit to her research. Maybe she should make a visit to the reapers again to see if she could get her mitts on his soul. The headmistress would feel the shaking increase, until the crimson haired girl was obviously sobbing at the memories, days, weeks she wanted to forget. Tears streaked down her face, but the girl simply let them flow, no wiping them up. She'd been trained to cry without resistance. When the shaking increased, Livia was at first unsure what to do. There was only one thing she could do in this situation, though. The girl was close enough, and Livia would just have to hope she was comfortable enough with a light hug. Livia turned on her side, wrapping a loose arm around the girl. She placed her other hand gently on the girls head. Not enough to be restrictive, and if the girl tried she would very much be able to get away. [color=a187be]"It was scary, I know."[/color] Her voice was quiet as she wrapped the girl in a gentle hug, but comforting at least. Above the girls sobs though, it perhaps would have been somewhat difficult to hear. Fia cradled further into Livia's hug, enjoying the way it dispelled the cold of so many nights spent alone. [Color=salmon]"... master would ..."[/color] More tears continued to fall from her eyes, what she was saying interrupted by constant sobbing. [Color=salmon]"... harvest ... returning ..."[/color] Memories flooded in, the girl almost too shaken up to speak coherently. [Color=salmon]"... hours ... [I]with[/I] me ..."[/color] The implication of how that time was spent was rather obvious. The Phoenix cried, her valuable panacea covering the sheets, then soaking them. [Color=salmon]"... but ... cold ... worse ..."[/color] Her normally broken speech was even harder to interpret as she continued. [color=salmon]"... I'd ... want ... him ..."[/color] Ashamed, the girl simply fell into quiet, shaking sobs for as long as Livia would let her. Livia let the girl simply continue to cry. Crying was nothing to be ashamed of. It was an appropriate response to somethings after all, and she cared very little for the valuable substance being spilled on the sheets at all. So in a quiet voice, Livia continued in a quiet tone. She ignored the implications of her words for now. She understood the gist of what happened from her words. But that wasn't important at the moment. [color=a187be]"Feeling helpless. Trapped. As if you are powerless and unable to do anything other than sit and watch as something terrible happens."[/color] It was a feeling she was all too familiar with. A feeling that she wouldn't be forgetting herself any time soon. [color=a187be]"Remember, Fia. You are safe now and as long as I am here, you'll never feel cold or lonely again. I promise."[/color] She hugged her tighter as she continued. [color=a187be]"And here, you'll make friends with other people who would never let you feel that way again. You'll study, learn. If someone ever tries to do that again, you'll be able to defend yourself."[/color] The girl listened to the best of her ability to the sweet promises of Livia and the calm voice in which she spoke. Eventually, the crimson haired girl managed to come up with a question. Her old master had explained that she was useless for magic, and the campus didn't seem like it taught any martial skills she could use. [Color=salmon]"... defend ... myself ...?"[/color] Livia pulled away from the hug. She was still holding the girl, but there was enough space for her to look at Fia and gave her a warm smile. [color=a187be]"Magic, of course. At least in theory. Even understanding how it works could help one greatly."[/color] She replied with a smile. [color=a187be]"And while we do not formally teach martial skills quite a few students are well versed with skills other than magic that would likely be more than happy to teach you, should you desire. Miss Lunalel and Lyssa, for example. You met them in the baths the other day. Luna is quite handy with a swords, spears, and martial weapons of every kind if the rumors are true. And Miss Lyssa, while you may not believe it could likely wrestle a bear to the ground quite easily without breaking a sweat with her bare hands. I am...not sure she would be a good teacher though - she dislikes violence from what I've been told due to a...rather tragic accident when she was your age."[/color] Granted...magic itself would have been out of the realm of possibility for the girl considering she was the Phoenix. She wouldn't lie about it and try to mask her abilities with fire, either. She'd have to come up with some way to teach her how to control her flame. Another thing to add to her list of things to do. There was also, of course, the possibility of her gaining another master. Such a thing would likely be quite helpful for the girl...at least, once she was ready to choose someone herself. Fia nodded slowly, understanding somewhat. It was possible her previous master had been lying of course ... but the idea of getting so confrontational with someone seemed scary. The girl was a little curious about what would qualify as a tragic accident, but didn't say anything about it. The hellion's suffering wasn't any of her buisness ... The crimson haired girl flipped over slowly, so that she was now facing the headmistress. Fia didn't have much to say, although she considered talking again. She didn't mind being this close to the older woman sometimes ... Livia always seemed calm and collected, which is what she needed. [color=a187be]"Now, if there's nothing else bothering you Fia, I think its late enough and children should be in bed."[/color] She gave her a gentle pat on her head when she turned to face her, still smiling gently. [color=a187be]"I don't mind talking with you whenever you want too, but it is late and I do have work tomorrow."[/color] The crimson haired girl nodded slightly, with a curious look for being called a child, but she obediently closed her eyes and thou- ... the cried out girl fell asleep in Livia's arms within a minute, the mental work from earlier and the emotional labor of the past few minutes combining. Livia wasn't surprised she fell asleep as quickly as she did. The work earlier today plus the mental fatigue from remembering some less than pleasant things...it was easy to understand why someone would quickly fall asleep into a realm of comfortable sleep. Thankfully, the girl would easily be able to have one. Livia didn't quite as easily fall asleep as Fia, but didn't do anything regardless, and after a few minutes passed in silence the Headmistress was soon fast asleep herself. [hr] The headmistress would find herself on a street, filled with people. Exhaustion filled her lungs, as if she had been running for quite some time. Loud, angry voices screamed in some forgotten tounge as the girl whisked down what appeared to be an alleyway. Their intent was obvious, and the girl was running for her life, bread in hand. A few minutes passed as the girl took twists, turns, and other ways as she tried to find her way to safety. By some misfortune, she ran into a dead end with high, windowless walls around her, and solid wooden doors her frail limbs were simply too weak to quick open. The shadows of various pitchforks, scythes, and other farming implements came down the alleyway, approaching. Seconds later the girl knew she would be caught, and in a futile attempt to defend herself drew out a small length of bronze - a simple homemade shank. A hand grasped her from behind ... A small dining table, with a frail old man and woman, and a glass in her own hand. The conversation was lagged, obviously awkward, though a feeling of deep thanks filled the girl who had been saved from peril. Those around the table countinued to talk about seemingly unimportant matters, the group of them laughing ... Working in the fields. Hard, rewarding work. The old couple worked, laughing together. The young girl looked into the water, the reflection showing someone who couldn't be older than twelve. Eyes in the most radient blue looked back, seeing hair like the yellow of a fire. The yellow haired girl's vision turned from the pool to the couple with a smile, before she returned to the day's work ... Chains weighed heavily around her wrists, forcing them up to the bronze collar she was wearing. The rest of her body was bound in a heavy hemp rope, which she couldn't break free from. It was hard to see out of her teary eyes, but the blurry image of the old couple recieving a pouch of coins from a well dressed man - a slaver - was burned clear in her mind ... Livia would find herself in a nobleman's house, with no indication as to where. For the remainder of the dream, she would be a slave in a greek man's house, being used, beaten, whipped, tourtured, and otherwise abused. Eventually, the urge to escape would come over her, and she would find herself running through a field ... until a spear point protruded from her chest ... [hr] [color=salmon]"... Livia ...?"[/color] Fia was shaking the sleeping woman who appeared to be waking up. The woman was sweating profusely with a pained expression on her face. Once again, the crimson haired girl's dreams were clean of pain ... but the headmistress looked like as if she had just been whipped. Livia woke with a start, sitting up on the bed and sweating profusely and breathing heavily. A hand was held to her head as she breathed heavily. Was...what?...that was...definitely a dream but it had seemed quite real. She couldn't recall everything after waking, but what she did she remembered in vivid detail. The mob, the kindly seeming older couple, the inevitable betrayal of them selling her - well, Fia - to some slave trader. After seeing this, she briefly wondered why she worked so hard to do what she did when humans were collectively terrible people. ...no, that was a bad thought. She hadn't thought such things since she was eighteen and was finally skilled enough to be a respectable mage in her own right without apprenticing under someone. And...was someone touching her? Her head turned, looking over to Fia with some look of surprise. [color=a187be]"Fia?...What..."[/color] She took a few moments to calm herself, and collect her thoughts more coherently. [color=a187be]"I apologize,"[/color] Livia finally said with a small smile to Fia. [color=a187be]"Seems I had a bad dream of my own. Nothing to worry about, though I promise."[/color] She made a mental note to remember everything she saw. She needed to write it down later. Fia nodded, seeming somewhat relieved that the headmistress was alright. The girl had heard that the older one got, the 'better' nightmares became, but perhaps the same thing didn't apply to Livia? Or maybe all mages? The red haired girl moved away from the headmistress, hopping off the bed. They had spent the night close to eachother, but for now the girl seemed content to keep a distance. [color=salmon]"... so ..."[/color] The girl put her fingers together and looked down nervously, wondering what plans Livia had for the day. Livia was glad the girl didn't press the issue. what time was it though? She glanced through one of the windows in her room. Early morning...long enough to get a fairly decent amount of rest despite the rather suddenness of waking. She pulled the covers off of her as Fia got off the bed, keeping a bit of distance. She was a bit disappointed, but last night had been somewhat tiring for the girl and it was likely it could have just been a one time thing. [color=a187be] "So, more work for me. I have to get some proper planning done with Clete and you, are going to practice writing and reading more."[/color] The girl nodded in confirmation, getting ready for the day. Another day of peace and stability in her life.