"I don't know much." I answered, tilting my head to the side. "I just know that it's rare and a gift from Empryia."

Alder glanced over at Stolas, who had his arms crossed. He nodded slightly. There was obviously some unspoken conversation that was happening. My mind was still reeling from the fact I was in the Fairy King's abode and that Snappy was actually a shapeshifting raven named Stolas. Maybe this is truly where it ended. I killed a whole swarm of fairies. Although I tried to play it cool, I would probably be chopped up and tossed into one of the pots to create a potion that gives people musical talent. At least I'd be useful.

My attention went back to Alder. He didn't look like the type to seek out divine punishment for killing the fairies. But I still couldn't be so sure. Just because he looked handsome and incredibly sweet doesn't mean he actually was. He could be an evil man who lured people into his tree dwelling by acting nice and then BAM, I am now one of his potent potions. 

"To start with," Alder began, starting to gently cleanse my wounds with a cooling balm. "It's true that it's a gift from Empyria. There's really no system to it. Empyrians don't come into council to choose someone. It's more of a personal preference. An Empyrian can give magic to a mortal for multiple reasons."

I tilted my head to the other side. "Wait, so… they can just give magic to someone for fun? Or if they just happen to like the way a mortal looks?"

Stolas snorted slightly, his voice slightly bitter. "In a way, yes. But it doesn't always work out and Empryians know that."

Alder pressed the rag against my neck. A shiver ran down my spine. "What Stolas means is that magic cannot be handled by just a normal body. A majority of Empyrians give magic as a form of an experiment. Every mortal's body reacts to magic differently. If the body cannot handle it, then that person will not survive."

"Ah. So it's not just given to people with a job or some higher purpose? Not to those who are worthy?" I asked.

"Correct."

Well that sucked. It was fun and a bit comforting to think magic had a purpose in this world. But it was just some fun experiment for the higher beings? They just wanted to see what happened to people and if they could handle it? That seemed so cruel. Still, they are immortals. It's not too surprising that they treat mortals like playthings to keep getting bored. 

Alder set down the rag and bottle. My injuries were no longer throbbing. The pain had waned down to almost nothing. He scooted backwards and lifted my leg, inspecting my swollen ankle. I winced slightly as he unwrapped it.

"Does it hurt?" He asked, looking up at me. 

"Yes. Not too bad." I said. My mind was still filled with questions about magic. "Then how does magic work exactly?" 

Stolas handed Alder a bundle of cloth. Alder started to tightly wrap my ankle, correctly this time. "Magic is seen as a wild essence. It adapts to each person, their powers forming based on their soul. The strength of their soul determines the strength of their magic. Their magic type stems from an innate ability that is inside their soul. For example, my magic is based in nature. In other examples, warriors can become unnaturally strong, scholars can use their magic to make themselves smarter, or… musicians have magic in their music."

Stolas spoke up once again. "Magic differs in strength as well. Those who can handle magic usually don't have the strength to wield it. Their souls aren't strong enough either. Therefore, they go a majority of their life without realizing they have it."

That made me furrow my eyebrows. "Is magic something that can be trained or refined then?"

"Yes." Alder finished wrapping my ankle. He gently patted it before setting my ankle down. "Sometimes as a person grows older, their magic becomes stronger and starts to manifest in more obvious ways."

They both stared at me as if I should know something. I blinked, looking between both of them. Okay, so obviously I need to go over the information again. Magic is given to us by Empyrians. The strength of the magic depends on the soul. Sometimes it never shows and sometimes it shows later in life in more obvious ways. In more obvious ways… like exploding the heads of fairies using my flute.

"I have… magic?" The words came out as a quiet whisper.

"It seems you do." Alder's voice matched my softness. "Can you tell me of any other scenarios where you might've felt different?"

My brain started to go into overdrive. The feeling I would always get while playing. That buzzing in my body that started in my chest and seemed to flow through my blood. When I was in the tavern and people felt almost euphoric with my music. The words people have told me. Singing in the forest and having everything just go dark. It all made sense. I ran a shaky hand through my hair. This was a lot to take in.

"I could sense it, you know," Stolas smugly spoke, a smirk on his face. "Though, that's some dangerous magic you've got there."

I didn't say anything. Alder walked over to the stove. He gently lifted the two bryum that were stirring a pot and set them on the counter. He grabbed an empty mug and laddled the mystery liquid into it. He then reached into a jar that was filled with what was presumably some type of sweetener. He stirred the contents with a spoon that looked small in his hands before bringing it over to me. He had an odd expression on his face. I took the mug.

"It's tea." Alder said, his expression still unreadable. "It should calm you."

"Uhm… are you upset that I killed the fairies? I really didn't mean to."

Alder hummed and tilted his head. his eyebrows furrowed. "The balance of nature is tricky. I interfere where I can, but… Some things are not meant to be messed with. Nothing is black and white. As much as it saddens me to see the inhabitants of the forest hurt, I cannot blame you. Not only were you defending yourself, but you didn't know how to control your magic. I am upset but not at you."

My gaze softened and I looked away. I had killed all those fairies, and yet he wasn't the slightest bit angry. I sipped the tea. A small sigh left my lips as the liquid seemed to flow through my body and ease the aches in my bones. I took another sip, longer this time. My mind started to calm down. It was okay. Everything will be okay.

"Well… I am sorry about it. I was in a panic and I didn't know about the whole-" I motioned vaguely with one hand. "Magic thing."

"They had it coming. Those little pests are annoying anyway. And a good snack." Stolas grinned, giving me a wink. I snickered slightly at that.

"Anyway, I won't stay here that much longer." I said, setting down mug

Alder's eyes widened, almost in a panic. "No, please! Stay!"

I shook my head. "I couldn't. You've been kind enough to me already, Alder. Plus, I have no reason to stay here any longer."

"Yes, you do." Stolas said.

"I do?"

He nodded and looked me over. "Not only do you completely lack any sort of fighting skills, which is weird for a War elf, but your magic is emotionally charged. That just screams danger. You've already killed fairies. Who knows when you'll actually kill someone else or yourself."

"Wow, thank you Snappy!" I grinned at him, sarcastically laughing. "That really helps a lot!"

"Don't call me that." He sighed. "Stay here. I'll help you with fighting. Alder can help with magic."

"Oh! I actually had a question about that. Alder, are you the Fairy King because of your strong magical power? Or are you born the Fairy King?"

"The Fairy King is chosen by patronage. Those with an innate talent to handle magic. In fact, the next Fairy King should be chosen soon."

Stolas grinned at me, raising his eyebrows suggestively. My hand instinctively tightened around the mug. Why was he doing that? It was annoying and made me feel weird. But then my mind started working in overdrive again. Probably not good. If they're looking for a new Fairy King and I just happened upon Stolas who led me to Alder, does that mean…?

"W-Wait! Are you saying I'm like some sort of chosen one?" I stood up, my eyes wide with shock.

"That's-" Alder started.

"Oh my Empyrians! This means I have to get married to you and make babies, doesn't it?! I'm not into that sort of thing!"

Alder's face flushed a deep red. "P-Please, Cahira, let me finish!"

Stolas started laughing. My own cheeks heated up as I realized I came to conclusions too quickly. I drank the tea to calm my rapidly beating heart. I was going to blame this partly on Stolas to save myself the embarrassment. I mumbled out an apology and nodded my head to let Alder continue.

"As I was saying…" He gave a pointed look at Stolas. "The Fairy King is chosen by patronage. But this can mean several different things. While marriage and offspring are an option, it's not common due to certain difficulties. In my case, patronage meant that the Fairy King chose me because I was a inhabitant of this forest."

I sat back down, my interest piqued. "You were?"

He nodded. "I was. In fact… I was just a wee mushroom when I was chosen. The Fairy King blessed me with her magic and gave me a life. Since then, I've been loving and caring for this forest. So no, you do not have to, uhm… m-marry me."

He shyly looked away. My eyes were shining with interest. I could practically feel the compassion radiating off of him. This was truly a good man. I cleared my throat and set down my mug once again. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad to stay here. I could just ignore Stolas completely and spend all of my time with Alder. It would be a chance for me to learn more about magic, but about the forest as well. Good song material.

"Will you stay?" Alder asked again, looking back at me with hopeful eyes. "I'll teach you everything I know."

I bowed my head, hiding the smile on my face. How could I turn down a sweet, attractive man like himself? "I would be honored, my king."

A look at Stolas: