Luke’s viewpoint
During the practice he realized why Caldrith had chosen her. Alice was a quick learner and well adapted to magic. It even surprised and impressed the instructor. She didn’t even seem to get tired. By dinner time he was sure she would be exhausted, but it didn’t seem to faze her. That cat made me feel as if he disliked Luke. He took the seat he was supposed to sit in for some reason. Lucky seemed to have an affectionate, yet protective way of taking care of her. It was like he knew her forever. Even though from what Luke knew they had only known each other from the orphanage. Maybe he has been with her since she was a baby. That was a strange occurrence for a magical being to latch onto a human at such a young age. Luke didn’t know that much about these beings, so maybe he was wrong. One thing that was for sure, Alice was kind. She didn’t have to invite him to sit down and have dinner with her.
Tomorrow at dawn he would need to practice his swordsmanship so that he could readily protect her. He wasn’t going to let anything happen to her. During the dinner Caldrith said he would let her go to the market with knights accompanying her which included Luke. It was a little nerve racking to have an assignment outside of the manor, but it would be a testament to how well he could protect her. Caldrith excused him for the night so that he could get rested well enough for the excursion tomorrow. This was a chance to prove himself, and he would not let them down.
Alice’s viewpoint
They were going to the market tomorrow. Cal said it was a gift to Alice for doing so well in practice today. Tomorrow she will be able to browse the wares at the market in the capital. She was sure that it would be bustling and that was why he assigned quite a few knights to watch me. Some part of Alice wished Cal would’ve come to accompany her. Another part of her was just grateful for the chance to even shop at such a place. She could have never envisioned the life she was given now. It was all thanks to Lucky. He deserved so much love from me. Before Alice knew he could talk she would pet him often. Now it seemed a little embarrassing since he could talk and understand what we were saying to him.
He was a special cat for sure. They said black cats were a bad omen, yet it was the exact opposite. Lucky was her savior. “I bet you’re excited to go tomorrow.” “Oh, you have no idea.” She had enjoyed the dinner and was snuggling under her sheets and comforter. “Just remember to stay with those protecting you. I want you to be safe.” He was always worried about her safety. It occurred to her that he thought she could get injured easily. He didn’t seem to understand that she could defend herself. But in the end, he promised Lucky that she would stay with the guards at all times. It was better not to take a chance anyways. Better safe than sorry. She finally fell asleep with Lucky on the pillow beside her.
Cal’s and the Instructors conversation
He knew he had picked the right student. She was truly gifted. That was at least what the instructor had to say. “It's been hard to find such a student nowadays. You found quite the pupil.” From what was said he didn’t doubt he was lucky. Although he didn’t want to be a father figure to her, he still cared for her. He didn’t want her to overexert herself in preparing herself to use magic. But instead, she seemed to enjoy the practice. Most children who were gifted in magic were usually from noble households or at least semi affluent ones. It was particularly strange for someone to get rid of a child with such ability. The only reason that came to mind was she wasn’t legitimate. The mother must’ve given her up. It was most likely for the best since those children were not exactly treated the best.
“Yes, I did.” He was lost in thought thinking of how he had found her, and where she had come from. But in the end, he gave up on the thoughts in his head, and decided she was now his family member. It really didn’t matter who her parents were now. “I’m excited for the next lesson with Alice. I’m sure she’ll excel in her abilities.” “Yes. It is also important that she makes time to understand the other subjects as well. She has to work on learning how to read. At least more complex sentences.” “I understand. Just let me know when you’ll be ready to schedule the next lesson. I’ll be looking forward to it.” “Of course.” With that the teacher left his study and made her way home.
Alice’s viewpoint
It was finally the day she would get to leave the manor and see everything the capital had to offer. Excitement brewed inside of her making her almost nervous. “I’m sure you’ll have a great time.” Lucky reassured her. “I know. I’m just brimming with anticipation.” Making her way down the stairs she almost stumbled. Thankfully she caught herself. She needed to be much more careful next time. “Thank goodness.” She looked at Lucky and saw that he was terrified. “I’m okay. Just a little shaken up.” “Take your time.” He said sternly. He seemed worried for her sake. Alice would remember next time to be more careful. It would be terrible for both of them if she fell. Lucky cared for her deeply, and that’s one reason she kept him by her side. One of the many she could name. Steadying herself she finished going down the last stairs carefully. A smile appeared on her face when she saw Luke and the other knights waiting for her. Alice knew that this would be a great day. A whole new experience awaits her.
“Hi, Luke!” She said cheerfully. She saw the other knight’s disapproval as he waved. He quickly bowed instead to show respect. Alice thought it was a little hard to get used to the overly respectful behavior. Especially with someone her age she wanted a closer bond. A friendship was important to her. It was good for her to have more friends than Lucky, even though he was amazing one.
It was finally time to head out. Her emerald dress looked beautiful on her. Her shoes were beautifully jeweled and matched the dress in color. These colors matched her eyes and she was generally thrilled to be enjoying a day out in the sun. She stepped into the ornate carriage once more. It wasn’t too long ago she was in here on the way to the mansion. Her new home. It wasn’t too far of a ride to the markets. Looking at the people bustling outside stirred something in her. She hadn’t yet realized that this was a longing feeling being addressed finally. To be able to see the world outside the orphanage. They halted to a stop and she got off along with Lucky trailing behind her. She didn’t even wait to be escorted off this time. She needed to remember it was unladylike to do so. Alice looked around at the stalls and shops in the area. She was given more money to shop than she could have ever imagined. Luke followed behind her close with the others trailing behind.
“This is going to be so much fun.” She announced it to particularly Lucky and Luke. She stepped in front of a stall selling all sorts of items. Little trinkets and rings were the most abundant of items here. She saw a shiny necklace with a little red heart as a pendant. It would be so cute as a collar for Lucky. Maybe they could find a smaller metal strand so that it could fit snugly around his neck. She quickly stopped herself from thinking these thoughts anymore. He wasn’t a normal cat, he could speak. “Is that a present for me?” He said as she picked it up. “Uh, yes, I thought it would look nice on you. The chain would have to be shortened though.” He surprised her by saying “I would love it, but there's no need to buy it for me.” “I know, but I want to.” He smiled at her. “Thank you, Alice.” She was genuinely pleased that he seemed to like the idea. At least he didn’t realize that she thought of it as a collar. That was an embarrassing thought. She bought it and the storekeeper nicely wrapped it up. All she could think of was how nice it would look on his neck. "Let's look at the other stalls." She went next door to another one.
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