The Element - Chapter 5

Alowyn wakes up and prepares for her day, meeting her tutor and a new woman named Aranike. They bond over their love of books and Aranike gives Alowyn a special gift. Aranike then asks permission to enter Alowyn's mind to better understand her writing. They discuss Alowyn's first article about terriers and turtles for therapy, and Aranike is impressed with Alowyn's storytelling abilities. Chapter 5 Morning came too quickly, as usual. Aluin slowly stretched and smiled in the patch of sun casting into her room. Raiden had been singing a charming melody just for her. Then her talk with Frizzik from last night floated back in. Oh no, her tutor was coming over. Boring. At least she could stay in comfortable clothes. She rolled off the bed, grabbed her towel, and headed to the bathroom. Many torches set into the wall were alight with white-green fire as she stepped in, and a pleasant flowery mist coated the air. A tub was filled with steaming water where white lilies bobbed. She dipped a hand in and the water was just warm enough, even with the steam. It looked and felt so inviting. She knew she was coming back at the end of the day. Later, as she brushed her teeth, her hair in a bun, she inspected the strange bottles lined along the shelf. Unicorn milk cream for skin gel. Fairy spore powder for soothing burns. Essence of eagle talon. Guaranteed to attract the opposite sex. She blinked at that. She really doubted Frizzik needed help with this. Despite his quirkiness, he was quite handsome for a man his age. More confident than most younger men, too, if she had to be honest. It must be a bottle he hadn't used for a while. She threw on some jeans and a t-shirt and gave her reflection a once-over before heading out into the hallway. As she neared the kitchen, she could hear chatter. The murmurs were low, but when her footsteps got closer, they stopped completely. Alowyn sighed deeply. Time to meet her tutor. She moved the final few steps into the kitchen and stopped at the sight of a striking woman sitting at the breakfast table with Frizzik. Her hair was shaved into a tight buzzcut, and her skin looked like glossed ebony in the light. Her cheekbones were angled handsomely sharp, and the smile she gave Alowyn flashed white teeth. Frizzik lifted his mug. He was already dressed in a sharp-fitting midnight blue suit that almost looked black in the low lighting. She wondered if Wulkinians had to have their clothes specially made since they were so tall. Good morning, Alowyn. This is Aranike. She is going to be working with you today. Alowyn raised a hand a little awkwardly. Sure, Wombat was one of the most popular, high-profile celebrities, but it's one thing to have a casual lunch with them. It just felt a little vulnerable to have someone comment on her writing. I'll let her introduce herself more, but believe me, she's one of a rare bunch in the writing world. Frizzik drained his mug and put it in the sink. I should get going. I will let you ladies get to it. There is coffee and cloudberry scones on the counter. Help yourself to anything from the fridge. I will probably be back early with dinner. Thank you, Frizzik. Have a good day. Aranike's voice had a hypnotic quality that relaxed the tension in Alowyn's shoulders. They watched as Frizzik mounted Turk and flew off. Then Aranike stood and reached out her hand. I hear you are new in town, Alowyn. How are you liking it? It's very new. Shyly, Alowyn took the other woman's hand. Aranike briefly closed her other hand over Alowyn's as they shook. Cloud crystals, that's like a marshmallow. I think I'm starting to get the hang of riding a giant eagle, and this entire city shimmers looking so... Fancy, Aranike suggested with a slow grin. Alowyn giggled. I was going to say lovely, but sure. Alowyn found herself relaxing. This wasn't going to be like school after all. She sat and picked up a cloudberry scone. Well, more about me. Aranike sat back down and looked at her mug again. After I graduated from Astara Institute, I began working for Wolkan's news station as a journalist. When my dear friend, Frizzik, told me what a fine writer you are and how you are our scribe for the Element Party, I just had to meet you myself. I knew you must be very special. Frizzik is very particular about who he chooses for the Element Party. Astara? Wolkan's prestigious writing school? Her hazel eyes were deep and sincere. Alowyn blushed at the look and her words. Thank you. You are really kind. Aranike waved it away casually. You'll hear more and more of the same in time, I promise. I went to the Element Party when I was your age, actually, so this is experience talking. She chortled, pulling out a satchel. Before I came over, I wondered, you are a writer, so what kinds of books do you like? Um... Alowyn scratched her head, puzzled. I do like fantasy and adventure books. Like, uh, like Ballets of the Garden Swifts by Elma, or The Sheep Who Clothed the Lion by Dexran. I grew up learning how to write creatively from those two authors. In fact, she had two whole shelves back home just for them. Aranike grinned. Great taste. I love Elma and Dexran, too. I thought Elma's Buffalo Emperor trilogy was her best work yet. What do you think? Oh! Alowyn scratched her head. Yes, that series was good, too. I kind of wished Talahan had gone with her human girl in the end, but I guess the Wilds were best for her. She sighed. Only Elma could write a bittersweet ending like that, but it was done so well. She's one of the best, right? Aranike put a finger to her lips. Rumor has it she's hiding somewhere writing her next book. And I actually met Dexran once, right before he became a bestseller. No way! Alowyn held her hand over her mouth. You met Dexran? He signed my copy of The Water Dragon Legends. Aranike pulled a thin children's book from her bag and slid it over to her. The cover had a sigil on it that looked like eight stages of the moon cycle. Alowyn's eyes widened. According to a legend thousands of years old, a water dragon emerged from the ocean on one new moon and covered the world in ice, killing everyone but the Alorans and leaving them to be the oldest race. Those were the Frozen Years. Of course, the other races emerged over time and together formed the still-developing world they knew today. When she was still a baby, Dexran had somehow gotten their permission to put this legend of theirs in print, the first and only outsider to get that privilege. Alowyn opened the thin paperback. Sure enough, his untidy autograph was on the first page. She stared in shock. Aranike leaned in as though she were sharing a secret. You can borrow it while you are here. I thought it would be the perfect gift, especially if you didn't know, Dexran. Lots of bookstores don't sell this anymore. Aluris only allowed ten copies printed. Alowyn almost cried. You are my favorite person now. There, there. Wipe your tears. Aranike smiled. All right. You'll have to tell me what you think about it later, but for now, I want to switch to your own writing. Alowyn straightened and slid the book aside. Where was this going? First, Aranike slid back her left sleeve, revealing a mind shield bracelet. This one looked thicker than the average kind. Would you be okay granting me permission into your mind? It helps me better appreciate the stories people tell. I'll only be able to know and see what we are talking about. Nothing else. Alowyn hesitated for a moment. She'd never let anyone into her mind, but she couldn't feel any safer around this lady. Okay. She reached and touched the glassy bracelet made of cloud crystal. After a while, the bracelet went from green to a milky white. Now, Frisik mentioned your articles from school, and I did get a bit of time to look at two or three, but it got me curious. Aranike carefully pulled out some school magazines from her bag and shifted volumes aside, turning a few pages. Alowyn inhaled anxiously, but her new friend didn't notice. Let's see, let's see. These were almost four years' worth of articles she'd written for her school magazine, and it felt like years as Aranike patiently sifted through the small pile. Finally, she tapped one of them. Terriers or Turtles for Therapy? Your first ever article, I think. I know the story, but what was that like for you? Well, Alowyn set aside her half-eaten scone, making sure she swallowed before she spoke. Well, I had been so little then, I was still so nervous putting work out there. But that particular assignment was perfect for putting me at ease. Aranike nodded, slowly listening. I guess I decided to do it because, well, I was inspired by Noah. I know the article introduced him a bit, but when I wrote it, I didn't want to tell everyone how much studies were stressing him out. But they made him so anxious. Poor kid. She met her tutor's gaze. Two of the few things that brought him calm were his pets. Softie, his box turtle, and Safety, his cairn terrier. The article did mention that, but not how he always talked about them in homeroom. A smile slowly trekked across her face. It was all coming back now. One day, he asked the principal if they could hang out with him in the field after school for his friends to play with. And amazingly, she said, sure. Aranike looked right at her, her chin resting on her hands. Who wouldn't say no, right? Almost everyone wanted to spend time with Softie and Safety, me included. The next thing we knew, Jane, our counselor, thought it would be a good idea to find more terrier and turtle owners over the arbor and invite them to school for a special therapy day. Alowyn had to smile again. I remember me and a few others helping Noah write letters to convince those people. She could still see the circle they sat in, carefully writing each letter and then rewriting. Softie lying peacefully next to her. That was one of the few times I had seen the whole school look so happy. After that, the school magazine asked if I would like to go around with a poll asking who relaxed more with a terrier or a turtle, and then write a piece off that. She leaned back with a breath. There was so little stress that came with that. Fitting, isn't it? That was beautiful, Aranike said quietly. She stirred her coffee. Thank you for sharing that with me. This is one way you can interview someone, do you see? Try asking about something that feels very comfortable, maybe something fun and memorable in their past. She pointed to the terrier and turtles article. When you talk to these people, the celebrities you're going to meet, just remember that they are sick to death of talking about the same old things. Money, power, fame become so blah once you have them. They want to remember passion and joy. Ask them who their first love was. Ask them what their favorite meal as a child was. Ask them what their favorite book is and why. Listen when they answer you. Find the pieces of them in their answers and build a picture of who they really are. That way you can gracefully interview someone without crossing minds or making them feel uncomfortable. Alowen listened in awe. This tutoring session wasn't a lecture like she'd expected. Aranike gave her space to speak and share. None of her teachers in high school had taught so personally and invitingly. She would most definitely remember this. Aranike picked up a butter knife. Those were some cute little terriers and turtles, seriously. I could see softy and safety right next to you. It's not that I can read people's minds exactly, but when I am interacting with someone, I do see pictures, almost snapshots of their memories and what they are thinking about. Sometimes I can feel what they are feeling too. She took a delicate bite. That comes from having a father from Wolken and a mother from Baca. My fire isn't as intense as a normal fire person's. I think I inherited more from my father. I think my mother's fire probably just intensified the natural Wolkenian ability to read people. Here, close the link. She offered Alowen her bracelet again. Alowen blinked as she tapped it and the crystal turned back to green. Wow, you are a mixed element. I mean, there are so few mixed people these days. Suddenly, the past two days seeped back in. Frisik talking about some petition to raise mixed element wages. The rumor Cielo might have a secret mixed employee. She lowered her voice reflexively. Do many people know? Aranike laughed, her teeth flashing, eyes sparkling. No need to whisper here. It's just us. Thank you, though. In my childhood, I was definitely just as nervous. Growing up in Wolken, people didn't know I was a mixed element, so I had many difficulties as a child. That's why it was always my dream to be a scribe, to give a voice to the struggles people face in this world. Alowen thought back to Sorin. He always seemed like such a loner. Even when she tried talking to him and be his friend, he never responded much. For a time, she had always been intrigued by him, but maybe he felt she was just another non-mixed person pitying him. She shook off the thought. So you could really see pictures in my mind? Mixed folks really do have special powers and stuff? Well, Aranike wiped her lips and brushed crumbs off her blouse. She seemed to consider her answer carefully. Yes, Alowen, there are things about me that only mixing the elements can explain. In some ways, it has made life even more difficult for me because a lot of people in my industry feel I have an unfair advantage. That must be tough. Why don't you find another place to work where people don't know you? Aranike shrugged. Although I have had much success in the world, it's difficult for me to feel like I really belong anywhere. When I was your age, I thought about moving to Baka and staying there. It's easier to blend in when you're surrounded by other misfits. The truth is, Woken is my home, and I would rather have to work harder for the respect of my peers than run and hide in fear of being judged. Alowen could imagine a younger Aranike spending late nights at her desk long after everyone had gone home, editing journal articles, rewriting and then rewriting, practicing interviews by herself. You must have gotten some friends at work. Oh, some. But there's not much time, unfortunately. Aranike poured more coffee into her cup. The work can be so demanding. Thankfully, I love writing, you know? She chuckled and sipped. But surely there had to be more companionship in a job where one talked to so many people. Have you ever become friends with anyone you interviewed? I mean, you care so deeply about them. You want to know about them, not their wealth or glory. Aranike looked off to the side of the room. There was a pause. Oh no. Alowen held her breath. I've asked the wrong thing. Finally, Aranike looked back at her. Yes, there was a time when I developed a very close friendship with someone I worked on a story with. It didn't end well. Mixing work with love is not something I ever recommend. Aranike took another slow sip, and Alowen fidgeted. She shouldn't have asked. Maybe if she pretended to get a glass or something behind her, they could move away from this. She turned and frowned as she noticed something. Was Aranike looking at the mantle? Frisik's picture with the key to the city was framed there proudly. But then again, she could just be tilting her cup as she drank. Maybe it was nothing. They were silent for a moment before Aranike seemed to regain her composure. Well, Alowen, I have two assignments for you. Here. She drew out a sheaf of papers. A list of elemental party celebrity guests for this year, with a profile on each of their backgrounds and achievements, and some of their past interviews. Study up on them, and I want you to spend some practicing interview questions in the mirror. Oh, no. Homework? Alowen groaned, but Aranike shrugged apologetically. We have six more days. That's not much time, so I want you to take this seriously. Alowen felt a mixture of fear and excitement. She stood and cleared away the coffee cups as Aranike packed the school magazines into her bag. Aranike, thank you. I really appreciate you helping me. I know you must be busy, and you didn't have to. Aranike waved her words away with a smile. Like I said, Alowen, any friend of Razik's is a friend of mine. Anytime. I will be at the element party as well, so if you get stuck while you are there, don't hesitate to find me and ask. She drew Alowen into a hug and said, I will see you in two days. Stay focused. Just like that, she headed for the door and left. Alowen looked out the window and noticed dark clouds across the sun. She wondered what her mother was making for lunch, or if she was even cooking much now that Alowen had gone. Well, Uncle Rogan would still have to eat. What could she do now? She flipped through the files Aranike had left her inside. She didn't feel like doing much reading now. Perhaps she could go for a walk and make a new friend in the city. But it looked about ready to rain, judging by the clouds, and she didn't feel like rummaging around through her luggage for a coat. Instead, she fiddled with the wall key, trying to get the strange pink fire in the fireplace to come alive as it was when she first entered. When she placed her hand on the wall near the fire, a blueprint appeared, glowing for several seconds. Soon after, a pleasant rose pink fire lit the room. As thunder boomed in the distance, she grabbed a scone and turned on more water for tea. Frizzik had told her to take anything from the fridge, so maybe he wasn't coming back for lunch, but that was all right. In some ways, she was grateful to be alone with her thoughts for a moment. She had so much to process. Aranike's face hovered in her mind, the expression she had when she looked at the mantle. She turned and stared at it. The mantle actually had a number of interesting things on it. Some kind of glass sculpture resembling a miniature volcano that glowed orange and dimmed and then started again. Next to it was a vase of flowers with petals that look like butterfly wings. And then there was some bizarre fish skeleton Frizzik must have preserved. Maybe a souvenir or gift from Alluris. Yes, Aranike could have been looking at any of these fascinating items. Who could blame her? But somehow... Alumin looked closer at the portrait of younger Frizzik. He looked even more handsome back then, fresher faced. Was that wistfulness she'd seen in Aranike's eyes just for that moment? Did the two have some sort of history? Mixing work with love is not something I ever recommend. Outside, it was raining hard. Alumin shook her head. Maybe she was overthinking. She had just met Aranike this morning and Frizzik two days ago. She could be making assumptions. Well, she had better rest. She could eat lunch later and do some studying. Maybe when Frizzik came home, she could find out more about this mystery. Alumin lay down on the plush fur while she listened to the crackling fire. Slowly, everything seemed to grow hazy around her, more and more. There was a girl who sat in a dark room, hands on her stomach. She was carefully looking through a barely lit crack in the door, biting her lip. Alumin's heartbeat. Wait, my heart? She looked down, but there was nothing. No hands, no body, just darkness. I'm not here. Still, her heart was going as fast as a drum. What's going on? Then the girl shifted a little and placed her hand on her own chest. Bit by bit, the intense heartbeat slowed. I'm feeling what she's feeling, Alumin realized. Wherever this girl was, there were faint voices in the other room, two men talking. One of them was growing louder, repeating a certain word. Traitor. In the kitten lounge, Alumin's eyes opened. Oh, whoa, that had felt so real. She looked around and relaxed. She was back in Frizzik's cozy, classy kitchen lounge with a pink fire and rain outside. She shook her head. What in the four regions was that? This day is getting stranger and stranger, Alumin murmured. She looked at the clock. It was mid-afternoon. Frizzik wouldn't be back for at least another three hours. Her stomach rumbled. Oh, goodness. If Frizzik had a couple of eggs she could fry and more coffee, she could focus on that instead of whatever that was. Two hours after her late lunch, Alumin looked intently over the elemental party guest list when the door hissed open and Frizzik walked through the door. Working hard or hardly working? Alumin glared at him jokingly and he laughed. I hope you are hungry. I brought home some of those shiny fish you were so curious about. Alumin smiled at his signature smirk and got up, stretching. The rain had long since stopped and now the sky was a dreamy, velvet purple. Can I help? I mean, I can get a fish and I can certainly make a salad. She sauntered to the fridge to sort through the vegetables, grabbing an onion, an avocado, a tomato, and some lemon for the dressing. She hummed softly as she prepared a little area to work with the vegetables the way her mother would have. She felt so grown up. There had never been so much physical distance between her and her mother yet. She'd never felt closer to her. Frizzik plopped the fish down on a chopping board, rolled up his nice sleeves, and took up a knife. I'm exhausted. The Sky Council can be a real pain. After dinner, I would really like to sit by the fire and tune out, maybe watch a story on the Pixelator. He pierced the fish with a knife and sawed through it. Alumin was glad he ignored her when she had offered to do the job. You have a Pixelator? I mean, of course you do, but I've never seen one in real life. What is it like? Frizzik whistled. Never seen one? Well, words can't do it justice. You'll have to see for yourself. I think you will love it. They say someday there will be a Pixelator in every home, but I rarely use mine. Being a mayor keeps one very busy, you know. Let's turn on some Wombat and let loose. He walked to a shelf filled with electronic contraptions, and a minute later, guitar riffs floated through the house. Chills spread first across her arms and then all the way up to the top of her head. The music was so pure and clear she felt like Wombat was in the room playing. Incredible. Dinner was fantastic, leaving Alumin satisfied. Frizzik could grill a fine fish, she had to admit. They laughed about the Council Secretary reading the minutes from a meeting last year without realizing it. Frizzik explained the weird fish skeleton was actually a rare type of eel some Wolkan explorers had caught swimming inside a long icicle. But Alumin couldn't help noticing he hardly mentioned Adonike. Or only glanced at her book Dexran had signed. No matter how interested his face seemed, was this a coincidence? Later, they kicked back in front of the Pixelator, and Alumin was a complete fan. Watching a story on a Pixelator was like watching little colorful three-dimensional shadows, almost like little dolls acting out a story. Very unique tech. When it was over, she peered cautiously at Frizzik. The man seemed to be lost in his own thoughts, staring quietly into the fire. She had a suspicion he had long stopped paying attention to the Pixelator. A time when I developed a very close relationship with someone I was working on a story with. It didn't end well. Alumin was tired but restless. She decided to go up to her room and write. Whenever she felt this way, it was hard to actually rest. Plus, there had been so little time to write her mother a letter. Uh, Frizzik? When he looked up, she told him she should probably go to sleep, and he nodded, giving himself a little shake. Go on, girl. You and me both. Tomorrow, perhaps I could show you around Wolkan a bit more. She wished him good night and went upstairs. She sat, took out her favorite ink pen and some pearly, sparkling stationery. But faces swirled around her. Adonike, Frizzik, Raiden, Adonike again, that girl from the strange dream, her mother, Frizzik again, Uncle Rogan, Raiden, Thorin, the Water Dragon Legends book, and then Adonike once more. And sleep took her.