“Timmy...” I called out hesitantly, still trying to process the enormity of what had just occurred.
“Well now, isn’t this the perfect chance to strut your stuff, little starshine?” Fae Aurora chimed in, her tinkling voice brimming with maternal encouragement. “Let’s see you flex those newly-unlocked cosmic muscles!”
I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks as she put me on the spot. Suddenly, the rush of power that had flooded my senses mere moments ago felt almost… cumbersome. Overwhelming, even.
“Aw, don’t be getting all shy on us now,” the Dwarf Altairs tutted, clearly picking up on my hesitation. “You just cracked wide open a gigantic, interdimensional can of whoop-ass! No room for stage fright after that mind-blowing astral hootenanny.”
I ducked my head shyly, still not quite sure how to process this whole situation.
“I...I don’t know, it just feels sort of...unreal, you know?” I mumbled, scuffing my boots against the debris-littered floor. “Like, one second I’m just regular ol’ me trying to bend a few baby sparks to my will. Then BAM! The entire freakin’ universal encyclopedia of high-level hoodoo comes gushing into my spirit like a busted pipe.”
Letting out a long breath, I dragged a hand through my disheveled hair, trying to gather my scattered thoughts. “It’s just...a lot to take in all at once. I feel sort of...too big, somehow. Like someone went and pumped me full of a cosmic dumpster fire’s worth of pure, primal energies when I was only prepared for a little campfire’s worth.”
Fae Aurora regarded me with that trademark serene, all-knowing mom look as I stumbled through my admission. When our eyes met, I could’ve sworn I glimpsed entire galaxies being birthed in the kaleidoscopic depths of her ageless gaze.
“Oh my dearest little spark...” she murmured, and I swear I could hear the celestial machinery of the cosmos itself whirring behind the gentle cadences of her voice. “Feeling ‘too big’ is simply part and parcel of walking the path of the infinitely transcendent, love.”
Rising fluidly to her feet, my mother’s slight frame seemed to shimmer and elongate subtly before my widening eyes. What had once appeared delicate was now somehow hinting at vast, ineffable essences barely contained within its earthly vessel.
“Your awakening has tapped into a reservoir of cosmic fire that can’t be so easily contained or controlled, my starchild,” Fae Aurora continued, her words reverberating through me with a weird, bone-deep universal weight. “To embrace the unbridled infinity within is to shed all sense of scale, of linear ordering, of uni-dimensional perception.”
Fae beamed. “I’m so stoked you picked up that spell so fast! But listen, don’t be shy about showing it off to Timothee, yeah? Don’t hide that awesome light of yours.”
“It’s getting more complicated, mom. I’m even confused by how Timothee’s handling this whole thing.”
“Oh honey, I get why you’d be confused. Timothee can be a bit of an enigma at times. But you know he cares about you, right? Maybe he’s just trying to protect you in his weird way.”
Fae smiled and put a reassuring hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “Why don’t you just talk to him? Clear the air, you know? Communication is key in any relationship, romantic or otherwise.”
She winked. “And who knows? Maybe once you two get on the same page, you can show off a little magic trick for him.” She nudged her daughter playfully. “Guys love a girl with a few surprises up her sleeve.”
I let out a long sigh, then nodded slowly. “Maybe Timmy’s talking things over with Dave and the Guards right now.”
Mom gave me an understanding look. “I’m sure he’s just trying to figure out the best way to handle this whole mess. You know how dedicated he is to keeping us all safe.”
She nudged me gently. “Why don’t you give him a call later? Or maybe swing by his place after your afternoon practice. Clear the air, you know?”
Running a hand through my hair, I managed a small smile. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ll catch up with him once I’ve had a chance to clear my head too.”
Mom grinned. “That’s my girl. And who knows?” She winked conspiratorially. “Maybe you can show off a little magical flair for your favorite Guard once you’ve smoothed things over.”
I laughed, feeling some of the tension ease. “Mom! You’re terrible.” But I had to admit, impressing Timothee with my new skills didn’t sound like the worst idea.
That evening, as everyone was winding down to rest, I spotted Timothee standing in the foyer, watching the Guards hustle by carrying various things.
Feeling mischievous, I conjured a small magical orb and tossed it lightly at him. He startled, then turned his head towards me.
“You’re Fae, not some pesky pixie. But why are you being such a troublemaker?” he asked, eyeing the glowing sphere.
I grinned unrepentantly. “What, a girl can’t have a little fun around here?” I made the orb dance between my hands. “Besides, I thought you Guards liked a bit of excitement now and then.”
Timothee tried to look stern, but I could see his lips twitching. “There’s excitement, and then there’s outright mayhem, missy. You’d do well to learn the difference.”
“Aw, where’s your sense of adventure?” I pouted mockingly, letting the orb dissipate in a shower of sparks. “Maybe I should take my talents elsewhere if they’re so unappreciated.”
He snorted. “Like the stable hands would know what to do with your magic tricks.” Timothee gestured me closer conspiratorially. “But maybe you could give me a private show later.”
I felt my cheeks warm at his tone. “Is that so?” I teased. “And what would I get in return for such a dazzling performance?”
Timothee smirked. “Well now, I’m sure we could come to some...arrangement.” He took a step closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Perhaps I could offer my services as your own personal guardian for the evening?”
I tried not to get flustered by his proximity. Lifting my chin, I matched his playful tone. “Is that a promise, Sir Guard? To keep all harm away while I dazzle you with my talents?”
“You have my solemn vow,” he said lowering his voice. “Though I make no promises about maintaining propriety if said dazzling gets...out of hand.”
A delighted shiver ran through me at his words. Two could play at this game. I leaned in until our faces were inches apart. “Well then, I’ll just have to be very...careful with my spellcasting tonight, won’t I?”
Timothee’s gaze dropped to my lips for a heated moment before he cleared his throat, flushing slightly. “Ahem, yes. Perhaps we should retire somewhere more private to, ah, discuss the details.”
Looping my arm through his, I grinned up at him impishly. “Lead the way, good sir. I’ll be sure to put on a magic show you won’t soon forget.”
As we walked away arm-in-arm, I could have sworn I heard him mutter, “Enchantress,” under his breath. Tonight was shaping up to be full of delightful surprises.