#baronyofthesilverwolf

"I get the feeling that it was telling us we would have to confront Blaine. Remember, I didn't tell Gwen about this vision, or Sir Almandine's reading... but she picked this time to go at him on her own. Things are... happening."

Thistle bites on her lip.

"Maybe."

Art looks up at the sky, squinting to find the sun - then remembers, and checks his phone for the time. "Gwen should be finished with practice a bit ago. Shall we seek her, or do you need to return home?"

"We could see how she did, yeah."

"Oh!" Art remembers a second time, and texts Gwen.

TXT: How is practice going?

TXT: it's over. had a talk wih K. she'll help .

Meanwhile: TXT: B's gonna cough and be all 'i got covid bro' to avoid session

Chuck texts back, What? That lil shit. Thx. He doesn't know we got more tests in. I'll personally swab his brain for him. 😈

Art responds to Gwen: Great! Shall we meet, or has this been enough for today?

TXT: Not much progress yet, but trying

Txt: Up to you guys. I still should talk to Chuck

Art looks to Thistle, "She has to check in with her paramour. I should get home, I think. I have homework to finish, and I have to copy those study sheets for you both."

"Want a ride?"

"Much appreciated! The bus left, and it's a cold walk."

He messages Gwen, "Heading home. Catch up later!"

txt: gotcha. thanks Art ,and thank kAT for me too

"Gwen says thanks. When did she start calling you Kat?" Art says, as he climbs on the back of the bike,

"Well, I use both?"

"I guess some stick better."

"Your name lends well to both names. I do not think I would like being "Thur."

Snicker. "THUURRRRRR."

"Nah, you'd need to be some big guy with a hammer."

"No thanks. The armour looks like it would chafe." He shakes his head with a grin.

"And I would assuredly trip on the cape."

"I think you might benefit from the pointy-eared cheat with that."

"I don't know... Nadeen says that our nature protects us from looking poorly based on cantrips, but nothing can protect me from my own two feet!"

"Maybe not, but if you remember you're Art, that'll help."

"Just because people see old Arty, doesn't make you subject to the same issues."

"Maybe not? Only a while longer, and then we'll know our true selves."

"Yeah..."

"Feels like forever, though."

"At least we're still having fun as we learn? I am enjoying lessons with my mentors. How are things with Willy and Wudlig?"

"I mean, okay? I think I'm being hazed."

His grip on her sides tightens a touch. "They are bullying you?"

"Nahhh. But, like, gotta prove myself?"

"So - scutwork. Cleaning things, mostly."

"Oh. I see! The Baron has me copying over older copies of some of the books I am learning from. He says that the repetition will help my penmanship and memory, and then we will have multiple copies as well. My hands gets sore from all the writing."

"Yup. Hazing."

"I think it's just part of the apprentice gig. Gotta show you're not cocky."

"Is that all that is? I worried he didn't want to teach me." He sounds relieved.

As they pull up, Art's dad waves! He is shoveling the walk.

"Hey Mr. Lastname!"

"Howdy, Miss Smyth! How's your mom doing?"

"Great! I'll tell her you asked!"

"You sticking around for dinner? It's Panburger Partner night." Dad asks.

Art whispers to Trina, "You really don't want to. Go to the big house if you can!" A grin.

"Sure!"

She winks at Art.

"Your funeral. Mom tries to stretch it by adding more egg noodles and beef, but there's only one packet." He sighs, but smiles a bit too.