Chương 18: Episode Two Hundred and Sixty-Two: Magical Flea Markets

"That is up to Sir Henry," said Lady Twilight, before the two dragonettes could land next to him.

"Sir Henry?" asked Aurora, in a very quiet voice.

"That's what I want to be called," said Sir Henry. He shifted back and forth in my lap. His true name echoed around inside my head, and he paused before crawling onto the cushions.

"I will learn how to fly." He flapped his wings in the air, and both little dragons cheered. Lady Twilight stared at Henry for a second, before nodding.

"Alright, we can work on that. Do you want a book on how to fly, or do you prefer hands-on instruction?" I appreciated her asking, even though I wasn't the one who needed to learn.

"I have read the book about raising dragons, and there is a section in there where the little dragon isn't a natural flyer." His voice came out steadily, and at least his wings were not wrapped tightly around himself anymore.

"Good. Then you know the basics," she said, as the little ones landed next to him. The next good while involved all three of them doing various stretches with their wings and bodies. Only Indigo excelled at all of them, though I tried not to watch any of it. Instead, I had the tablet from downstairs, and I scrolled through the listing of various items that were fate touched. What we needed was one location to have all of them visit us.

"We need a magical marketplace," I muttered, while scrolling through all of the messages.

"Oddity Bazaar," said Henry, in the middle of flapping his wings near the edge of the table. Lady Twilight shook her head as the girls flew around the room in complex shapes, already bored of the lessons.

"The Oddity Bazaar is a dangerous place…"

"So, not a great idea to visit for some pick-ups?" I asked. She pressed her lips together, like she didn't want to say anything.

"You should ask Lord Felix to join you, and keep Indigo in the shop at all times."

"She doesn't leave it except to visit ya'll at the library…" My voice trailed off as Lady Twilight raised an eyebrow. I'd need to talk with her about that, but not in front of Aurora.

"I'll keep her inside, and so will Betty," I said carefully. The coffee table hummed in agreement.

"It's just the kind of place where anything can be bought or sold, which means some areas aren't appropriate for either of you. I doubt Betty would settle down in a rough area, though." The coffee table hummed again in response.

"See, we are in agreement," I added.

"A good area, and before we head there, I'll talk to the Cat." This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Lady Twilight blinked at me calling Lord Felix the Cat, not by his title. That was another thing we needed to discuss. My list of things to follow-up on grew longer by the second. Henry leaped off the table and flapped his wings, drawing everyone's attention in the room. He glided three feet before landing on the floor.

"You did it!" Indigo's voice rippled across the room, as she shot down from where she had been hovering with Aurora.

"Isn't flying awesome?" Henry nodded a little, but he stared at his wings, which he held out and above.

"I need to do that from the back of the couch…"

"Yes!" Indigo and Aurora joined him on the back of the couch. This time, they convinced him to jump up first to get more height. He gained a little more altitude before gliding around in a half circle. Aurora flew close to him, whispering encouraging words, and he started flapping his wings, gaining a little more height. He circled in the air, then landed back on the couch. His eyes practically sparkled.

"That was fun!" Indigo and Aurora continued flying high above our heads, and his head snapped up, tracking them. He launched himself up again, and tried to get high enough to catch them. Lady Twilight leaned closer to me, as she watched the three of them.

"You'll need to make sure he doesn't push it. As a familiar, he will have his own pool of magic, but it's linked to yours." I nodded slowly, and touched the bond between us. His wings ached, and he needed food.

"What exactly is a familiar?" I asked, just as quietly so as not to disturb the three youngsters.

"They usually help witches or other magical beings with their magic, including their journey to learn their true names." She smiled at me.

"You are just beginning that path, and your true name will change over time, but once you know yourself, you can become one with your magic." I let out a sigh.

"Another thing on the to do list."

"Ah, to be young again." Lady Twilight laughed.

"You have all the time in the universe to discover it. You don't need to rush on your journey."

"What about Henry?"

"He has his own magical journey that is similar to yours, though his might be a little easier." She leaned back.

"His magic reminds me of the gargoyles. Stone magic, plus a little fate magic."

"Gargoyles are real?" I asked, thinking of the statues above old buildings.

"They guard the portals between worlds, making sure to protect the Tree and stop anyone who wants war, or causes trouble." She snorted.

"They aren't in every section of the Tree, just some areas that need extra support or have large numbers of sensitive species. Coincidentally, they often are found near humans, demons, and angels."

"That doesn't sound great." She shrugged.

"Different species have different drives. Dragons want to expand their hoards. Fey Lords want to protect their lands and people. The Sphinx guard their portals. The Trolls honor their history. Every person is different, but that's part of the beauty of the Tree." My shoulders suddenly ached, and my eyes snapped up. Henry glided to the couch and landed with a tremble.

"I think that's enough for today." I pulled him into my lap, and the trembling stopped. He almost instantly fell asleep.

"That's all for this lesson," I said, to the disappointment of Indigo and Aurora.

"But they can stay longer, right?" asked Indigo, glancing from Aurora to Lady Twilight.

"Movie?" Betty's energy levels were higher than before, from the energy that flowed in from the archway to the library.

"I'm fine with a movie." I glanced at Lady Twilight.

"I have a prior engagement, but Aurora can stay for a movie. Her mother is in talks with Clan Chromaflame, and it will be a long few days for her." Lady Twilight stood and gave Aurora a nod.

"Be on your best behavior, little one." The dragonette nodded frantically, then landed on the couch. Lady Twilight gave her a quick cuddle, then stood.

"Make sure to head back after the movie. I will move the doorway from where it is now to your room."

"Thank you for stopping by," I said with a wave. Henry slept in my lap, so I didn't get up. She smiled, then headed out of the archway.

"Popcorn!" called Indigo a few seconds later, as she headed hopefully to the kitchen.