Chapter 4- Keilar

After the very looonnng speech on Elvin history that I had to hear every word of, I ran upstairs to put all my things in my new room. Mostly I wanted to get away from that snoozing history speech. I threw my wrinkled old human clothes in a closet and threw my elvin clothes that I bought and threw them in the same closet. Then I got my incomplete file of All of Paris and flipped through the pages and notes. I checked the images that I clicked by my camera. And got so bored. So I was about to throw my very expensive camera on the wooden floor when I heard a knock on my door. Huh. That rhymes.

I said, "Come in," and Elwin came in holding some buttery, fudgey dessert that looked like a cross between a cupcake and a brownie. Elwin then told me that they're called Ripplefluffs. I tasted the dessert and was satisfied when it has a chocolate mint-like taste to it. Elwin told me between the Ripplefluffs that there was going to be a test to prove if I was qualified for Foxfire. I didn't stress about it in front of Elwin. But the moment he was out of that room I started panicking.

"What the fuck?? I didn't sign up for this! I've always been terrible at written tests, always! Oh... I hope it isn't something from that elf history speech that Elwin JUST gave me." I whispered to myself in a very low voice. I was practically speaking in my head.

Elwin came back to my room with a refill of Ripplefluffs. I asked him if the test would be written or practical or something else. He laughed and instead replied that I was being paranoid, which I made a frown upon. "Of course, this test is practical, but very easy. So don't stress yourself. You'll probably be doing some things that only elves can do. That's all. And also," he got up. "Councillor Bronte will be difficult to impress," Elwin admitted. "He feels your upbringing and lack of proper education should disqualify you. Plus, he doesn't like surprises. The Council had no idea that a person like you can exist. But you only need two out of three votes. Just do the best you can." And with that, Elwin left the room.

Well. Well, well, well. At least I don't need to be stressed about spelling errors while writing.

*Time skip because I'm lazy in writing*

Fitz and His father were taking me to see the council once again. Fitz was boasting about how marvellous Foxfire is until I roasted him with one line.

"Isn't that glowing fungus?"

Alden cracked up. Fitz looked a little insulted. "It's our most prestigious academy."

"You named your most prestigious academy after fungus?"

"It represents a bright glow in a darkened world."

"But . . . the light comes from fungus." Fitz rolled his eyes. "Will you stop saying that? I swear, you're just like Keefe and Sophie mushed together. Only those with the strongest talent qualify for Foxfire, and if you don't get in, you might as well kiss your future for staying here goodbye." That made me a little nervous. But one of the things Fitz said distracted me a little. I was about to ask Fitz 'Who's Keefe?' when we arrived at another clearing, and all coherent thoughts vanished. Dozens of squat, brown-skinned creatures with huge gray eyes tended a garden that belonged in a fairy tale. Lush plants grew up and down and sideways and slantways. One of the creatures shuffled by, carrying a basket filled with twinkling purple fruit. "What?" It was the only word I could come up with. "I'm guessing this isn't quite how you pictured gnomes, is it?" Alden asked. "Um, no. I wasn't expecting," I squinted at one of the gnomes again, "them to uh, look like this?" We fell into silence, not wanting to say anything else.

Alden led me out of the garden to a meadow with a house in the center, one so large, so elegant, I at first, couldn't believe anyone could call it "home." Part castle, part manor, it was made almost entirely of cut crystal, and among the numerous turrets and gables rose a tower that resembled a lighthouse. We passed through two massive doors made of silver, and entered a round foyer, which sparkled like a prism in the sunlight. "This way," Alden said, taking my hand and bringing me down the widest hallway, lined with fountains that spouted streams of colored water over their heads. I couldn't help wondering just how rich Fitz's family had to be to live in a place like this. I mean, I used to live in hotels, not Mansions.

Alden squeezed my hand. "You have nothing to be afraid of." Fitz pulled the doors open and led them into a formal dining room. Sheer silk curtains covered the glass walls, drawing the eye up to an enormous chandelier—a waterfall of long, shimmering crystals—that hung over a round table set with platters and fancy goblets. Three figures in jewel-encrusted circlets rose from the plush chairs surrounding the table. A second too late that I realized I should have curtsied, not that I would have even if I did know its meaning. Everyone, even the three figures, wore jewels and lush fabrics, which made me feel very rich-like. "Councillors, this is Keilar Olivia, although I guess you already knew that," Alden introduced with a quick bow. "Keilar, this is Kenric, Oralie, and Bronte." I waved my hand specifically at Oralie, who was the only lady who looked like she'd be on my side. And then I glanced at Bronte, who looked really grumpy and angry. But he also looked strange. He wasn't bad looking, but... His ears are the only ears that are pointed. I didn't want to ask Alden about it, neither did I want to know.

"So, Keilar." Bronte sneered her name like it bothered him to say it. "I've seen you saying to the rest of the council that you're an empath."

Okay?

I guess this is the test?