good news? GOOD NEWS? How could it be good news? Christopher scrunched his eyes shut. He didn't have to watch Ethan run off, he could hear every tap tap tap of his feet at he left. Ugh. He felt sick. He hated getting so anxious like this.
He watched the clock slowly tick away the hours and the group of people waiting outside the gate grew smaller and smaller. His parents were probably wondering where he was by now. He really hated to make them worry. Maybe he could go ask someone if they'd be done anytime soon. There were quite a few people now, wandering about and waiting for the results. It looked like the line was gone too. There was a small group gathered around the gates though and they looked to be having a heated discussion.
"We've been waiting for FOUR HOURS! I have to get back to my children!" a woman's voice said sternly. "Just when are we going to find out who has been selected?"
"Yeah! Hurry and make a decision!"
A flustered guard tried to sooth the growing crowd, "I'm sorry ma'am, sorry sir, I don't know anything about it. I can only ask that you please wait patiently until a decision is made..."
Nevermind that... I think it's best not to get involved. At least I'm not the only one growing impatient...
The crowd went silent as the same pompous looking man that had announced their names earlier walked out of the castle gates. He carried a rolled scroll of paper and had look about him that said he knew something that everyone else didn't. He cleared his throat in an official manner and started reading names off the list:
"The following individuals have been asked to perform at his royal highness' ball this Friday evening:
Jessie Dapolito & Company
Max Foree
Clinton Meisner
Sofia Andreason
Christopher Hodge & Ethan Fawks
Penelope Staupe
Fernando Tilford..."

Chris started zoning out as soon as he'd heard his name. I made it. I can't believe it, I made it! They liked it! I'm gonna perform at the King's ball this Friday! Chris stopped in his tracks. OH SNAP. I'm gonna perform at the King's ball this Friday! I have to practice, and make sure Ethan does too, and what are we gonna wear, oh snap, oh snap, oh snap!
The crowd was buzzing now and the flowery, puffed up announcer cleared his throat once more. "Those that have been selected may stay for further instructions, those that have not been chosen, we thank you for your efforts and hope to see you at the ball as a guest."
A few moments later the crowd had thinned and Chris slowly approached. It looked like they were passing out some sort of badges or papers. The arrogant looking man finished talking to the woman next to him, then gave Chris the once-over before raising an eyebrow, "Mr. Christopher Hodge, correct?"
Chris nodded dumbly, his mouth hanging slightly agape.
"Where is your partner, Mr. Fawks?"
Chris stiffened, "ah, he had to go run some errands, but I..."
The man just rolled his eyes and handed Christopher two small silver badges and a few papers. "Give one of each of these to your friend. Without them you won't have access to the stage and you certainly won't be paid for your work without filling out the proper paperwork. Have it ready by Friday. Be here at 5 o'clock sharp. I won't permit tardiness."
Chris swallowed hard and accepted the gifts, "y-y-yes sir!" He stuffed the badges into his apron and folded the papers carefully before placing them in a front pocket and running full tilt back to his carraige. Wait till Ethan hears about this!!

* * * * *
Ethan jogged away from the castle gates. He wished 'Topher the best of luck, but he had his own hide to worry about. It was nearly three and he still had to buy that dress before stopping at the Professor's or by the time he was done over there, the store would be closed. He sprinted the last few blocks to the store, barely breaking a sweat. He took a moment to adjust his shirt and brush the dust from his pants before pushing the door open.
A bell tinkled lightly to announce his arrival. The woman at the counter was already helping a girl with long brown hair. Ethan's stomach exploded with butterflies as he realized who it was and he fought to maintain his composure. He was pretty good at acting out the right parts, even if he was nervous as all get out.
The woman at the counter, a tall, willowy blonde that he assumed was "Odessa" looked up and smiled. The girl beign waited upon, Briar Rose, turned as well. Ethan made sure to look casually uninterested.
"Ethan? Is that you?" Her voice sounded happily with recognition and Ethan tried not to melt into a puddle right then and there.
He looked up nonchalantly from some rather hideous maroon and peach fabric and gave a small wave. "Good afternoon Miss Briar Rose. Might I inquire as to your business here?" Might I inquire as to your business here? How lame! She's going to laugh you right out of here!
But no, she just smiled brightly, "It's a secret!"
Ethan's mind raced for an answer. "Ah, of course. Every woman should have a few of those."
Both Briar and the woman at the counter laughed at that. Odessa gave him a smile, "How true. What a clever boy you are."
Ethan could feel his cheeks starting to redden. Don't flinch now! Just stay cool! "Ah, thank you Miss."
Odessa's smiled widened just a bit, "Would you like to see the machine as well, young sir?"
Ethan looked confused, "Machine?"
Briar Rose's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "It's a new invention! Odessa says it can sew clothing faster than ten seamstresses together!"
Ethan was intrigued, "Ah, yes... I think I would like to see this machine. It sounds quite promising..."
Odessa nodded, "yes. We haven't seen something like this since the spinning wheel was invented..."
Briar Rose looked a little confused, "Spinning Wheel? What sort of machine was that?"
Odessa looked around before whispering in hushed tones, "They were outlawed in this kingdom some fifteen or sixteen years ago. No one really knows why. They were a fairly harmless old machine that would spin wool into thread. That's why our thread here is so expensive. We have to have it imported from another kingdom."
"Really? How strange..." Briar Rose pondered.
Odessa walked gracefully over to the silver machine in the window of the shop and began playing with the many buttons and knobs. In a moment the machine was humming with activity and Ethan watched as the needle bounced up and down with mechanical precision.
"Amazing..." Ethan breathed, "It's like magic..."

Ethan held the door open for Briar Rose as they both exited the store. Briar Rose had a small bag full of threads and needles and other odds and ends.
"Well, it was nice meeting you today Ethan," Briar Rose started after the door closed shut behind them.
Ethan smiled slightly, "the pleasure was all mine."
Briar Rose hesitated a moment, "are you... going with anyone to the King's ball this Friday?"
"Ah, no, I wasn't planning on..." he began.
"Neither am I..." she smiled at him before turning on her heel and walking toward home, "I do hope someone asks me..."
Ethan, don't you DARE let this chance slip away. Don't you DARE! "Ah... Miss Briar Rose..."
She paused. "Call me Bri."
Ethan nodded, "Right. Bri. Since you aren't busy Friday...perhaps you'd like to... accompany me to the ball?"
Bri curtsied slightly, "I'd be delighted."

Ethan watched her walk away and almost flew through the clouds himself. She said YES!! She said YES!! She--- The large clock tower boomed out half past four. Ethan hissed a curse under his breath. Professor Ardeneaux is gonna KILL ME. He sprinted at a dead run toward Ardeneaux's office.
He burst in the door, his breath ragged and his face red. "I'm sorry Professor, I didn't mean to be---"
"Late again Mr. Fawks? I worry some days that you aren't taking this seriously..." His professor walked toward him. Well, walked would be the wrong term. It was more like floating. He had this inhuman grace about him. Probably most of all because he wasn't human. His pointy elven ears, flowing golden locks, and forever young and handsome face gave that away at first glance. He didn't care for the most recent fashions either. He always wore his classically elegant dress robes. Whether he was teaching or just out for a stroll, he was always wrapped in the finest silks, satins, and shiny fabrics pleasing to the eye.
"N-no! I'm very serious Professor Ardeneaux!" Ethan stammered. Hardly anyone else could intimidate him like Ardeneaux could.
"Good. As long as that's clear then." He looked Ethan over with a critical eye. "I see you're ready to learn about the healing arts today then? I didn't know you'd go so far to prepare yourself."
Ethan unconsciously put a hand to his bruised and bluish cheek. "I uh... well..."
Professor Ardeneaux shook his head and stopped Ethan before he continued, "I'm sure there's a long story to it and I'm sure I don't have time for it."
"Right." Ethan muttered.
"Now, tell me what that sorry excuse for a teacher Mr. Witzel has filled your head with this week and I'll do my best to straighten things out."

"Alright Ethan, pay attention. I don't want to explain this more than once. The healing arts are the most difficult of the rune arts for one reason: the rebound. Every other Rune Art simply draws upon your life energy, but healing arts not only draw on your energy, they can cause damage to the healer if done improperly."

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