Tangled

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238 Ava: A History of Magic

"That makes sense. Finished with my vegetables-all crunchy and drowning in garlic, which. seems to be a favorite Fac flavor-I attack the first steak on my plate. It looks similar to chicken, and has some sort of thick layer of cheese melted over it.

Once it enters my mouth, I have to bite back a groan.

Delicious.

Everything I eat here is good. I need to ask Magister Orion about learning how to create food. out of nowhere, but I'm too busy shoveling the food in my mouth to ask something so practical. Besides, I'm not able to replicate the magic anyway.

Later.

I'm definitely going to learn it later.

It would really come in handy.

"When we introduce ourselves, we rarely include our family names. It is always our full name and title, if we have one. You humans have both names as your identity, and so we often use them. If it bothers you, I can always call you by your short name."

"It doesn't bother me at all, I assure him, stabbing into another bite. "If you use titles, I should probably mention that Vanessa is a Healer in the Westwood Pack." But I can't remember her last

name.

What's her last name? Shit, I'm a terrible person. I'm pretty sure she introduced herself with her full name when we first met. Then again, I was pretty out of it.

Still.

I should know this.

softening. "My apologies, Healer Vanessa. I've been remiss in my manners. May I ask your full name?" Vanessa

like there was someone else with

Thorn. You've met

be his sister. Maybe a

didn't even know she had a

my people and learn more about them, and I failed with someone who's quickly grown into a great

just run up to a friend and ask them a thousand questions about their family life and histories? Such things come out in time. Vanessa doesn't even talk that

surprise she

chest. That's right. I didn't even know she was mated to Vester for

loves him deeply, but their relationship is very different from many mated couples. Then again,

make your proper acquaintance, Healer Vanessa Thorn. And you, sir?" He turns to Marcus, who's been quietly

voice gruff but

unnecessary words. Especially when he's on duty-which, right now, is literally

I properly introduce myself as well. He stands, his massive frame seeming to fill the entire room. "I am Magister

holding clatters to my plate. Grand Sorcerer? I knew Magister Orion was important, but this sounds like a lot

questions. "I've heard of many terms now-magician, witch, wizards. Now

too approachable for someone with an intimidating-sounding rank. "Sorcerers are Fae who have also manifested as a wizard. Also known as witches, or magicians. Over thousands of years, many names have come about for humans with magic. Illusionist, arcanist, shaman. While every school of magic focused and taught in different specialties, the core of human magic is always the same.

the difference in Fae magic and human magic, then?" Vanessa's forgotten all about her

We are attuned to the world around us. To nature. To the air we breathe. We cannot create from nothing, but

then how did you make this food appear?"

mouth, grateful for them both for asking the questions my sluggish brain can't

interesting, but my eyelids threaten

Ava: A History

a struggle to stay

have a core of magic within us. But it is incredibly rare. There are those who believe

of magic. As a Grand Sorcerer, I am the bridge between the human and Fae worlds for magical affairs. As Magister, I am the bridge between humans and their magic." Then he laughs, a big, booming sound that startles me so much I jump in