Ralvania poured a cup for her newly appointed apprentice. She wasn't just being friendly to Amberosia; the empress wanted to see how much she had learned.  It would be easy to read the girl and absorb the information, but where's the fun in that? 

"Tell me do you have any questions about what you're studying?" The empress sipped at her coffee and waited for a response.

Amberosia took a deep breath before she answered. 

  "Yes I do but I don't want you to think I'm too stupid for it." She blurted out. 

"Young one I wouldn't have chosen you if stupidity were involved." 

The girl slowly nodded, took a sip of the brew and told the empress what had been on her thoughts.

"How soon am I supposed to fill a spellbook? If i screw up a potion will it kill me? How do i know i'm doing it right?" She told her, rambling at a hundred miles an hour.

"Calm down child and drink your coffee." She ordered the girl. 

"Yes miss." She responded taking in a large gulp. 

   "Now, you're doing it right or you wouldn't have these questions, relax."  The empress explained as they sipped at the pixie-brew and talked.

                 Ralvania was quite impressed with the girls determination. It seemed that under the quiet, shy and obedient surface, Amberosia had the driving force to one day become an excellent sorceress.  Even though she tried not to pick favorites, amberosia seemed to naturally fit the position over the last couple of seasons.  The empress had to admit training her had been rather plesant. It was nice having her around helping with spell work and potions. She had enjoyed getting to know the girl as more than just her servant. 

"I wanted to ask were you an only child?" The empress asked making idle conversation.

"I don't know."

The empress stared at her as if she'd just sprouted wings. 

"How do you not know?" She asked giving the girl a confused look.

"I grew up in an orphanage. I turned of age, they threw me out. No I don't want to talk about it." Amberosia told her.

"I shouldn't have pried like that." The empress told her in a remorseful tone.

"It's quite alright." Amberosia replied.