The Ballad of Adler Young, Canto 2.5

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Thinking carefully back over recent events, I realized that all the times I had summoned something from nowhere, I had been going out of my way to please Vernier.  Obviously this meant that Vernier had some kind of special power and was most likely sent by Fuma to aid me, which meant that we were fated to be together!

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Wait, no!  I could feel another case of the goo-goo eyes coming on!  I had to focus!  If I wanted to impress Vernier, I had to focus!!  On further reflection, I recalled that I was able conjure the Foxspell from nothing when Rebecca tried using her Wiles on me.  Was heightened focus the key?  How could that possibly be?  If I was concentrating on a higher level, shouldn't I be totally aware of what I was doing?  It seemed more like an almost-involuntary thing, essentially uncontrollable, like the Irenaeid Battle Fury.  Perhaps I could only conjure things under duress, and only for other people.  If that were true, it would be difficult testing such an ability.  In any case, I was almost positive that the key wasn't 'True Love' like in all those sappy lowfolk children's stories.  How could a kiss from a prince cure death by poisoned apple?  Complete rubbish.  Further experimentation would be required.

>Vernier and Rebecca: You both stand there and stare awkwardly at Adler as he is in VERY intense thought. He occasionally mumbles to himself. Something about apples and rubbish. With how often he does this, he must live a very rich inner life.

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"He seems to do this a lot," Rebecca whispered behind me.

"My brother also used to drift off into a world of his own," Vernier sighed wistfully.

"What do you suppose he means about apples and rubbish?" Rebecca asked.

"I'm not sure," Vernier replied, "but perhaps I should not include apples in his food baskets."

"And that's why glass slippers are completely impractical and dangerous!" I declared, turning around triumphantly to see the two femmes staring with bewildered expressions.  "Uh, right.  Ahem.  Rebecca, I would like to have a quick meeting with your coven of witches, preferably all of them together at one time.  I'll amaze and astound them with a light show, talk about the importance of being Seelie and serving Fuma, and then declare that you shall be their teacher.  What you learn from me, you will convey to them.  However, uh, don't mention that this will be your role.  Let me tell them.  For now, go home with Vernier so you can gather your group.  I just escaped from a dangerous Floozy and I need some time to prepare materials for your next lesson.  Meanwhile, practice your finger sparks some more.  If you can perfect it - with sound - completely on your own, then I will really be impressed."

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"By the BUNNY!!!" Rebecca squealed.  "And, um, Praise Fuma!  This is sooo exciting!!  It's happening, it's really happening!  I'm gonna learn magic and be the leader of the coven!  This is so COOL!  Thank you, oh thank you my Lord, my Master!  I will serve you forever!"

"Now now," I chuckled magnanimously.  "Don't let it go to your head."  It felt genuinely good to steer this wayward femme's life in a better direction, and the idea of bringing more misguided souls into Fuma's blessed light filled me with ebullience.  While Rebecca was away summoning her coven, I could test out my newfound powers ... perhaps do some research ... and if she mastered this spell on her own, it might give me a better clue as to whether or not she was a changeling.

"All right," I declared.  "We've reviewed everyone's assignments and you all know what you should be doing.  Before this meeting is adjourned, does anyone have any more thoughts, questions, or suggestions?"

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"What are we doin' again?" Burnside asked groggily as she got to her feet.