“Und with vat, vee have finished our introductory topics on elemental magics. Your next lesson vill be a recap so come prepared.” Their magic teacher announced as the bell tolled, signifying the end of the class.

Sophia and Ursula remained seated at the back of the classroom waiting for the other students to wander out to their next class.

“It’s been nearly a month since we showed off and that idiot Aaron is still looking at us weirdly,” Ursula growled, giving the noble a frown as he departed from the room.

“We just need to keep our guard up like we have been having. Don’t want another… um, what was his name again?” Sophia commented, her eyes closing in concentration as her brows furrowed.

The auburn-haired elf scoffed, “Probably starts with ‘A’”.

“Wow. What a stunning demonstration of memory and deduction,” Sophia said glibly, shooting her partner an exasperated glare.

Ursula sent the blonde a winning smile back, “I try. Come on, we should be safe to go now.”

The two teens left under the scrutinising gaze of their magic teacher, checking the corridor before stepping out only to be met with the calm visage of Abi Harvard.

“Greetings, I wish to conduct another trade. Would you two be amenable?” She asked softly.

The pair shared a glance before Ursula spoke up, “Library after our next class. You know where.”

The noble nodded and left them, her gliding footsteps leaving a small trail of fluttering snowflakes.

“I wonder what this is about?” Sophia pondered openly.

With a shrug they headed off to their next class – mathematics.

It was routine now to hear the thunderous footfalls and squeaking floorboards of their teacher’s approach, however today the man looked slightly more haggard than usual. His breathing a little more forceful and his briefcases movements choppy.

“Please pay attention to the board, I have other problems that currently concern me today.” The rotund man announced, waving his meaty hand in the air and having simple equations write themselves into a glowing existence.

The class went pin drop silent; the man was known to ruthlessly punish those who went against his rules. But it gave Sophia and Ursula, who were forced to sit at the front again, a chance to listen in to his mumbles.

“How...noble... vo-... death.” The man said as he furiously scribbled away at the paper in front of him, occasionally shaking his head dismissively and sending the fat around his neck jiggling.

The pair leaned a little closer, but the man shot them a short sharp glare before returning back to his work.

Excitement over, the duo trudged through the questions and then rested their heads on the desk until the bell sung out into the air, releasing the students from the dull prison.

Sophia and Ursula headed off to the library where they found Abi already seated at the back behind several rows of books. On a nearby table were three fine ceramic cups with hints of fragrant steam wafting up from their surface, the tea was accompanied by an assortment of small biscuits and sugar dusted cakes.

“Please take a seat.” She offered gesturing to the other side of the table, “I am unsure if you have had the pleasure of partaking of Rossiti’s fine treats, so I have procured a few samples for you.”

Sophia’s eyes gleamed and without hesitation she reached out for a biscuit stuffing it into her mouth before Ursula could even try to stop her. The blonde shuddered in place as the taste of refined sugar washed over her tongue for the first time in nearly a decade.

“Soph!” Ursula muttered sharply, “Patience.”

The green-eyed elf ducked her head, “Sorry,” she said mulishly around the cookie.

They both sat and delicately pulled their tea towards them. As she did so Sophia let a pulse of magic escape her hand, it pierced into the baked goods and a small green glow appeared around her hand.

Abi, seeing the magic, merely gave them a nod and began to sip at her tea.

The green and brown eyed teens began to sedately consume the small fixing of food, although Sophia looked to be shaking from restraining herself.

“So, what do you need?” Ursula asked after a few minutes.

“Your tutelage in our last conversation increased my efficiency in spell casting significantly. I am willing to provide to you both several copied tomes from my possession which detail methods for enchanters to prepare defences for domiciles and for themselves.” Abi offered, “Rest assured they were written and stored by my family only years after the city was founded – they are unique.”

“The headmaster has his own extensive library which we are allowed to use, and I am certain he has his own copies on that subject. Do you have anything else?” Sophia said, still eyeing the biscuits on the table.

“Of course,” The snow-white teen continued smoothly, “I am able to monetarily compensate you, however, your latest venture with Empirio’s Enchanting may have already satiated that need to an extent.” At their nod she continued, “But I am willing to give you a large lump sum and fund an addition to your new home. A workshop for enchanting and a forge for smithing, vetted by your teacher of course.”

The pair gave each other a glance and a tight nod, Ursula speaking up for the both of them, “We’re interested. But once again we must have your word this will go no further than you.”

“I appreciate your candid caution,” Abi replied flatly, “You have my word I nor Saul will pass your teachings on."

“Alright, what do you think makes an object cold?” Sophia asked, beginning the impromptu lesson.

The well-dressed noblewoman thought for a moment, “A lack of heat.”

“Well, you’re right to an extent, it is the lack of energy...”

Sophia continued to prattle on about states of matter until the shrill tones of the bell filled the school once more.

“Many thanks.” Abi said, bowing her head slightly, “The headmaster’s wisdom is bountiful indeed.”

The pair nodded their heads not bothering to correct her.

“We’ll talk with the headmaster about the construction and get back to you. When will we expect the money?” Ursula asked, standing up from her chair.

“Now.” The frosty teen replied curtly.

She pulled out the small bell from around her neck and rung it three times summoning Saul. Once again, tendrils of shadow burst from the ground forming a black cocoon which shrunk into the form of her servant. Upon receiving a nod from his lady, he pulled out a space pouch from his waist and placed it on the table in front of them.

“Ten thousand gold talents should suffice?” The girl asked coolly.

Sophia squeaked and hastily covered her grin with the teacup, “Apologies, I thought I saw something.”

The blacksmith’s face twitched but she composed herself and gruffly nodded, “We won’t skimp on the additions for our home either.”

“I understand. If that is all I believe you must depart to your next class.” Abi said.

The pair stood as one and began to leave but Ursula turned to look back over her shoulder, “Out of idle curiosity do you happen to know about any deaths among the upper class recently?”

The pure-white dressed noble paused, she placed the cup back down and dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, “Where perchance did you hear of such news?”

“The maths teacher mister... Uh. Mister Weilan was muttering something about it under his breath.” The tall girl explained.

“I’ve heard rumours of someone being ill, however nothing beyond that.” Abi said slowly. “That information could prove useful. Saul if you could please.”

The servant pulled out another, much smaller, bag from his person and passed it to them.

“Fifty now and if it proves legitimate the same again later. Good day.” The girl said with a cordial nod.

As soon as the pair turned the corner out of the library a huge grin grew across their faces and they rushed to hug each other.

“This is so much! What are we going to do with it all?” Sophia squealed.

“We should give most of it to Rosalind,” Ursula decided and then with a sly smile said, “We’ll keep some of it for some good food.”

Sophia looked to her partner with starry eyes, completely missing her less than wholesome intentions, “Perfect.”

They tightened the hug for a fraction of a second and then quickly trotted off to their next class.

 

<-{|}->

 

After school the elven teens headed off to their old home, making sure to take a roundabout route to shake off any watchers. Smile’s warmed their lips as they approached seeing the children gallivanting about the nearby fields. They went through the back door and found their pseudo mother standing in the kitchen working her way through food preparation, bowlfuls of seed husks sitting on the benches beside her.

“Rosalind!” Sophia shouted, running towards her with her arms raised.

The tall woman scooped the blonde up into the air with a smile, “Hello Sophia, here for your weekly visit?” She reached her arm out to Ursula and brought her into the hug.

“Yup,” the green-eyed elf nodded cheerfully, her long ears flapping about, “And we’ve got a little something else for you too!”

Ursula pulled out the space pouch and handed it to the matron an excited glint in her eyes.

The usually stern woman gave them both a concerned glance as they watched her expression with bated breath. She opened it up and looked inside letting the soft glow of the talents within light up her face.

“Good gods,” She whispered in stupefied awe, “Where did you two get this?”

“We taught Abi Harvard in our year a few tricks and she gave us this in return – we’re even getting a upgrade to our house!” Sophia babbled on, “There’s a ten-thousand there but we’re going to take five-hundred for us if that’s okay?”

Their mother stood there stunned, her mouth opening and closing like a fish before finally settling on something to say, “What did you teach her?”

“We gave her some information on ice magic.” Ursula spoke up, “She gave us her word it would go no further than her and she seems to be the practical sort.”

The woman gave them both a glare, “You shouldn’t be telling anyone anything about,” she glanced about and saw a few children nearby, “You know what.”

“Rosalind, that’s enough money to get this whole place completely redone and look after the children well for a few years – more if you invest it wisely.” Ursula reasoned.

The tall matron’s shoulders drooped, “I suppose the spell has already been cast. At least it was with the Harvard’s they were definitely the most reasonable to deal with.”

Sophia’s ears perked up, “Have you dealt with them before?”

“Regrettably, yes,” Rosalind sighed, closing her eyes in guilt, “You’ve both probably suspected I was much more involved with the upper class in the past.”

“We knew that you would’ve had to have been in order to take us out of there.” Ursula probed gently.

Rosalind opened her eyes, their deep baby blue depths staring straight into brown, “The truth is Ursula I’m your aunt – our family is known for our height.”

“Oh.” Was all she could utter in reply.

Rosalind’s eyes went hazy as she stared off into the deep dark memory, “Your mothers went into labour at the same time and so it was considered destined you two be together, friends or family. Ursula, you arrived first, and Sophia only seconds later, your mothers were overjoyed – two boys. And then they looked a little closer...”

Sophia gently massaged the reminiscing woman’s back.

“I took you both and fled. I couldn’t raise you both here without suspicion, so I left the city and became an adventurer – a healer.” A small smile flittered across her face, “That’s where I meet Brun and everyone else. Then after a few years I used my savings to buy this place.” The fog from her eyes cleared and she surreptitiously wiped her eyes.

“How come there are so many kids older than us then?” Sophia pondered out loud.

“Slums mostly, I would not be surprised if some of my other adopted children are illegitimate heirs like you are.” The older woman admitted. “In saying that, you two should keep the money for yourselves. Build yourselves up strong and hard so no one can tear you down.”

“Mum, we don’t need the money, we have the headmaster and now our agreement with Empirio’s. Please let us help you.” Ursula softly implored.

“I agree,” An unexpected voice called out from behind them.

“Brun!”

“Rosalind, its okay. Please let us, let me, help you.” He pleaded. “Cardu is here as well and he can teach your classes and cook.”

An elf walked through the door with all the grace his race is known to possess.

But Sophia couldn’t help but tear up at the sight, “He’s shorter than me.”

“Hey! Who are you to call me little?!” The short elf shouted.

“Cardu! It’s so good to see you.” Rosalind said as she rushed up to him and snaffled him up into a hug, drowning his blonde haired head in cleavage. The man struggled but everyone could tell it was for show.

When she finally released him, she gestured towards Ursula and Sophia, “They are the children.”

Cardu gave them a quick once over, “So you’re the little monsters that she tried so hard to save... it’s good to meet you.” And he stuck out his hand.

“...What?” Ursula replied dumbfounded, “Monsters?”

“Especially Sophia. She just didn’t stop drinking from Rosi’s boobs,” He said with a smile that devolved into barely restrained laughter, “That reminds me. She was there so much everyone thought your tits were lopsided!”

“Cardu must you bring that up again?” Rosalind groaned.

“Alright, alright. Now which way to your pantry? I want to rustle up something good.” He said as he clapped his hands together and rubbed them vigorously.

Rosalind glanced down towards the bowled filled with an assortment of seeds for gruel, “This is it.”

“Haha! That’s a good one.” He laughed, but soon saw the woman was serious, “You’re kidding me. You, the fussy princess is cooking let alone having this? Fuck me this is bad.”

“Cardu! Not in front of the kids!” The matron squawked.

Rolling his eyes, he began to pull out ingredients from his space bag. Carrots, onions, a few slabs of meat all piled up onto the table. Finally, a small roll of cloth floated out and unfurled across the table showing off an array of herbs – parsley, mint, sage, oregano and rosemary were the ones that Sophia could quickly identify.

“Right. Anyone want to give me a hand?” The man asked the room.

“I will!” Ursula rushed up to him, “Please teach me!”

“Well, aren’t you an eager one. You’re a bit tall but you can’t help that I suppose. Why so keen?” He asked. He watched as Ursula’s eyes flickered over to Sophia’s pert ass and back onto his. A lewd smile spread across his face, “That is a worthy reason if I’ve ever heard.”

“What?” Sophia asked cluelessly, “She didn’t say anything.”

Rosalind took the short blonde aside, “Oh Sophia, let’s go make sure you haven’t forgotten the lubrication spell.”

“Okay?” Sophia said baffled as she was led off towards Rosalind’s room.

A few minutes later they returned, Sophia red faced and using her hands to try to cover up her butt.

“You suck! What did you say to make them think you were going to… stick it up there?” She hissed.

“Nothing I swear.” Ursula replied with a cheeky grin.

The blonde huffed and leaned up against a cabinet, “She didn’t let me leave until it worked on me.”

“Don’t say those kinds of things.” The tall blacksmith groaned and slumped against the countertop, trying to hide her erection.

“You deserve it.” Sophia scoffed.

Ursula remained mostly stationary for the rest of the meal preparation as Sophia continued to complain about her most recent experience.

“Alright!” Cardu shouted, “It’s simple but it will be good. Roast meat and veggies.”

With a flourish of his hand, he cast a spell to send the mouth-watering smell of the food outside, summoning forth a wave of excited children bursting through the doors.

With another wave of his hand servings of the meal flew out onto the tables, enriching the room further with their scent.

Hearing the happy groans of children as they dug in Cardu couldn’t help but remark to himself, “Fuck I’m good.”

While eating their own meal Ursula continued to badger the cook with questions while Sophia shovelled the food into her mouth, silently spearing a potato from Ursula’s plate when she wasn’t looking.

After promising to come back tomorrow, the pair left into the dusky red hues of the fading sunlight. The bellies full and their bodies warm.

“I just realised that we don’t have a toilet...” Sophia muttered.

“What are you talking about?” Ursula answered.

“I guess we slowly just got used to not needing to go because of our bodies magic, that eventually it just slipped my mind. Good thing though, otherwise we may have been struggling without a toilet at our home.” Sophia said, finishing her sentence off with a smirk.

Ursula’s eyes focused on the wiggling cheeks of her partner’s backside, “Yeah, everything is a lot cleaner as well... Must you continue to do this?” She finished with a whine.

“The lube spell is still there!” Sophia complained.

Ursula groaned and stumbled on her next step, “You suck.” She spat.

Sophia maturely poked her tongue out in reply.

“… So, want to fuck when we get home?” The tall elf asked after a few seconds.

“Abso-fucking-lutely.”

They got home in record time.