Insert standard disclaimer here.

The Hero of Louise

Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière, known better to her fellow students as 'Louise the Zero', tensed in anticipation as the Summon Servant spell finally worked after numerous (and embarrassing) failures. The light before her shifted, changed green, and condensed into the shape of her familiar.

She trembled, a strong flush crept across her cheeks, her mouth twitched upwards and she clenched her fists. A short distance away, her classmates eyed her familiar with various degrees of disbelief. Behind her, Professor Colbert nodded approvingly as the familiar of young Miss Vallière glanced around.

Louise tucked her clenched fists under her chin, trembled, and let loose a gleeful squeal as her triumphant grin finally spread across her face. Her eyes shined with happy tears as she looked over her new familiar. Finally! Proof that she was not a failure – and what magnificent proof her familiar was! A large wolf, dark and silver furred with a peculiar pattern on the brow (perhaps some sort of magical breed of wolf?), blue eyes shown in striking contrast to his fur (definitely a he), one ear pierced with a hoop earring, and - oddly enough - a manacle with a broken chain on his forepaw. Perhaps not as awesome as a griffon or dragon but she wasn't going to hold that against her beautiful beast.

"Miss Vallière, while I approve of your enthusiasm after so many mistakes, please continue and contract your familiar."

Flushing harder under her professor's gentle rebuke, Louise straightened and recited the blessing, "My name is Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière. Pentagon of the Five Elemental Powers; bless this humble being, and make him my familiar." She stepped forward and reached out to grasp her familiar's muzzle. The wolf balked, his ears going flat and body rigged, but made no movement to escape or harm her. Louise smiled at him and quickly pecked his nose. She stepped back as the wolf grunted, baring his sharp fangs in a pained grimace as he glanced down at the forepaw being inscribed with contractual runes. Louise beamed – success on her first try!

"You have failed 'Summon Servant' many times, but you have managed to succeed with 'Contract Servant' in one try," Colbert said happily, echoing Louise's thoughts.

"Guess even Louise the Zero can do something right every once in a while." A snide remark came from her mass of classmates.

Louise whirled on them angrily "Who said that?"

None of the students answered, and as her furious gaze swept over them, Louise noted that they were all beginning to develop shocked and frightened looks on their faces. A feeling of satisfaction oozed through her anger and just as her lips curved into a smirk, Montmorency 'The Flood' shakily pointed her finger at something behind Louise. "Ah...a... el… ELF!" the blonde girl shrieked.

Louise blanched and slowly turned around, her stomach clenching and flipping to the point that she feared she may disgrace herself. Professor Colbert had moved, standing between her and … the elf. An elf! Dressed in green, clearly a warrior, and inspecting the back of one hand while the other grasped a removed gauntlet. Louise's gazed darted frantically around the area. Where was her familiar? Had the elf killed her noble wolf? Had it fled, abandoning her? Her eyes teared up, it wasn't fair…

"What is this?" the dirty-blond elf's voice cut through her mounting misery. He was holding the same hand that he had previously been inspecting towards them. Louise blinked back her tears at the unbelievable sight of contract runes on the elf's hand.

"Ah…" Professor Colbert exhaled slowly, "those would be the contract runes that bind you as a familiar. Now, I'm certain we can resolve this like reasonable –"

"Familiar?" the elf cut him off. His feral looking blue eyes shifted from the academy professor to the cowering pinkette with tearful red eyes and his countenance softened. "Are you alright?"

Louise started at the elf's address and glanced nervously up at her professor's back.

"Miss Vallière is perfectly fine, if perhaps distressed." Colbert replied softly on her behalf. "As for your other question: a familiar is a summoned servant that is bound by a contract to serve their master. This role is usually fulfilled in several ways including fetching, protecting, and so forth. One such as yourself has never been summoned before and obviously it was an error for you are clearly no beast – I offer the most sincere apologies on behalf of the academy and hope that you bear us no ill will."

The elf nodded slowly, "I see… so those summoned are brought here to perform some task?" He glanced at the sky thoughtfully. "It is said that my ancestor traveled to distant lands and other worlds…"

"Perhaps I should re-explain," Professor Colbert began confusedly.

The elf shook his head. "No need, sir. If she," the elf pointed at Louise, "managed to summon me rather than some ordinary magical beast then she obviously has a great need – even if that need is not apparent now. In my experience, such things do not happen by accident."

Louise followed the strange conversation, her confusion steadily overcoming her fear and misery. "I didn't summon you!" she protested, "I summoned a wolf … and now … now he's…" she choked up, her tears finally streaming down her cheeks. "He's … gone…" she closed her eyes.

There was a sound of a body hitting the ground and a pained shout. Louise snapped her eyes open and gasped to see the elf kneeling in front of her with a concerned look on his face. A quick glance showed Professor Colbert struggling to get up from a rather undignified position several feet away. The elf cradled her face carefully and wiped at her tears with his thumbs. He smiled uncertainly, "Please do not cry. I hate seeing little girls cry."

Louise blinked at him, unable to muster any anger at being called a little girl. She sniffled, "But my wolf…"

"Shhh…" the elf shushed her, "I'm here." He paused then and gave her a thoughtful look. "But you didn't see then? When I changed?"

Louise attempted to shake her head at that. "No, I don't know what you mean."

"Sometimes I take the shape of a wolf," the elf answered. "I was in that shape when you summoned me and kissed my nose." He smiled at her playfully. "But you know what?"

"What?" Louise asked incredulously – who had ever heard of such a thing?

"I can't talk to people as a wolf. So I had to change back to my birth form." He cast a wry glance around. "However, it was not my intention to frighten everyone so badly – nor cause you such distress." The elf warrior released her face and took one of her hands into his. "Let me start over, my name is Link of Ordon. Your spell brought me here – you contracted me. Now, dry your tears Miss Vallière, and please forgive me for making you cry."

Louise looked down at their clasped hands and glanced back up at Link. If anyone other than this elf had claimed to be her wolf, she would have beaten them for mocking her misery. She bit her lip, she couldn't very well call the elf a liar and perhaps changing into beasts was one of the elven people's mysterious magics. This entire situation had become too strange, but if the elf wanted her forgiveness then Louise could not risk refusing. With one last sniffle, Louise nodded and looked directly into his eyes, "I forgive you."

Link tipped his head to the side and gave her a bemused look. "Hmm…"

"P-pardon?" Professor Colbert interrupted. "Ah, sir elf?"

Louise relaxed when Link released her hands and directed his attention to her professor. The elf stood, looked Colbert over with a rueful grin and clapped his hands together with a short bow of his head. "My apologies for shoving you so rudely."

"Ah, apology accepted." Professor Colbert offered a strained smile back. "But I must ask, if you understand what has happened here," the elf nodded in confirmation, "then what are your intentions?"

"My… intentions?" Link asked, bemusedly. "Well, I intend to stay with Miss Vallière. I was brought here by her for a purpose and when that purpose is made evident, I will fulfill it."

"The only purpose of a familiar is to serve and protect their summoner." Professor Colbert pointed out.

Link nodded, "Customarily perhaps. As I said earlier, she couldn't have summoned me here unless her need was great. There is a reason for my being here, some task that must be fulfilled. So, I will stay with my little summoner and help her until my purpose is served."

Professor Colbert looked both doubtful and troubled by the elf's certainty. "I … see. Well, it isn't really my place to dissuade you…" Colbert straightened. "However, if you wish to stay with Miss Vallière then may I suggest that you either keep to your wolf form or wear some garment to conceal your ears?"

"Why?"

"An elf, such as yourself, would cause undue panic among the populace of both this academy and country. For the sake of keeping the peace, I ask you to conceal yourself."

Link nodded slowly, "Like the panic just now? It's a commonplace reaction then …" Link turned to the little pink haired girl. "I'll change back now, I won't be able to speak but I can understand everything you say, alright?"

Louise didn't trust herself to speak and so opted to nod instead. The elf was immediately engulfed in a swirl of shadows and light, his shape shifting then reformed as the shadows and light fled revealing her wolf and Louise started so badly that she fell backwards onto her rear.

"Miss Vallière?"

Louise closed her gapping mouth and wretched her wide eyes away from the elf-turned-her-noble-wolf to Professor Colbert. "Y-yes, sir?"

Professor Colbert gave her a sympathetic look, "I must return to the academy to inform the Headmaster of this … situation," he paused and swept his gaze behind her, "and to assist in controlling the panic your classmates have no doubt incited."

"Eh?" Louise craned her neck around to see that the area was almost entirely deserted save for herself, the professor, and the wolf. "When did …?"

The professor chuckled, "Ah, they retreated to the far side of the wall and used Levitation to make their escape while … Link … asked for your forgiveness."

The wolf gave her a pitiful look and whined softly.

"In any case, I must return now, I trust that you will be able to make your way back to the academy?" Professor Colbert noted more than asked and turned and flew off in the direction of Tristain Academy.

Louise stared after him and then slowly shifted her gaze back to the wolf sitting in front of her. He perked up his ears and looked back expectantly. "… I … can't fly like the others," Louise muttered, her cheeks flushing with shame at having to admit to such a failure before her familiar. "It's a bit of a walk back."

The wolf stood, and then bowed down with his forelegs outstretched and his hind quarters in the air. All in all, he reminded Louise of a playful puppy.

Louise scowled at him, "I'm not playing games with you! Like I said, it's a bit of a walk!" She stood, turned heel, and stormed off. She succeeded in storming a few feet before her familiar dashed around in front of her and again resumed his bowing position. Louise clenched her fists in frustration. "What are you doing?"

Link woofed at her.

She glared back.

Link looked pointedly at his back, then at her, and at his back again.

Louise found herself gaping in an unseemly manner again as she realized what he was trying to tell her. "I… I … I can't ride on you!"

Link cocked his head to the side and gave her a questioning whine.

"Because! That's… and you're a… !" Louise flustered. Riding an elf? Even a large wolf shaped one?

Link's argument consisted of a low growl and sharp bark. It was a very convincing argument, so much so that Louise found herself on the wolf's back without even knowing how it happened. He stood and glanced back at her. "Oh, that way," Louise pointed towards the quickest path back to the academy. She twined her fingers into long, thick fur as the elf-wolf set a steady loping pace.

Louise collapsed back onto her soft bed with a weary groan. Riding wolf-back was far more taxing than by saddled horse-back and the constant clinking of Link's broken manacle had given her a headache. Louise closed her eyes and rolled over on her side, tucking her fist under her chin. She ignored the soft chuckle of the elf currently poking about her chambers. She breathed softly, relaxing as the hmmm's and treading of boots on carpet drifted through the room. Louise sleepily peeked one eye open as the mattress sank. Link smiled back at her, leaning over the bed with his hands supporting his weight. "You should get some sleep, little one, and I need to know where I'm to sleep after patrol."

Louise frowned and thickly protested, "Mmm… not li'l."

Link's mouth quirked in amusement, "Of course not…"

Louise maneuvered into a sitting position and scrubbed at an eye with her fist. "What do you mean by 'patrol' anyway?" she muttered to avoid bring up sleeping arrangements for her familiar. She couldn't very well tell the elf to sleep on the pile of hay she'd prepared… Louise doubted even her mother would have the steel for that.

"I'm going to scout the grounds, familiarize myself with the academy's layout among other things. And don't worry," Link reassured her, "I'll be going out as a wolf."

Louise wasn't sure she liked the idea of her familiar running off when he should be staying with her but again she couldn't quite bring herself to order the elf around. "… Fine. And," she added hesitantly, "as for your bed… I, um, that is…"

"I haven't one?" Link asked blue eyes alight with mischief. "Understandable, I'm certain neither of us expected me to be here."

Louise nodded, eagerly latching onto his provided explanation, "Right! But… um, for now, if you stay a wolf… you can sleep here with me." She patted the mattress for emphasis.

"Kind offer, little one," Link noted, "But the floor will do – I've slept on worse after all."

"Are you sure?" Louise blurted, incredulous and flustered.

"Yep," he nodded firmly. Link straightened, "I'm off then, get some sleep Miss Vallière and I'll see you in the morning." He crossed the room, slipped out the door, and a few moments later Louise could hear the faint clicking of the wolf's chain fading away.

Finally alone, Louise buried her face into her hands. The day had been filled with one shock and emotion upheaval after another – and she still couldn't get her head around the fact that she had apparently summoned an elf to be her familiar. And that elf hadn't killed her – had, in fact, been very nice and downright courteous about the entire thing. A familiar reflected the mage. So what did it say about her, Louise the Zero, to have a nice elf-wolf as her familiar?

Louise exhaled. She was far too exhausted to explore the implications of that – it was too big and she feared disappointing herself. She shrugged off her clothing, leaving them in a messy pile by the bed, and crawled underneath her covers. Louise curled up, and in no time at all drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Louise awakened to a cold wet nose snuffling at her hand. She jerked back, a startled shriek wrenching from her throat as she flailed, overbalanced, and crashed onto the floor. She gasped, one hand clutched over her rapidly beating heart, as a furry face peered at her from top her bed. Louise swallowed, blinked, and exhaled shakily as memories from yesterday sprang forth to mind, allowing her to recognize her new familiar.

What happened next was pure reflex, though Louise would also claim temporary insanity if anyone ever questioned her.

She flushed with anger and sprang to her feet, "YOU STUPID MUTT! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING, SCARING ME LIKE THAT? HAVE YOU NO SENSE? BAD DOG!" Louise grabbed the closest thing to her and smacked the wolf across the face with it. The resulting explosion snapped her out of her anger.

She panted, staring wide-eyed at the wolf. Stunned, Link stared back. Downy, white feathers drifted and fluttered around them. Louise inhaled shakily and looked down at the limp, nearly empty pillowcase clutched in her hand. She swallowed, dropped the pillowcase and made her way to her closet on unsteady legs. Maybe she could pick out something nice to wear before the elf recovered from the audacity of her attack and killed her.

Pulling suitable clothing from their drawers, Louise dressed slowly and with exacting carefulness. She smoothed her unwrinkled uniform, adjusted the clasp of her cloak just so, and ran her fingers through her strawberry curls. Inhaling deeply, she straightened, squared her shoulders, and stepped out into her bedchambers to meet the elf.

He'd changed back from his wolf shape, she noted distantly. The feathers of her destroyed pillow still covered him, the bed and a portion of the floor. Link's head was bowed, his gaze fixed on the floor, and his hands rested on his hips. Louise stepped forward, the sound of her shoes on the floor catching Link's attention. He looked up at her, a few small feathers fluttered down from his blond locks at the movement.

"I'm sorry, little one." Link said to her, voice soft.

Louise blinked and her face fell in confusion.

The elf held a hand out to her. Cautiously, Louise approached and placed her small hand into his larger one. She was a bit proud that her hand didn't betray her by shaking. Link wrapped his fingers around hers and pulled her close.

"My apologies," he murmured, "I didn't mean to frighten you again."

Louise made a small noise that Link took as a feeble protest.

"No, I did," he stated firmly, "I could smell it, your fear. It's a harsh thing on my nose really." He eased her back, "I was also becoming worried that you'd never come out." He dipped his head and caught her eye and smiled, "I was beginning to consider mounting a rescue for you from your closet."

Louise looked away feeling awkward. She clenched her fists, usually a bit of anger and bluster helped her control these types of situations but she dared not try it now. She cast about for an alternative. She looked up at Link, mustered a smile for him, and redirected the conversation, "We should go eat breakfast. My classes for today will be starting soon."

From the look he gave her, her familiar knew exactly what she was doing but was gracious enough to not call her on it. Instead he tipped his head with a murmur of 'lead on' and, in that same swirl of shadows and light, changed back into his wolf shape. And perhaps it was ridiculous of her, but Louise found herself relaxing at the sight of the large wolf. She trailed a hand through thick fur and with her arm slung over the wolf's neck; she led the way out to the dining hall.

Louise glanced around the emptying dining hall as they entered; she'd never been so late to breakfast before. She removed her arm from where it had rested over Link's neck and smoothed down his fur. "This is the Alvíss Dining Hall," she pointed at the walls, which were covered with elaborate sculptures of small people, "those statues are the Alvíss, and at night they come to life and dance." Link's ears perked and his blue eyes studied the statues with interest. Louise continued, "Almost all mages are nobles. The saying 'nobles achieve nobility through the use of magic' is the foundation for the education we receive as nobles. Thus, our dining halls must also be befitting of a noble's status."

She led him to the middle dining table. "I will share my breakfast with you; there should be plenty of meats left." She paused and glanced at him, "did you want anything other than meat?"

The dark and silver colored wolf shook his head.

"Very well…" Louise snatched up a second plate and began loading it with roast chicken, trout, and other breakfast meats within reach. She set the plate on the table's seating place next to her and began putting together her own breakfast. Louise settled down and began eating and an aside glance at Link caused her to drop her fork.

"Wh-what's wrong? Why aren't you eating?" Louise looked nervously at her selection on his plate, wondering if something she'd picked caused offense.

Link woofed softly, glanced at the plate on the table and pointedly looked at the floor.

Louise's brow knit in confusion, "What?"

A few more pointed looks between the floor and the plate and Louise felt a flush creep over her cheeks as she deduced the elf's meaning, "On the floor? But-"

Link's pointed argument was every bit as convincing as before.

Louise and Link trudged through the door of Louise's first class. After their late breakfast, the pair had dashed through the halls of Tristain Academy to make it on time – Louise's teacher stared them both down with a disapproving gaze as she followed in directly behind them. Louise made her way to an empty table at the back of the room, Link slowly trailing her with his gaze shifting over the variety of familiars in the classroom. Both ignored the nervous gazes of the students who had witnessed Louise's Springtime Familiar Summoning and the curious gazes of those who hadn't.

Louise daintily sat at her chosen table and Link sprawled gracelessly underfoot.

"Now then since everyone seems to be present and settled, let's begin the lesson." Professor Chevreuse, a plump brunette, coughed heavily and waved her wand. A few large pebbles materialized on her desktop. "My Runic name is 'Red Clay.' Chevreuse the Red Clay. This year, I will be teaching you the magics of the Earth element. Do you know the four great elements of magic, Mr. Malicorne?" She called out to a heavy-set blond boy in front.

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Chevreuse. They are Fire, Water, Earth and Wind." Answered a hoarse voiced boy that Louise thought of as the 'Common Cold'.

Professor Chevreuse nodded in approval. "And combined with the now-lost element of 'Void,' there are five elements in total - as everyone should already know. Of the five elements, I believe Earth holds an extremely important position. This isn't just because my affinity is Earth, nor is it simply a personal preference." Once again, the professor coughed heavily. "The magic of Earth is very important magic that governs the creation of all matter. If it wasn't for Earth magic, we wouldn't be able to produce or process the metals necessary for our society, for example – jewelry, blacksmithing, and several of the arts. Raising buildings from large boulders and harvesting crops would also involve much more work. In this way, as you can see, the magic of the Earth element is intimately related to everyone's life. Now, everyone, please recall that the basic magic of the Earth element is 'transmutation'. While there will be people here who have already learned this in their first year, I believe that the basics are the most important foundation of spellcraft, so let's review it once more."

Professor Chevreuse turned her attention to the pebbles and twirled her wand over them. She then whispered a spell, and they began to glow brightly. When the light dimmed, the pebbles had been transformed into sparkling yellow lumps of metal.

"Is that g-g-gold, Mrs. Chevreuse?" A busty dark-skinned red-head named Kirche leaned forward over her desk.

"No, it's just plain brass. Only Square-class mages are able to transmute materials into gold. I'm just..." Professor Chevreuse gave a self-important cough. "A Triangle mage..."

"Now then," her gaze swept over the classroom, "Miss Vallière, since you seem to have enough time to be lax with punctuality – perhaps I should have you demonstrate for me?"

"Eh? Me?" Louise pointed at herself in surprise.

"Yes. Try changing these pebbles here into a metal of your choice." Professor Chevreuse replied with a touch of impatience.

Louise sat there looking troubled and fidgety. Link stretched from his sprawl and nudged her foot with his muzzle.

"Miss Vallière! Is something the matter?" Professor Chevreuse called to the pinkette, but Kirche raised her voice in concern. "Umm..."

"Yes, Miss Zerbst?" the professor glanced at the red-head.

"I think it would be better if you didn't let her..." the buxom girl tried, clearly unsure about how to begin explaining Louise's level of failure to their professor.

"And why is that?" Professor Chevreuse asked.

"It's dangerous," Kirche answered bluntly. The majority of the class nodded in agreement. Louise huffed, narrowing her eyes at the girl and Link continued to nudge her foot.

"Dangerous? How so?" the professor's brow furrowed.

"Well… This is your first time teaching Louise, right?" Kirche asked.

"It is, but I hear she's a hard worker and her Springtime Familiar Summoning has yielded a rather impressive familiar. Now, Miss Vallière, don't you worry about it, just try it. You won't be able to do anything if you're always dreading making a mistake." Professor Chevreuse waved at Louise to come up.

"Don't, Louise!" Kirche cried her face paling with distress.

But Louise'd had enough of the class' discussion and Link's incessant nudging. She stood, "I'll do it." She inhaled deeply and with a nervous expression, she walked briskly up to the front of the room.

Chevreuse stood next to Louise and smiled. "Miss Vallière, you have to vividly visualize the metal that you wish to transmute them into."

Giving a little nod, Louise waved her wand. So focused on her task was she that Louise didn't notice that her fellow students had hidden under their chairs. Closing her eyes, Louise uttered a short spell and flourished her wand.

The pebbles on the desk promptly exploded.

Louise and Chevreuse caught the blast full-on and were thrown against the blackboard, as people screamed. Frightened familiars added to the class's chaos. Kirche's salamander suddenly woke from its sleep and stood up on its hind legs, breathing a jet of flame. A manticore burst into flight and smashed through a window to escape. Through the hole, the giant snake that had been peeking into the class slithered in and swallowed someone's raven. Link darted from under the back table, charging over and around obstacles to reach the front of the room. The entire classroom was entrenched in mayhem.

Kirche stood up and pointed an accusing finger at Louise. "See? That's why I told you not to let her do it!"

"Jeez, Vallière! Save us some grief and just quit school already!"

"My Lucky got eaten by a snake! Lucky!" another student wailed.

Professor Chevreuse lay on the floor; judging by her occasional twitching, the students deduced that she was still alive.

A soot-blackened Louise stood slowly, a miserable sight to go with her miserable feelings of inadequacy. Her torn blouse revealed a slender shoulder, and her panties could be seen beneath her ripped skirt. Rather than waste time being fazed by the discord in the room, Louise pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the soot off her face. "Looks like I messed up a little..." she said, in a weak voice, unable to look at her wolf as he checked her over.

Of course, that elicited a vehement response from the other students.

"That wasn't 'a little!', Louise the Zero!"

"Your success rate is always ZERO!"

Link snarled at them.

Louise clutched her skirt in a desperate attempt to preserve what bit of modesty she could as she was caught in the after-rush of wind left by her hastily retreating classmates. She coughed and smoothed her skirt as the wind dispersed – leaving herself, Link, Professor Chevreuse, and Kirche alone in the destroyed classroom.

"So then, this is your familiar, Louise?" Kirche pointed the wolf. He bared his fangs at her in reply. She blew him a kiss.

"That's right." Louise grunted as she tried to shake the soot out of her hair.

Kirche grinned teasingly, "I heard the most ridiculous rumor about your familiar…"

Louise glanced at Link who, in turn, had begun glancing between the two girls uncertainly. He seemed unsure if Kirche deserved his hostility. Louise frowned and snapped a glare at the red-head, "What 'ridiculous rumor', Kirche?"

"They say that your ferocious wolf is an elf in disguise!" Kirche cackled at the absurdity of it. "Of course, the Headmaster straightened out that bit of ridiculousness – your wolf is but a magical creature that can cast illusions. But in any case, Louise, I also summoned a magnificent creature for my familiar yesterday. And, unlike a certain somebody, I was successful on my first try! Behold, Flame!" Kirche gestured at the red lizard next to her. Flame seemed more interested in studying Link than being shown off.

Louise's mouth twisted slightly; of course Kirche would get a really cool familiar. A powerful one that the red-head could control, that she didn't have to worry about killing or abandoning her. "A salamander?"

"That's right! A fire lizard! See? Look at the tail. A flame this vivid and large means that it's without a doubt, a salamander from the Fire Dragon Mountains! It's like a brand! Collectors can't even put a price on these!" Kirche bragged proudly.

"That's nice," Louise said, her voice bitter. Link cocked his head at her tone.

"Isn't it? It matches my affinity perfectly!" Kirche said with a smug grin.

"Your affinity is Fire, isn't it?" Louise asked.

"Of course. After all, I'm Kirche the Ardent. The ardent of gently smoldering passion. Everywhere I go, I have boys falling for me. Unlike you, right?" Kirche teased.

Louise seethed and before she could reply, the much-neglected Professor Chevreuse groaned pitifully. "Ahh…" Louise shifted guiltily. The professor twitched a moment more, groaned again, and went silent.

Kirche flipped her blazing red locks, "Well then, I suppose that's as good an indication to go fetch the healers as any. Later, Louise." Kirche swept out of the classroom, Flame in tow.

Louise hung her head and sank to her knees. Just past breakfast and her day still wasn't improving – no doubt she'd be punished for destroying yet another classroom and injuring her professor. And worst of all, her elf-wolf had seen the whole thing. She knew, just knew, that he'd realize what a failure he'd been bound to eventually. Louise still couldn't understand how she could have summoned him but she did understand that he was beyond her ability as a master to control. She was just hoped that when he did leave, he wouldn't kill her first, after all no one would fault her if the elf abandoned her.

Dark fur filled her vision as Link nuzzled her and rested his head on her shoulder in what passed for a comforting embrace for a wolf. Louise's mouth twitched upwards into a small smile and she carefully wrapped her arms about his neck in a loose hug. Right. She kept forgetting that her elf-wolf was nice. She'd almost consider him Cattleya-nice. Now she just felt a bit silly again for thinking he'd kill her. Louise closed her eyes and buried her face into his thick fur and wished he were her big sister.

Louise wasn't sure how long they stayed that way, but she only released Link when the classroom door re-opened. Professor Colbert entered ahead of several healers. He gave Professor Chevreuse a worried look and stood by as the healers checked her over and then moved her onto the stretcher they'd brought. As the healers exited with the unconscious professor, Colbert turned to Louise.

"Miss Vallière, if you would, please follow me to the Headmaster's Office and please ask your familiar to join us." He hesitated a moment, eyeing her ruined uniform, "But perhaps a trip to your dorm first would be more suitable." He stood by the door patiently.

Louise stood up, and like this morning, slung an arm over Link's neck and twined her fingers into his thick fur. Quietly, both followed Professor Colbert back to the dorms.

Louise entered her room and quickly re-dressed into another, undamaged uniform before re-joining Professor Colbert and Link in the hallway. The professor nodded in approval at her haste and led the pair up the tower.

At the topmost floor of the tower, Louise and Link were ushered into the Headmaster's Office. Sir Osmond, the current headmaster of Tristain Academy, was sitting with his elbows propped on his elegantly built sequoia desk, looking unbearably bored as he shook his white beard and hair. Louise bit her lip to stifle a smile at the sight and trained her gaze on the floor.

Professor Colbert addressed the older man. "Sir Osmond, Miss Vallière and Link, as requested."

Sir Osmond nodded, "Yes, yes. Miss Longueville, if you wouldn't mind?" He gestured towards the door.

Louise lifted her head and watched as the Headmaster's secretary briskly exited the room, closing the door firmly shut behind her.

"Now, let's see here…" Sir Osmond shuffled through his papers. "Hmmm… ah, yes, here we are." The headmaster looked up. "Please sit Miss Vallière, there are a few matters that must be discussed in light of recent events."

Louise swallowed, released Link, and shuffled over to the nearest chair and sat. A glance at her familiar showed that the wolf was more interested at sniffing a little white mouse than the proceedings.

"Is this wolf your familiar, Miss Vallière?" Sir Osmond began.

Louise nodded, "Yes, sir."

"It has been brought to my attention that your familiar," Osmond continued gesturing at the wolf, "is actually an elf in disguise. Do you contest this, Miss Vallière?"

Louise shook her head, "No, sir."

"Very good, now to settle the small matter of damages." Sir Osmond scribbled a number on a sheet of paper.

A look of confuse passed over Louise's face. "Damages? I thought that my parents… um… whenever I…" she trailed off.

"Hmm? Oh, that. Yes, they do. These are familiar damages and as such you, Miss Vallière, are personally responsible. Now, these things happen so the monetary reprimand is small but enough to encourage our students to limit the trouble their familiars may cause." Sir Osmond handed her the sheet of paper.

Louise's brow furrowed in confusion, but she accepted the paper and glanced down at the number. "WHAA?" she shot from her chair. Across the room, Link jerked his muzzle around at her in surprise. "H-H-How can this be? This is nearly everything I have saved up from my stipend!" Louise waved the paper at the headmaster.

"Oh good, so you can cover it." Sir Osmond nodded. "As for what the charges are for…" Sir Osmond handed her a few more sheets of paper.

Louise quickly flipped through them, her disbelief building with each item charged. She whirled around, rolling the sheets up, and advanced on Link. He balked in confusion at her anger and yipped when she smacked him across the muzzle with the rolled up papers. "POTTERY? YOU SPENT YOUR 'PATROL' BREAKING OVER EIGHTY POTS AND VASES? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING! I HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS, YOU STUPID DOG!"

Link whimpered in confusion – all this over broken pottery that hadn't even yielded anything?

Sir Osmond coughed into his fist pointedly. "Miss Vallière?"

Seething at the wolf who didn't even have the grace to act ashamed, Louise counted to ten, choked down her anger when that didn't work and turned to face the headmaster. "Yes, sir?" she ground out as nicely as she could.

"There are also a few more matters to be discussed so please, restrain yourself." Sir Osmond gestured at the chair she'd abandoned, "Have a seat."

"Yes, sir." Louise stiffly walked back over to the chair and sat. The rolled up papers in her hands nearly ripped under the pressure of her white-knuckled grip.

"Now, onto the issue of your familiar himself." Sir Osmond turned to the wolf, "If you would be so kind as to change back, sir elf."

The wolf glanced at Louise, who pursed her lips and nodded stiffly. The usual flash of shadows and light, and the elf stood upright, stretching with a sigh and gave Louise a rueful grin.

Sir Osmond nodded appreciatively, "Thank you, sir elf."

"Link," the elf replied easily, "of Ordon."

"Sir Osmond, Headmaster of Tristain Academy. Well meet, Sir Link." Sir Osmond waved at Professor Colbert, "Colbert here explained the circumstances of your arrival yesterday and your insistence on remaining to serve young Miss Vallière," Osmond punctuated with a nod at Louise, "however, these are, you understand, some rather unique circumstances for all of us."

Link nodded slowly.

"To the point, Professor Colbert has admitted to a lapse in attention to your contract runes. If you would, we would like to have a look at them and determine the nature of your contract to Miss Vallière."

Link tipped his head sideways, "The nature of our contract?"

"Yes. You see, each familiar is granted a specific kind of rune that determines the nature of their service and benefits – some familiars are protectors and are granted benefits to their battle prowess, some serve as informants and are granted benefits to their stealth, communication, or retrieval abilities – and so forth and so on." Sir Osmond eyed the little white mouse scurrying back to him.

"Hmm…" Link considered that. "Very well," he nodded and approached the headmaster's desk. Link removed his gauntlet and held out his hand for inspection.

Louise slipped off her chair and leaned in to inspect the runes on the elf's hand with Sir Osmond and Professor Colbert. Her brow puckered in confusion and she glanced at the older mages. Both seemed to be as puzzled as she, Professor Colbert frowning and Sir Osmond pulling at his beard. The headmaster and professor pulled back and traded glances.

Professor Colbert cleared his throat, "Well, thank you, Link." He glanced between his student and the elf. "Unfortunately, the headmaster and I haven't seen a rune such as this before so there will have to be some research done first. When something is found, we will call you back to discuss the matter."

"Yes, sir." Louise answered before Link could get a word in. The elf gave her a bemused sideways glance. Louise pointedly ignored him.

"Good, good." Sir Osmond nodded, "that just leaves the issue of your punishment for blowing up another classroom."

Louise flushed and didn't miss the intrigued look on the elf's face.

"I believe that cleaning the classroom without magic should suffice, agreed?" The headmaster stated more than asked.

Louise nodded.

"Then you are dismissed, Miss Vallière. Have a good day."

Louise turned and walked out of the office as quickly as she could without sprinting. As she passed the secretary in the hall, Louise heard the sound of broken manacle clinking following her. She bolted and didn't stop running until she made it back to the destroyed classroom. Inside, she bent over, gasping for breath, only pausing to give Link a dirty look when the unwinded wolf brushed by her. He replied with a wolf-grin, tongue lolling from the side of his mouth.

"Stupid…," she wheezed, "dog…"

"Such a mean thing to say." He teased.

Louise jerked, head snapping up to see that her familiar had changed back into his elf body. Link tapped her nose, and then surveyed the room.

"Well, little one, at least someone brought everything we'll need." He pointed at the buckets of soapy water, cleaning rags, and the new window glass.

Louise scowled, determined not to say anything to the aggravating elf lest she end up screaming. Nice, he may be, but the pinkette wasn't eager to push her luck. She grabbed a bucket and cloth and began to scrub down the nearest desk. The hours passed, Link installing the new window glass, moving the heavy desks, and wiping down areas that Louise was too short to reach. Shortly before lunch, the pair finished tidying up.

Louise rubbed at her brow with the back of her shirtsleeve and glanced over at the elf. Link caught her look and grinned back, "Finished with the silent treatment yet, little one?"

Louise huffed, puffed and looked away.

"Ah, such a little sister," Link prodded at her puffed out cheek.

Louise slapped at his hand, "Stop it! I am not!"

"You are," the dirty-blond elf declared, "you always manage to hit my big brother instincts." He tapped a fist over his heart for emphasis.

"Shut up!" Louise retorted, unwilling to concede or show interest in the elf's claim of having brotherly instincts.

"Hmm… this is about that thing with the pottery, isn't it?" he asked, tone hinting at the incredulity he felt over such fuss.

Louise scowled and barely managed to stop herself from shaking her fist at him. "Thing?"

Link tipped his head, "I really don't see what the fuss is about – none of them had anything in them."

Louise gaped at him, "W-Wh- What does that have to do with anything? It doesn't matter if they weren't being used! You can't just go around breaking pottery! Especially the exquisitely crafted pottery of Tristain Academy! Most of those pieces were crafted by elite mages! They were unique works of art!"

"Unique works of art?" Link asked, looking down at her disbelievingly. "Pottery such as vases and pots are only crafted to be used – if not for normal daily uses then to have the minish use them to hide things."

"What are you talking about? I've never heard of this 'minish', there's no such thing!" Louise dismissed.

Link studied her for a moment, "… perhaps not here, but they were quite common back home. It does explain why I didn't find anything in any of those pieces of pottery last night though," he mused.

Louise made a frustrated noise and stamped her foot.

Link grinned down at her and tapped her nose again, "… little sister…"

Louise stormed out, ignoring the elf's protests to wait.

Louise huffed to herself as she made her way to the dining hall. The nerve of her familiar! Teasing her so casually! Continuously calling her little – she wasn't that small! Then costing her most of her savings and acting so derisively about square-crafted pottery! She grit her teeth. And the clinking of that broken chain! Never was there such an irritating sound. Stupid dog.

She made her way to the middle table, ignoring the wolf tailing her, and sat primly at her usual seat. Louise piled her favorites onto her plate and then grudgingly piled an assortment of meats on a second plate for the wolf. She sat the plate on the floor without fuss and turned to her own meal. Louise ate slowly; she knew that she would have to speak properly with her familiar at some point and that that point was most likely tonight. She needed to make a few issues clear between them and she needed to know how long he intended to stay. Louise picked at her meal. Certainly, Link seemed to be a rather tolerant elf. If then, she could just say what she needed to tell him without becoming too frustrated and causing offense, the talk may just go well.

As Louise chewed and pondered, she failed to notice that her familiar had slipped away for an interval – but she did notice when he herded a flustered maid with a dessert tray to her. The freckled faced maid nervously picked up the tongs on the serving tray and used them to deposit one of the cakes onto Louise's plate. Louise frowned, gaze shifting from the wolf to the maid and back again. She had a sinking feeling that the blue-eyed beast had managed to find more trouble for her.

"Is he," she pointed at her familiar, "bothering you?"

"Eh?" the maid gave her a wide-eyed look, "Of course not! No! Your familiar is a very nice wolf, mistress!"

Louise tapped her fork on the cake irritably, "No, no. Out with it – what mess has he gotten into now?"

"It's nothing he did," the maid protested and then slapped a hand over her mouth, flushing more deeply.

Louise twitched with impatience, "Just tell me already!"

The maid stared at her then turned to look at the wolf. Link offered a supportive, fang-filled wolf-grin and tail wag. The maid swallowed and turned back to Louise. She bowed properly and introduced herself, "My name is Siesta, mistress. Your familiar here," the maid glanced back at the wolf, "was keeping me company while I served desserts. I, um, found this bottle," the maid slipped her hand into a pocket and withdrew a vial full of vivid purple perfume, "I asked your wolf if he knew who it belonged to and he led me to Master Gramont who claimed not to know who the perfume belonged to. Then he said that I should keep it, as a gift from him." The maid paused and glanced back at the wolf. "I guess your familiar could tell this made me uneasy since he… brought me here."

"I … see…" Louise frowned and looked over to where Guiche was surrounded by his male peers. The perfume was clearly the trademark mixture of Montmorency 'The Flood'. Louise's lip curled; doubtlessly the girl had given it to Guiche who in turn had dropped it and then foisted it off on the maid to protect his playboy image in front of his friends. Louise shook her head; this could get ugly for the maid. She allowed her gaze to drift to her familiar; the only real mystery here was why the elf cared about the maid's unfortunate situation.

Louise directed her attention back to the maid, "Since he made a public gift of it, you cannot refuse it – but this also allows you protection in case anyone tries to reclaim the perfume." At the maid's unhappy look, Louise held up her hand, palm open, "If it would make you feel better about it, gift it to me and if anyone bothers to ask, it is a thank you gift for allowing my familiar to keep you company."

"Th-thank you," the maid stuttered, pressing the vial into Louise's palm. She bowed again, and then eased around the large wolf to continue serving cakes.

Louise frowned at the vial in her hand; she'd no use for Montmorency's signature fragrance. She sighed and slipped the vial into one of her cloak's pockets. All this did was supply another topic for discussion with the elf tonight. Louise rubbed her temples, barely a full day with her familiar and she wasn't sure she could take much more of this.

That night Louise sat in the middle of her bed, clutching a fluffy pillow to her chest as she watched the elf sprawl across the floor. She tilted her head at the sound of Link's humming and wondered how to begin the discussion she'd planned since lunch. She licked her dry lips, plucked at the pillow, and opened her mouth to speak.

"Your morning class was quite interesting."

Louise blinked at being interrupted before she could even get her words out. Her familiar peered up at her with his wild blue eyes. Really, Louise decided, Link's eyes remained wolfish even when the rest of him was a pretty-faced elf. She lowered her own red eyes to study her bed sheets, "What do you mean by that?"

"Hmm, the stuff that professor said – not about elements and affinities, of course – but about the 'square' and 'triangle' classes. What did she mean by that?" Link asked.

Louise nodded thoughtfully, elves were said to have a different kind of magic, the 'Firstborn Magic', so it wouldn't really surprise her if they cast their spells differently from the manner of human mages. "It's the number of elements that a mage can add to a spell, which also determines the level of a mage. For example, you can use an Earth spell by itself. That makes you a Dot class mage. But if you add Fire magic to it, the overall power of the spell increases greatly. Those who can stack two elements like Fire and Earth together are called Line mages. Professor Chevreuse, being able to combine three elements, Earth-Earth-Fire, is a Triangle mage. Square mages can stack four elements."

"I see… and what happens when you add an element to itself?"

"It simply reinforces that element and makes it stronger." Louise explained, eyeing him curiously. Shouldn't he at least know that much?

"Hmm… alright, and the Gerudo girl?" he asked, abruptly changing the subject.

"The… who?" Louise's face crunched up in confusion.

"The one with the fire lizard: dark skin, red hair –"

"Kirche?" Louise interrupted.

"Yes. Kirche." Link agreed.

The pink-haired girl fumed, "What about her?" And then quickly added, "She's Germanian – not… whatever it was that you said."

"The Gerudo is a desert tribe of women … I haven't meet them personally as they were mostly wiped out long ago, but I have met a woman named Telma who is descended from them. Kirche bears a resemblance, so I thought she might also come from the tribe." Link shook his head, "Anyway, the two of you don't seem to get along very well. Why is that?"

"My house, Vallière, has estates on Germania's borders, so we're the first on the field against Germanians the moment that any war starts. Even worse, right opposite to us on that border are Kirche's estates." Louise clenched her teeth. "So basically, the Zerbst family is our sworn enemy."

Link opened his mouth to reply but Louise over-rode him, "And the Zerbst call themselves a passionate family, but really they are just a low and unworthy family. Kirche's great-great-grandfather stole away my great-great-grandfather's lover! That was around 200 years ago."

"Ahhh!"

"Plus, that Zerbst constantly slanders Vallière. My great-great-grandfather's fiancé was stolen away because of that." Louise declared.

"Didn't you just say-?"

"My great-great-grandfather's! His wife was taken away just like that." Louise snapped her fingers for emphasis.

"Wife now?" Link noted dryly.

She ignored him, "And not just that. We've lost count of how many family members we've lost from the wars. I won't let Kirche steal so much as single bird. I'd shame my ancestors if that happened." Louise murmured darkly, remembering how the red-head had blown a kiss at her wolf familiar earlier that morning.

Louise shook her head, clearing away thoughts of Kirche. "But there are things I want to ask you too!" she paused, then continued less forcefully, "… if that's alright with you?"

The elf shrugged carelessly, "Sure."

"Your transformation magic … is that something common among elves?" Louise leaned forward, "I haven't heard of such a thing."

"No." Link nixed with a slight shake of his head, "I was once cursed into that wolf body several years ago, and long story short, I eventually gained the ability to transform at will."

"…Oh," Louise frowned thoughtfully, "well, what kind of magics can you do?"

Link sat up and gave her a bemused look; "I can't cast spells if that's what you're asking. Aside from the wolf transformation, all I can do is activate and use magic items." Link chuckled.

Louise worked her jaw, a dark flush of anger overtaking her cheeks, "D-d-d-don't y-y-you lie to m-m-me!" she sputtered on the verge of shrieking.

Link frowned in confusion, tipping his head sideways. He blinked, shrugged off Louise's hostility, and moved to kneel in front of her on the bed.

Louise shook with barely restrained anger as he studied her for a moment. He patted her hair, as if she were a tiny child to be soothed, "Why are you so quick to accuse me of lying?"

Tears of rage began to swell in Louise's eyes. How could he ask her that? As if he didn't know! Did he think she was stupid? "Everyone," Louise began, voice watery and trembling, "knows that elves have the Firstborn Magic. Everyone knows that elves can manipulate nature itself! EVERYONE KNOWS!" she screamed and broke into sobs. When his arms wrapped around her and pulled her into an embrace, Louise struggled against him and his unwanted comfort between sobs. Failing at even this much incensed her – and bile rose in her throat at the bitterness of it all. She hated him then, more than anything she'd ever known. She hated that she'd summoned the very thing she'd wished for – the most powerful of familiars. She hated that her familiar stood in sharp contrast to everything she wasn't. She hated that she feared her familiar. She hated that she couldn't control him as a master should. She hated that he would leave her. And most of all, Louise hated that this elf who'd been so nice, who was still being nice to her, would lie and mock her so cruelly. So she continued to cry and he continued holding her and attempting to sooth her. Finally, Louise's tears abated, harsh sobs giving way to sniffles, and fury to exhaustion.

"So, 'Everyone knows', hmm?" Link murmured and Louise couldn't even muster the strength to look up at him. "Perhaps that's true for those similar to me of this world. But Hylians, such as myself, do not possess such magic – our magic is either taught to those with the gift, master to apprentice, or gifted by the greater fairies and spirits. I have no inborn talent for magic nor have I been gifted with it by fairies or spirits. So please, little one, understand – when I say I have no magic, I mean it."

Louise spitefully rubbed her snotty nose on his tunic. Her familiar made an exasperated sound, "Perhaps telling you a bit about myself will help you understand." Louise didn't want to hear it but he continued anyway. "I am a goat herder, and if there are no goats in this world then just know they are among the livestock of my world. I was raised in a small village with no great expectations. Several years back, an ancient evil returned to Hyrule and I was chosen to be the hero that would defeat it. It was a long journey and I gained many skills, becoming a formidable warrior as both a Hylian and a wolf. Since defeating that evil, I have been traveling and working under the direct service of my queen – honing my skills, helping people in need, being summoned to a strange world…" he trailed off and then switched the subject, "I don't understand your anger, little one, you obviously have powerful magic – is it so terrible to you that I have none?"

"I d-don't."

"… Don't?" he repeated.

Louise sniffled and cleared her throat before shamefully clarifying, "I don't have powerful magic. I barely have any. It is said that the familiar reflects the summoner… if I've summoned an elf … commoner … then what does that say about me?" Elf commoner, the idea was so outlandishly absurd that Louise couldn't believe she'd thought it, never mind actually having said it aloud.

Her familiar shifted, pulled her onto his lap and tucked her head under his chin. "Well," he began, "this commoner was called by destiny to save two worlds and he succeeded. If I'm a reflection of you, little one, then you're destined for great deeds as well and I will be here to help you succeed." After a pause he added, "Besides, if what I saw today is any indication then you certainly aren't weak in magic. Weak mages can't put enough power into their spells to make pebbles blow up with more force than one of my bombs." He petted her hair again; "Tomorrow we should find a training ground so you can show me what else you can do."

Louise scrubbed at her eye. She was so tired… she reached up and tugged at a lock of dark blond hair. "You're wrong and I'm tired… change back…"

Link huffed, but thankfully didn't argue. But instead of changing like she asked, he maneuvered her under the covers, tucked her in, and wiped her face. Louise grasped his wrist as he pulled away, "Change back." He stared at her for a long moment, and then shifted into wolf form. Louise tugged at his fur until he lay beside her and then buried her face in the dark fur. It didn't take her long to fall asleep.

Late the next afternoon, Louise trailed after her familiar as he searched for an area that met his standards for a suitable training ground. She'd acquired a hooded cloak for him from one of the maids and thankfully he'd consented to wear the faded and worn thing. With the hood up, his ears and a good portion of his face were hidden from view – though he'd adjusted the cloak so the hilt of his sword poked over his shoulder unhindered.

She kicked at a small stone in her path idly. Neither had broached the subject of her ignoble breakdown yesterday and Louise just knew that as soon as Link found his training ground that they would have to talk about it. Louise frowned; she really couldn't accept the things he'd said yesterday. How could he have no magic? How could he look at her after yesterday's disasters and say she had powerful magic? And why did he keep rambling about other worlds? She didn't wish to think him delusional, but Louise felt she understood her own shortcomings well enough, unpleasant though they were.

"Little one?" her familiar called, "Over here!"

Louise sighed and followed the sound of his voice into a good-sized clearing. The clearing was flanked by three sides of trees and one side of rocky hill terrain. Her familiar was busy lining up a few good-sized boulders – Louise twitched, how in the name of the Founder Brimir was he moving those by hand? She supposed it made sense for an elf to have superior strength to a human but her familiar was taking it too far – he had to be using magic of some sort. The liar.

"Alright, first we'll try that explosion spell you used yesterday. Stand back here," he herded her to a spot close to the tree line opposite of the hillside, "and cast with as little magic as you can on one end of the target line and then with as much magic as you can on the other."

Louise felt a flush creep across her cheeks, "… it's not an explosion spell. That's just what happens when I fail any spell."

Link gave her a puzzled look, "Not all spells, surely? You must have some progress with your element at least."

Louise's flush deepened, "I've tried all four of the elements … and I can't use any of them. All my spells explode."

"All four?" Link echoed. "What about the fifth? Spirit – or whatever the term for it is here."

Louise swallowed down her mounting frustration and grit her teeth. Again with the mockery! "The Void element has not been seen since the time of the founder," she ground out, "Don't say such ridiculous things."

Her familiar peered at her from beneath his hood, "Ridiculous?" he clicked his tongue at her, "How do you know if you haven't tried?"

Louise glared at him, "That's blasphemous! And besides, there are no Void spells to try. No one can use it, so there's no point in the Academy teaching them."

Her familiar seemed to chew on that for a moment, "Well," he conceded, "that does make it more difficult to confirm your element, hmmm?"

Louise shook her head, "There's nothing to confirm." Really, how long was he going to cling to his delusions?

Link studied her for a moment and then sighed, "… Let's not argue about this for now." He gestured at the stone targets, "Go ahead, just as I told you."

Relaxing a bit, Louise pulled her wand and pointed at the stone on the far left. A muttered spell and a tree nearly a dozen yards away from her target exploded.

"…."

"…."

Link coughed, "It seems your aim's a bit off … which boulder were you targeting?"

"The far left." Louise noted stoically.

"I… see…" Her familiar studied the distance between the intended target and the tree. "Change of plans, little one. Focus on your aim instead of the strength of your spells."

Louise nodded and raised her wand again.

Hours later, Louise had managed to clip her targeted boulder, resulting in a dent and lopsided crack. She sighed in relief and glanced up. The sky was cast in a deep orange and soon night would fall.

"Congratulations," her familiar smiled in approval. He stretched, "We should head back now before we end up missing dinner entirely. I'll carry you."

Louise nodded and then hesitantly asked, "Are we going to do this again?" In spite of her familiar's persistent delusions, it had actually been a pleasant and productive afternoon for her. Link's positive encouragement had boosted her confidence and target practice allowed her the pleasure of actually seeing herself improve in using her magic for once.

He laughed, "Of course, little one." He paused and leaned forward. "Every single day." He chuckled again and transformed into a wolf.

Louise smiled and climbed onto his back, threading her fingers through his fur for a better grip. He trotted off through the woods and into the Academy.

The next afternoon, as Link led her back to the training ground, Louise decided to ask her elf-wolf about something that had been nagging at her.

"Link…?" she called.

Her cloaked familiar turned his head slightly back as he continued forward. "Yes, little one?"

"Umm…" Louise bit down on her lip, "About… ah… well, I just…"

"Hmmm…?" Link stopped and turned to look at her.

Louise felt her cheeks growing warm as she searched for the right words to ask her question. "I was just… um…" She inhaled deeply and straightened, "You don't believe in the Founder Brimir, right?" The sacred texts and history had always pointed out that the elves had gone to war against the founder… so what did they believe in if not him?

"No." Link answered bluntly. He waited a moment, and realizing that Louise was still struggling to ask her questions, he elaborated, "I believe in the goddesses who created my world."

"Goddesses…?" Louise echoed. It sounded so blasphemous!

"Yes." Link said, and then recited, "Long ago, before time began, before spirits and life existed, when Hyrule was a cauldron of chaos, three golden goddesses descended upon it. The first, Din, the goddess of power, with her strong flaming arms cultivated the lands – creating the mountains, plains and valleys. The second, Nayru, the goddess of wisdom, poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world. And the third, Farore, the goddess of courage, with her rich soul, produced all the life forms who would uphold the law. The three great goddesses, their labors completed, departed for the heavens. At the point where they left the world, remained three golden sacred triangles: The Triforce." Link paused and smiled wirily, "The Triforce no longer remains at that place however. A few centuries ago it was broken by the unbalanced heart of an evil king who only managed to claim one piece for himself – the Triforce of Power… each of the other pieces are held by those chosen by the goddesses. I am in possession of the Triforce of Courage."

Louise swallowed and stared at him, wide-eyed. She didn't know what to say to that… the Founder's Church never claimed that he created the world, only that he, as the void mage, had enabled them to battle the elves as they were driven out of the Holy Land, saving humans from extinction, and shaped what already existed into Halkeginia – perhaps the elves, so much longer lived than humans, could remember this… the origin of the world.

Louise dropped her gaze, studying her shoes as she mulled over Link's beliefs. Ahead, she could hear her familiar turn away and continue walking. After a moment, Louise followed.

Time passed and the day of the Void came with Louise and Link spending many free hours in that training area. Louise could now reliably hit her target boulders and had graduated to smaller stones. Link's attempt yesterday at getting her to hit a moving target had been an unmitigated disaster and both unanimously agreed to leave off on that exercise for the time being.

Louise wiped the sweat from her brow and cast a glance at the sky. "Link, it's early afternoon already." She hinted.

The hooded figure of her familiar turned from his own weapon practice, strangely enough involving a chained ball, to look over the results of her target practice. "…yes?" he looked over to her, "do you wish to eat lunch now, little one?"

"No!" Louise stamped her foot, the paused and amended, "Well … yes! But more to the point, I wanted to go shopping today." She waved a hand in the general direction of the city. "If we stay any later we won't make it there and back before dark."

Her familiar grunted and shoved the chained ball into the pouch on his belt. Louise watched with hooded red eyes. She still had a hard time believing that the small dingy pouch could hold as many items as it did, and if Link hadn't shown her proof, she wouldn't even believe that he could shove that chained ball in on top of Montmorency's signature fragrance (which he had confiscated from her) without breaking the delicate glass vial. Louise pouted; she'd love to have a pouch like that – just much better looking, something suitable for a noble.

"You know," Link began, "we should pick up something nice for Siesta at the market."

"Sies – wait! That maid you're always sniffing around?" Louise scowled.

Link balked at her sharp tone, and defensively retorted, "I don't sniff her! Just the treats she gives me! And you," he pointed at her, "I always bring back something for you don't I? You like Siesta's sweets."

"T-th-that doesn't have anything to do with it." Louise flustered.

Narrowed blue eyes peered at her from the shadow of the cloak's hood. A smug grin stretched across Link's face, "Oh… I see." Louise narrowed her own red eyes at him. "This is one of those situations where cute little sisters become jealous of their brother's attention, hmmm? Sharing is something good little sisters do you know." He teased.

"Stop calling me little! And give all of your attention to that big-breasted maid for all I care! At least she isn't Kirche!" Louise snapped, red-faced and sounding like the bratty sister he accused her of being.

She wasn't the least bit mollified when he burst out laughing. Louise grit her teeth, "It's not funny."

"Of all…," Link gasped bending over, "of all the… the attr- attributes…," he wheezed and cackled. "Oh, little one…," he gulped a breath of air, "you are… t-too cute!"

Louise watched him, torn between her earlier irritation and her mounting amusement. "…shut up!" She lifted her chin and executed one of her new favorite techniques – redirection, "We're going to be too late to the markets if you don't stop laughing and hurry up!"

Link nodded and staggered over to her, still shaking with laughter. He transformed, allowed her to climb on, and unsteadily trotted out of the woods and towards the city of Tristain as Louise directed.

Louise stretched in her chair where she was dining at a classy patio restaurant. Her two shopping purchases filled the seat next to her, and her freshly delivered dessert sat temptingly before her.

Shortly after entering the city, Link had wandered off to explore, leaving Louise to her own devices. Among the stores she patroned, Louise had made the tailor's her first stop. There, she purchased a long, hooded wool-cloak of green to replace the worn cloak her familiar currently wore. Said cloak was currently wrapped in a soft leather parcel, and beneath it was her second purchase of the day. Louise had caved to Link's suggestion of getting the maid, Siesta, a gift. It had taken a few inquiries around the market, but Louise had discovered that Siesta frequented a small bookstore. It hadn't taken long to find the shop and with the help of the shopkeeper, Louise had exited the store with the newest book from a series that Siesta liked.

Louise worked her way through dessert, keeping an eye on her purchases while occasionally glancing around the street for her wolf. Finishing dessert, Louise signaled a waitress to bring her a cup of tea. Really, how long was that inconsiderate wolf going to keep her waiting?

Six cups of tea, two ladies room breaks, and a second dessert later found Louise fidgeting restlessly at her table. The sky above shifted to the warmer colors of orange and red as the sun began to set.

"Pardon me, Miss Vallière?"

Louise blinked and twisted around. Her searching gaze rested on a couple of grim-faced city guardsmen. She swallowed and her stomach twisted and flopped uncomfortably.

"Yes?"

The shorter of the two guards stepped forward. "Miss Vallière is your familiar a large blue-eyed wolf with a strange fur pattern on his brow?"

Louise tensed and nodded, "Yes, sir – is something wrong?"

The guardsmen exchanged looks. "Our apologies, but there have been a few incidents involving your familiar, Miss Vallière, and we need you to come with us. A messenger will be sent to Tristain Academy so that they can be informed of the situation and send a representative for you."

Louise inhaled sharply and her red eyes darted from one guard to the other. She was suddenly quite certain that this fuss wasn't about any number of broken potteries. What had that stupid dog done?

The guardsmen waited patiently as Louise gathered her purchases and settled her table with the restaurant. Standing at either side of her, they escorted Louise through Tristain's winding cobblestone streets to the city's main jail. Entering the building, the guardsmen directed her to the holding cells and left her to fetch their captain.

Louise peered into each cell, looking for her wolf. The second to last cell on her left proved to be his holding cell. The wolf lay calmly sprawled on the stone floor, his muzzle resting on his paws. Link perked up when he spotted her and hurried to the cell door. Louise dropped her packages and reached between the bars to run her fingers through his fur. "Link, what have you done?"

He made an odd grumbling noise that petered off into a whine. Louise sighed. "You better not have incurred any fines on my behalf – I don't have the funds to cover any."

Suddenly, the wolf looked very sheepish indeed. Louise grit her teeth. Link turned his big blues on her and whined softly, the very picture of injured innocence. The irate pinkette managed a very impressive growl.

Their standoff was interrupted by the return of the guardsmen. Flanked between them was a brunette man in markedly better armor bearing the insignia of the Captain of the Guardsmen. He stood tall, handsomeness marred only by a blot of reddish brown skin stretching from his left jaw to the bridge of his nose. Louise quickly fetched her purchases from where she had dropped them on the floor and straightened to greet the captain properly.

"Miss Vallière," the Captain executed a short bow as proper, "I am Captain Prideaux. You have my apologies for these unfortunate matters and my thanks for your prompt appearance."

Louise inclined her head, "Captain Prideaux. And what are these 'unfortunate matters'?"

"Several things, Miss Vallière, would you like to have a seat? Perhaps some tea during our discussion?" the Captain was the very model of deferential politeness to the young noble. Louise approved.

Again she inclined her head, "Yes, thank you, Captain Prideaux."

Captain Prideaux gestured to his men, who retreated from the room. Offering Louise another short bow, he said, "Follow me please, milady."

Louise clutched her purchases and, without a backwards look to her familiar, followed the Captain of the Guard out of the holding cells.

Captain Prideaux led her down the corridor to his office. He held the door for her and pulled a chair for her. As Louise seated herself primly, one of the guardsmen entered with a tray of fresh tea. The Captain took the tray, dismissed the guardsman, placed it upon his desk and seated himself. He busied himself, pouring two cups of tea and handed one to Louise, "Your tea, Miss Vallière."

Louise murmured a polite thank you and sipped the hot liquid carefully.

The Captain, neglecting his own cup, shuffled a few papers on his desk.

Louise lowered her cup, "So then, these matters you wished to discuss?"

Captain Prideaux nodded, "Yes. I believe it best to lay the events of this afternoon out chronologically. First, your wolf was spotted near a potions shop that suddenly had a batch of their most potent healing potion go missing." The Captain held up his hand to forestall Louise's protest. "We have received a very adorable thank you note from the children at Tristain's East Orphanage crediting your familiar with delivering the missing batch to them. The shopkeeper wishes to be reimbursed and as the East Orphanage cannot pay, that falls to you." The Captain jotted down a number. "Secondly, Mister Cerf from the south end of the city has filed several complaints – he claims your wolf was conspiring with the local feral cats."

"Conspiring?" Louise blurted.

"Well, he submits these sorts of complaints several times a week. A bit paranoid, you see. My apologies for your wolf getting caught up in this unfortunate situation. But all it really means for you is that you have to sign a few waivers stating that your familiar was not conspiring." The Captain handed her a few papers and Louise shifted her teacup to her left hand to sign with her right. "Third, your wolf entered into an arms dealer's shop in a questionable part of the city. According to the shopkeeper and a customer, your wolf presumably stole an enchanted sword. The customer claims that the sword could speak and had, in fact, begged your wolf to take it with him. Although both confirm that your wolf left without it, the sword is unaccounted for and, regardless of the customer's claims, the sword, sentient or not, does not have the right to leave the shopkeeper without payment." The Captain rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Your help in locating and returning the sword would be appreciated to clear up this misunderstanding with the shopkeeper and your wolf. Finally, your familiar evaded capture for well over an hour before Old Madame Clémence convinced him to surrender peacefully." The Captain sighed.

Louise eyed the paper with dread, as she knew very well that healing poultices were not cheap. "My apologies, Captain Prideaux, but I currently do not possess much coin-"

"Quite alright, Miss Vallière. These things happen, you're not the first and I dare say you'll not be the last." The Captain's mouth quirked. "Though your familiar did cause the most unique kind of trouble – he will certainly be remembered."

Louise flushed.

The Captain handed her the sheet of paper. Louise grimaced at the total – she wouldn't have been able to pay it even before she'd gone shopping. "Now, Miss Vallière, as you are under the protection of the Tristain Academy of Magic, it is their responsibility to take on your debt if you are unable to pay. Then the headmaster will work out a method of repayment between you and your family. However, as it is unlikely that a representative will turn up tonight to settle the debt, you and your familiar must remain here until then. We have more suitable quarters for you upstairs and so long as you are willing to promise that your familiar will cause no more trouble before you leave, then he may join you."

Louise nodded, grateful that she wouldn't be stuck in a holding cell and terrified at what her family would say about this embarrassing situation. Mother and Eleanor would probably demand that she drop out of the academy and marry Wardes. She set her now cold, and still nearly full, cup of tea on Captain Prideaux's desk.

"If you are ready, I can escort you to your sleeping quarters." He told her.

Louise looked up, "I promise that Link will cause you no more trouble until we depart from the city tomorrow."

Captain Prideaux smiled and nodded, "Understood milady."

A short trip back down to the hall to the holding cells and the captain led Louise and Link up several flights of stairs. He took out a key ring and selected one of the more nicely crafted keys. He unlocked the door and held it open for the young noble and her familiar.

Louise swept into the room, eyeing everything. While the room was certainly not up to noble standards, it did meet her mother's standards for the servants' rooms. The bed, she noted with satisfaction, was large enough for both herself and her wolf.

"Miss Vallière?"

Louise turned back to Captain Prideaux.

"Would you like a guardsman posted at the door or the end of the hall?"

Louise blinked and then stiffly inclined her head, "The hall, if you please captain."

"Very good, milady. I shall see you again in the morning." Captain Prideaux firmly closed the door behind him.

Louise exhaled when he did not lock the door and listened as his heavy footsteps faded down the hallway.

Louise inhaled deeply and whirled on her familiar, "Change back and explain yourself!" She glared as the wolf shifted back into his cloaked form and settled himself on the edge of the bed.

Link cradled his chin on one hand, "They didn't tell me what I was locked up for. But if you like, I can go over everything that I did today after leaving you."

"… do that." Louise decided, wanting to see if he'd try to play her false.

Link's mouth quirked upwards, "Very well, little one. At first I merely scouted around, checking what shops were where and generally memorizing the layout of the city. Towards the eastern side, I came across an orphanage and played with the few of children in the courtyard. A dog there, Lasalle, approached me and explained that some of the children had come down with a coughing illness. He asked that I follow Mister Degaré, who was to go fetch a cauldron of healing poultice from a local potions shop so that Lasalle could stay and watch over his charges. I agreed and escorted Mister Degaré to the shop and back to the orphanage. I stayed there a bit longer while the children were given their medicine and let them pet me. Some of them even thanked me for the medicine." Link tipped his head with a half-smile and shrugged. "After that I left."

Louise chewed on her lip for a moment, "So… the poultice, you didn't actually steal it – the orphans just credited you with doing so."

"Steal?" He blinked at her.

Louise nodded, "That was one of the charges they brought you in for, the healing poultice was stolen and since you're being held responsible, I have to pay for it." She paused and then reluctantly added, "at least, I'll have to pay back the academy since I'm out of funds."

Her familiar looked at her regretfully, "My apologies, little one. I saw the currency you paid to the Headmaster for the pottery and my own is quite different so I don't know that it'll be of any use to you."

Louise waved him off, "Forget about it, taking care of their familiars is something good masters do." She pointed at him, "Besides, you still have some more explaining to do."

"Ah," Link nodded, "well, after the orphanage –"

"No!" Louise snapped, and then blinked and backtracked, "Well, yes! But explain about the dog first!"

"… What about the dog?"

"You said he talked to you. How is that possible?" Louise pursed her lips.

Her familiar chuckled, "Oh that? I've been able to speak with animals since I was first cursed. But only when I'm in wolf form," he added for clarification and then continued, "You can get surprisingly good gossip off of them at times."

"Oh…" Louise pondered that. "… Alright, and the rest?"

"Hmmm, after leaving the orphanage, I traveled down towards the south end of the city. Still scouting. Most of the gossip wasn't terribly interesting, at least, not until I came across a colony of cats. A wealthy lady in the area takes care of them and the cats were upset on her behalf as apparently she'd been complaining about breaking her perfume bottle and had none for a dinner party she was to be attending tonight. I introduced myself to the cats and offered them Montmorency's perfume. The cats turned me down at first, saying that their Lady was very particular about her perfumes, but then the queen – a black cat – stated that if I would allow her to smell the perfume then she would determine if it was suitable." Link paused, and dipped his head in apology, "I had to change back from wolf form to get the perfume … but don't worry little one, I didn't do so on the streets. The cats led me to a secluded area and we slipped into an abandoned shack – I changed there. Anyway, they approved of the perfume so I followed them to their Lady's house. The queen took the perfume bottle and used me to climb into one of the open windows. From what I could hear, the lady was surprised and then very pleased with the perfume." Link clicked his tongue, "As it also turns out, the queen was the lady's familiar and perfectly capable of speaking in human speech. She explained that she'd spoken with another familiar and that the perfume bottle was a gift from another mage. The lady insisted on repaying the gift and had Devonna, the cat, deliver a rolled up portrait of a family of Albion nobility to me." Link gestured Louise over, "come look, it's really quite interesting."

Louise gave him a baffled look but wandered over and perched herself on the bed next to him.

Link pulled out the portrait and showed it to her, "See?"

Louise studied it, frowning, and then pointed at the little green-haired girl in the picture. "I think I've seen her somewhere before…"

He nodded, "The Headmaster's secretary."

Louise's eyes lit up in recognition, "Oh! It is her! So, you think she might be … displaced nobility?"

Link shrugged, "Don't know, but it's possible. You think she'd like this portrait, then?"

"… Yes, even if she's displaced, this is something any person would treasure. We'll give it to her tomorrow then since we'll be seeing the headmaster." Louise looked down at her lap and then shifted her gaze back to Link. "And the rest?"

Link tucked the portrait back into his pouch. "Ah, yes. Nothing too spectacular, but I did end up in an arms store. Their stock wasn't all that great except for this one sword." Link smiled, "It just up and started talking to me. It could even understand me, even though I was in wolf form!" He chuckled and shook his head; "Anyway, the sword – Derflinger – asked me to take it with me. But since I couldn't transform and my money probably isn't any good anyway, I left it there. I meant to track you down after that and see if you'd be willing to loan me the money for it… but then the guardsmen started chasing me." He muttered.

Louise sighed and hung her head. "Do you think the sword is still there?"

Link snorted, "Of course it is! The shopkeeper thought it was a mouthy, rusty piece of junk and the other guy there treated it like a curiosity." Link eyed her, "Why do you ask?"

"Don't get your hopes up," Louise snapped. "The sword's gone, the shopkeeper's blaming you, so you don't get anything."

"What?" Link reeled back in angered disgust. "Why is he blaming me? Is he trying to extort money from you, Louise?"

"…" Louise smiled.

He frowned and narrowed his eyes in confusion.

She looked down at her hands, "Sorry, but that's the first time you've used my given name."

She glanced up at him, "Besides, it's on record that you left the shop without it and the captain doesn't seem to believe you stole it either – he's asked that we help find the sword to clear up this misunderstanding. Besides, even if we don't find it, the shopkeeper can't force me to pay for it on a suspicion."

"… I see." Link sighed. "I might be able to track it by scent but that's really not one of my strengths."

"It's fine." Louise slid off the bed and stretched.

"So…" Louise blinked and turned back to her familiar who was sporting a small smile, "get any reading done while you waited for me?"

Louise's face fell in confusion, "Huh?"

He pointed at her small pile of purchases where she'd abandoned them on the dresser.

Louise cleared her throat and avoided his eyes, "No, that's a gift for someone else. And anyway," she added quickly to ward off any questions, "that reminds me. The parcel is yours." She hurried over to the dresser and snatched up said parcel and hurried back to him, "Here."

Link took it with polite thanks and opened the wrap. Though Louise couldn't see most of his shadowed face, she didn't miss the pleased smile when he saw the cloak.

The next morning, a sharp, repetitive knocking sound awakened Louise. She twitched, pried open one red eye, and grumbled into soft fur. Said fur shifted and vanished from her reach as Link abandoned the bed. The aggravating sound of his clinking manacle joined the knocking noise. Louise swore to Brimir that she would get that manacle off her wolf – right after she dealt with that incessant knocker.

Louise flung the covers back and rolled out of the bed. Grabbing Link's old cloak, she wrapped it around herself for decency's sake and crossed the room. She flung open the door and leveled her best glare at … Professor Colbert. Louise dropped her gaze and flushed brightly. "P-professor!"

"Miss Vallière." Professor Colbert greeted her pleasantly.

"Good morning, sir!" Louise tightened her grip on the cloak, "Excuse me, professor, I need to dress. Just a minute!" She slammed the door shut in his face.

"Gahhh!" Louise flustered, scampering over to her discarded, wrinkly clothes from yesterday. "I can't believe I was so rude to Professor Colbert! No doubt he's here to pay off my debt! And look at this!" she gasped clutching her shirt, "wrinkles everywhere!"

The wolf snorted. Louise valiantly ignored the uncouth creature – he felt it perfectly all right to prance about in the same dirty, wrinkly clothes day after day. She huffed at his gall and finished dressing.

Louise snatched up Siesta's gift and hurriedly re-opened the door.

"Everything in order now, Miss Vallière?" her bemused professor asked.

Willing away her blush, Louise nodded sharply.

"Good then. Come along, both of you." Professor Colbert turned and led them down the hall.

Louise, as was her habit these days, draped an arm over Link's neck and twined her fingers through his fur.

"Miss Vallière, your debt to the potions shop has been paid off. The reimbursement to the academy will be discussed on our way back. First, however, I believe there is still an issue involving a missing sword that must be addressed before we leave."

"Yes, sir."

The professor nodded, "Then can Link lead us back to the arms shop or do we need to recruit a guardsman."

At the wolf's nod, Louise answered, "He can lead, Professor."

"Then off we go," The professor gestured for them to take the lead.

Link led them through Tristain's winding streets, past Louise's own favored potion shop, Peyman's, and to the door of the arms dealer.

Louise stepped inside, followed by her familiar and Professor Colbert. Despite the bright morning light outside, the shop was a bit dark inside. A gas lamp flickered, shining unfavorably on the walls and shelves that were filled with a mass of various and unorganized weapons. A man in his fifties, obviously the shopkeeper, smoked a pipe as he eyed Louise suspiciously. Then his eyes darted beyond her to her familiar. He quickly removed his pipe, "Hey now, are you the noble that beast belongs to?"

"She is," Professor Colbert interceded, "and I am her professor, Colbert Jean. We are here at the behest of the city guard to help locate your missing property. Now, if you would, please go over the events of yesterday."

"I already told the guards –"

"Yes, and they passed on that information. But I would like to hear it from you – less confusion of the facts this way." The professor explained.

The shopkeeper straightened with a scowl, "Fine then, sir. That beast," he pointed at Link, "entered my store yesterday, trailing in after one of my regulars. Then Derf, the missing piece of junk, kicked up a fuss. Wouldn't shut up, kept going on about nonsense – like that wolf being a swordsman for example. Finally the girl's beast left. I had a patron or two more before I went in the back," he jerked his thumb behind him, "and when I came out with the merchandise; Derf didn't have anything snide to say about it. That's when I noticed it was missing. I made my report to the guardsmen and apparently that thieving wolf had already been taken into custody for stealing from some other shop!" He slammed his hand on the counter and leveled a disgusted glare at Link.

"And who were these other 'one or two' patrons you mentioned?" The professor queried, not at all put off by the shopkeeper's hostility.

"Strapping young man, blond, about your height. He was looking for a meat cleaver, smelled like a butchery. The other one," he paused and rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "I dunno, a heavily freckled faced brat? Was in and out so quickly I might've hallucinated him…"

"I… see," the professor looked dubious.

Louise opened her mouth to ask what the shopkeeper was stuffing in his pipe, thought better of it, and shook her head. "What should we do now, professor?"

Professor Colbert pointed at Link, "If you would, see if there is any scent that you can track."

Link grunted and brushed by them, sniffing around the sword pile where Derflinger had been yesterday. He froze.

"You found something?" the professor asked excitedly.

Link shook himself and trotted to Louise. He nudged her towards the door, grumbling all the while.

"It seems we have a lead," the professor addressed the shopkeeper, "We'll be back with your sword soon."

"Stop stating the obvious and get out!" The man snapped.

As Professor Colbert stepped onto the street, Louise pointed at her wolf, "We have to get somewhere he can change. Do you know a good place?"

"Ah, yes, right this way," the professor trotted off. He led them into a dusty corner shop that, judging by the disrepair, had been out of business for several years. "This used to be my favorite bookshop," he said by way of explanation.

As Link changed back and the professor got his first good look at him since the meeting with the headmaster, Louise noticed that Professor Colbert seemed rather amused with Link's simple disguise. She sighed and turned to the cloaked swordsman, "What did you find?"

Link held up a finger, "One very distinctive scent. The only two places I've been that had that smell were the orphanage and the potions shop." Link tipped his head, "And since one of the customers was a 'heavily freckled brat'…"

Louise and Professor Colbert nodded.

"Well, then," the professor pushed up his glasses, "to the East Orphanage."

Link shifted back to wolf form and led the two mages into the eastern section of Tristain. A few turns later, the trio entered into a small, run-down, courtyard moderately filled with children of various ages. Without pause, Link loped across the courtyard to the door of the orphanage. He sat and glanced back at Louise and Professor Colbert as they scurried to keep up.

As soon as she had caught up with him, Louise began scolding the wolf, "Why did you keep running? We should have checked the courtyard first! There are plenty of children out there who could be our suspect!"

"Actually, Miss Vallière," Professor Colbert cut in, "none of the children in the courtyard could be described as 'heavily freckled'." He glanced back with a rueful smile, "the courtyard isn't so large that you could miss that if you looked."

Louise reddened, and rather than admit to any error, reached over her wolf and rapped sharply on the orphanage door.

Behind the door came the sound of footsteps, followed by a male's voice, "One moment!"

The three waited a few moments then the door swung open. A wiry, but well-muscled man with purple hair tied in a low ponytail stood before them, "Yes? Is there someth-" the man broke off abruptly as his gaze swept over Link, "Ah! Mister Wolf! You have returned," the man looked at the mages, "….with friends."

The purple-haired man stepped back from the door and bowed briefly, "I am Degaré, Head of the East Orphanage. How may I be of service today?"

Professor Colbert smiled and inclined his head, "I am Colbert Jean of Tristain Academy and this young lady is Miss Louise Vallière. We are here on behalf of the city guard; it seems that there may be a child in your care who has recently committed a theft."

Louise suppressed a scoff; this man was a thief himself!

"I see, and which child do you think committed this crime?" Degaré shifted uneasily, "and what is the nature of this theft?"

"The stolen item in question is a sword," the professor answered, noting the other man's guilty unease and it's lessening at Colbert's reply. The professor pursed his lips, "The child is question was described as being 'heavily freckled'. Do any of your charges match that description?"

Degaré nodded, "Yes, just one. A boy, Brice, he's just over ten years of age." He frowned thoughtfully, "now that you mention it, Brice did come back quite late yesterday…"

"And where is he now?" Louise demanded more than asked.

"Oh, well he should be fetching herbs for the potions shop. You'll find him in the East Tristain Garden."

"Our thanks," Professor Colbert replied, "We'll be on our way then."

Degaré nodded, and Louise noted the man seemed all too pleased to see them go. "You are welcome. Fare you well."

"And you, sir." The professor rejoined as he ushered Louise and Link towards the East Tristain Garden.

As they trudged to the Garden, Louise piped up with her complaints, "I don't see why the guards couldn't have done this! There were only two other suspects," she puffed, "yet they have us running all over Tristain for them!"

"Really?" the professor mused, "And how would they have located a possible someone who was merely described as a 'heavily freckled brat'?" He chuckled, "We would not have progressed this far without Link's aid, Miss Vallière, something the city guardsmen sorely lack."

"Y-yes, but…" Louise flustered, unable to come up with a retort, "… Still!"

Her wolf snorted and Professor Colbert looked away, plainly amused.

Louise glared at the cobblestones.

They walked a few more blocks and Professor Colbert pointed at a lush green square, "Here we are. The Garden isn't very large so we should find the boy quickly enough. Come along."

Louise and Link dutifully followed the older mage into the Garden. Link immediately set about sniffing the ground and darted off, apparently finding the boy's trail. Once again, Louise found herself and Professor Colbert scurrying to keep up the wolf. He led them around several bushes and herb patches before coming to an abrupt stop.

Louise craned her neck to see around Link and then slapped a hand to her face in disbelief. There, not two yards away, was the freckled boy. And he was too busy chatting up the sword leaning on a tree to notice them. Louise rubbed her face; really the guardsmen could have done this.

Professor Colbert cleared his throat pointedly to catch the boy's attention.

The boy, Brice, jumped and whirled around, his face pale beneath his freckles. Looking over their group, Brice relaxed when he saw Link. "Mister Wolf!" he beamed, "I have a gift for you! As thanks for the medicine yesterday." He added.

Brice grabbed Derflinger from where the sword had been leaning on a tree and presented it to Link. "I kinda followed you a bit yesterday after delivering the thank you card. Did you get it? I decided to get this for you too since Derf wanted to go with you." He laughed, "For a moment, I almost thought that shopkeeper noticed me!"

"Actually," Professor Colbert interceded mildly, "the shopkeeper did notice you, and he certainly noticed that his sword was missing."

The boy stared at the professor and swallowed nervously, "Oh…" He looked down at the sword still clutched in his hands, "So… am I in trouble now?" he asked meekly.

The wolf grumbled and gave a sharp bark.

"Partner says he'll let you go with a warning as long as you promise to stop stealing." The sword spoke up.

Louise blinked. "It really does talk!" She frowned, "wait, who's 'partner'?"

"Link is my partner, of course," Derflinger answered.

Louise whirled on the wolf; "It's not our place to let him off with a warning! He should be taken straight to the city guardsmen."

Professor Colbert cleared his throat again. "I believe that allowing his Head to dole out punishment should be sufficient for a ten-year old. But we will be taking that blade back to its rightful owner." The professor held out his hand and Brice reluctantly pressed Derflinger into his grasp.

Louise opened her mouth to protest but fell silent when Link nudged her.

"Well then, thank you for returning the sword, young Brice. We'll leave you to your work." The professor nodded in farewell and turned from the boy. "Come along, you two."

The trio, along with Captain Prideaux totting Derflinger, re-entered the arms dealer's shop by mid-morning.

As Louise stepped in, she noted in irritation that the shopkeeper looked rather sour at their entrance, and how his expression became even more so at the sight of Derflinger – to the point that the old man's lips were practically puckering.

"Is this the sword you reported stolen yesterday?" Captain Prideaux asked the shopkeeper, holding out Derflinger for inspection.

"Of course I am," Derflinger snorted. "What? You think sentient swords are common enough for two of them to be in the same city?"

The shopkeeper's expression darkened, "I'd know that rotten tongue anywhere, Derflinger's always arguing with my customers – and now smart mouthing the Captain of the City Guard himself. Hey, Derf! Keep up the insolence and I'll ask one of these nobles here to melt you!"

"I'd like to see you try it! My partner here won't let me be melted down!"

"Still going on about that nonsense? That beast can't wield a blade, Derf!" The shopkeeper approached. "But, you know what's really sensible, Derf? Getting rid of you. Ever since you went missing yesterday, I've had six customers come in and all of them bought something. Haven't had that happen since I got stuck with you."

Captain Prideaux cleared his throat. "If that is everything, sir? I do have duties to attend."

As the shopkeeper jerked his attention back to the captain, Louise cut in, unwilling to stay silent any longer, "Wait a minute! You," she pointed accusingly at the shopkeeper, "falsely accuse my familiar of theft – and by extension me – for a sword that you don't even want back? This is further insult to your injurious slander on my noble name!"

The old man choked and darted his eyes pleadingly at Captain Prideaux. The commoner had the good sense to understand his offense – and the impending consequences.

The captain nodded, "Miss Vallière, if you please, I can take a statement and have this man arrested – after all, we still have his statement from yesterday on record to support your case."

Link woofed.

"Partner says that the little missy should resolve this without resorting to the courts." Derflinger piped up.

Louise scowled at the wolf, "And just what do you mean by that? I have a very clear case here!"

Her familiar made a grumbling noise and yawned. Again Derflinger translated, "You should just take me as restitution –"

"He doesn't want you anyway!" Louise snapped.

"Then perhaps the shopkeeper could also throw in some coin?" Captain Prideaux suggested, "A sword and fine for slandering a noble family should resolve this quite neatly."

The pinkette chewed on that thoughtfully. Having coin would help in paying back the poultice debt she now owed the academy and therefore would be far more helpful to her than having the arms dealer thrown in jail. Louise glanced at her professor, who nodded in encouragement, and turned to the captain, "I agree to the terms."

The captain turned to the old shopkeeper, "How much would you say the sword is worth to you?"

The old man sweated nervously and eyed Derflinger, "I'd, um, one hundred new gold!"

"Then that amount is to be paid to Miss Vallière and the sword, Derflinger, surrendered. So witnessed," Captain Prideaux declared.

As the shopkeeper scurried to collect the fine, the captain turned to Louise. "Miss Vallière, since it seems you already have a burden," he nodded at the book, "would you like for your new sword to be strapped to your back?"

Louise jerked and nearly protested – except Link was nudging her and nodding. She pursed her lips and allowed the captain to strap the sword to her back. He adjusted the straps so that Derflinger fit snuggly but comfortably enough that Louise had no complaints. By the time Captain Prideaux stepped back, the shopkeeper had returned and was pressing a pouch of coin into Louise's hands. She counted the coins quickly and nodded in satisfaction.

Captain Prideaux looked over the assembled persons, "I trust that everything has been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties?" He paused and they collectively muttered or nodded their agreements. "Good, then I bid you all a good day." He saluted the nobles sharply and departed.

Professor Colbert smiled brightly, "It's always nice to make peaceful resolutions, Miss Vallière. At any rate, we should be getting back to Tristain Academy. You still have a meeting with the headmaster." He reminded her.

Louise clutched the book and nodded unhappily.

It was early afternoon by the time the trio made it back to the academy. Louise and Link waited impatiently outside of the headmaster's office. Louise leaned onto her wolf as her stomach rumbled; she hadn't eaten since she was at the restaurant yesterday. Link perked his ears and turned his head to nuzzle her. She accepted his comfort with a weary sigh.

"If Headmaster Osmond would just hurry up and let us in, then we can get the payment plan out of the way and I can eat," Louise complained.

"Partner wants to remind you that he hasn't eaten since yesterday either," Derf piped up from where he was still strapped to Louise's back.

Louise pulled Link into a hug and buried her face into his fur, "They're being cruel to us both!"

"Miss Vallière?" Professor Colbert cut in.

Louise jumped and Link huffed in amusement.

"Sir Osmond is waiting for you."

Louise nodded and ducked past her professor and into the Headmaster's office. Inside, Sir Osmond and the secretary waited for them.

"Good to see you both again." The Headmaster eyed them. "Now, Miss Vallière, I understand that you were in the city last night so I will start things off by saying this: I am willing to offer you bargain in regards to your debt. I would like you to perform a task on behalf of the Academy," with the way he eyed her wolf, Louise understood who he actually wished to task, "and in exchange, I will wave your debt and see to it that all records of the charges vanish – your family need not ever hear of it. You see, last night Tristain Academy was robbed."

Louise blinked. Link grinned, fangs and perked ears.

"I see your familiar gets my point… anyway, the infamous thief known as Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt broke into the vaults last night and stole a very dangerous artifact – the Staff of Destruction. I trust you have heard of it?" At Louise's nod, Sir Osmond continued, "Miss Longueville has investigated the whereabouts of the thief." He nodded at the secretary.

Miss Longueville nodded and said, "According to the commoners I interviewed around the area, they saw what seemed to be like a person wearing a black hooded cloak entering an abandoned house in the nearby forest. I think that the person is most probably Fouquet and that abandoned house is most probably his hideout. Traveling to this location by foot it takes half a day, however, by horse it should only take four hours."

Sir Osmond pointed at Louise, "We will provide you with a horse and cart. I would prefer that your familiar… and you… bring in Fouquet alive if possible. The Staff of Destruction, however, must be recovered intact. In return, your debt is forgiven, the charges are vanished, and your family need not ever hear of it."

Louise brightened at that and then straightened and pulled out her wand. "I swear upon my wand to capture Fouquet and reclaim the Staff of Destruction for Tristain Academy!"

"Excellent! Miss Longueville will have the cart brought around – you'll leave within the hour. Good luck to you both, Miss Vallière." Sir Osmond dismissed them.

Louise dashed down the stairs with the – still so irritating – sound of Link's clanking manacle following her. She hurried into the dining hall, only just managing to check her speed for dignity's sake. Louise, as customary, grabbed two plates and began to fill each. Link's plate went on the floor, the wolf diving into it nose first before Louise pulled her hand away. For herself, Louise selected sandwiches and other easily devoured fares. Both the mage and her familiar made short work of their first meal of the day.

Louise leaned back in her chair, and then jerked upright when Derflinger dug uncomfortably into her back as the sword was caught between her and the back of the chair. Louise glanced around nervously, she'd forgotten about the sword in her hurry to eat and now she risked looking like a commoner with that beaten up old sword strapped to her back. She slid down in her seat and eased off it and around Link. Perhaps, Louise decided, she could retreat from the dining hall before anyone bothered to notice. She almost made it to the door.

"Oh Louise!" a gratingly familiar voice called.

Louise stiffened and turned to glare at Kirche. The buxom red-head swept towards her with Tabitha, a small blue-haired wind mage, in tow.

"It looks positively dreadful up close," Kirche noted looking over Louise's shoulder at Derflinger, "what are you up to, Louise the Zero? Thinking of becoming a swordswoman?"

"I'm not!" Louise answered hotly. "I'm… holding it for someone else."

Kirche leaned forward, raising her eyebrows as her mouth quirked into a teasing smirk, "Who?"

Louise flushed, "N-none of your business, Zerbst!" Louise whirled around and stalked out of the dining hall with Kirche, Tabitha, and the familiars following. Louise quickened her pace as she approached the dorms, Siesta's book clutched in a white-knuckled grip.

"Now Louise, you cannot simply imply that there is a 'someone' and then keep secrets!" Kirche reprimanded. "Tell me who this swordsman is!"

"I didn't say it was a swordsman!" Louise retorted.

Kirche paused and blinked, "I see… a swordswoman then. I wouldn't have thought a repressed Tristain noble such as yourself would be capable of such inclinations."

Louise gaped, "W-wh-what?"

"Oh come now, Louise. There is no shame in embracing love!" Kirche beamed, "Of course if you are ever interested-"

"N-n-no! S-stop it, Kirche! Y-you d-d-don't even k-know what you are t-talking about!" Louise stuttered, face aflame. She grabbed Link by the scruff and tugged the wolf into her bedroom and slammed the door shut and locked it behind her.

Immediately, Kirche began banging on the door. Louise ignored her.

"I must say, that is one of the funniest conversations I've heard in a while," Derflinger chuckled.

Louise growled and slammed the book onto her bed. She inhaled deeply, straightened and turned to the wolf. "Change back – and no laughing!"

Link shifted, "Laugh at what?" he inquired innocently.

Louise grit her teeth, "J-just give me the portrait so I can give it to Miss Longueville."

"Ah," Link grinned and pulled out the rolled up portrait from his pouch. "Wouldn't you rather talk about Kirche?"

"No!" Louise snatched the portrait from him. "And besides, we need to get downstairs – Miss Longueville should have the cart ready by now."

Link nodded and shifted back to wolf form.

Knock-knock-kno-

Louise flung open her door mid-knock, "Kirche?" she ground out.

"Louise! We didn't get to finish our conversation." Kirche tittered. "You locked your door and left me and poor Tabitha out in the cold." She continued dramatically.

Louise glanced at the bluette, who seemed to be ignoring them in favor of her book. She glared at Kirche, "The conversation was finished." Louise darted around the fire mage and dashed to meet with Miss Longueville. Again, Kirche, Tabitha, and the familiars followed.

Outside, Louise leaned against the cart gasping for breath. The satisfaction at seeing Kirche winded was quelled by the fact that Tabitha was completely unaffected and still reading her book.

"So, then," Kirche managed between breaths, "what's all this Louise?"

Miss Longueville answered on Louise's behalf, "Miss Vallière and I will be heading out to track a thief and recover a stolen item on behalf of the Headmaster. I would suggest that the two of you return to your studies."

"Hunting a criminal?" Kirche inquired, looking surprised.

Louise narrowed her eyes.

The red-head straightened and declared nonchalantly, "Well, as a Zerbst, I simply cannot lose to a member of the Vallière family. I, too, will join the hunt for this thief." Kirche glanced over at the bookworm, "Tabitha, I will see you later."

Tabitha shook her head, "Worried."

"Thank you," Kirche murmured, "but it will be alright, after all, they are sending the Zero."

Tabitha lowered her book, "Going."

"I…" Kirche trailed off and then bowed her head, "Thank you."

Louise gave them both irritated looks – capturing Fouquet would be more difficult if Link couldn't change… or caused the two girls to panic when he did. Link nudged the hand that clasped the rolled up portrait. Louise smoothed down her wrinkled uniform and pulled the headmaster's secretary aside as Kirche, Tabitha, and Flame climbed into the cart.

"Miss Longueville, I was given this as a gift while in the city yesterday and I thought you might like to have it." Louise presented the rolled up portrait.

The green-haired woman raised her eyebrow and took it. She unrolled it and studied the picture. Her face softened and became wistful – Louise smiled to see it.

"It is yours then? You like it?"

Miss Longueville shifted her gaze slowly from the portrait to Louise at that. "Err… yes. Thank you, Miss Vallière." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "In return, I think I have something that you could use… but I cannot give it to you now. It is in a safe-box. If you manage to survive this encounter with Fouquet, then either I will give it to you or you can find the key for the safe-box with the innkeeper at Baudouin's Bed and Breakfast – tell him 'Matilda's treasure folly' and he'll give you the key and directions to the safe-box."

Louise nodded slowly, feeling stunned. "I'll remember. Thank you, Miss Longueville." Her familiar grunted in agreement.

"No, no. Thank you. Although… I do have a question for you, Miss Vallière."

Louise blinked up at the secretary, "Yes?"

"I understand that your wolf can cast convincing illusions, however, I am also aware of your own… abilities… shall we say? Why has the Headmaster sent you on this errand? I could get no straight answer from him and I worry for your safety." Miss Longueville was the picture of motherly concern.

"Umm…" Louise hesitated, finding it odd that the Headmaster wouldn't confide in his own secretary. "I guess that the Headmaster hopes that Link's illusions will frighten Fouquet into surrender? I'm not entirely sure. But certainly no one would go up against what appears to be an elf – that's just suicidal after all."

Miss Longueville watched Louise silently for a few moments and then smiled and nodded, "I can see how such a bluff could be expected to work. After all, Fouquet has no way of knowing the truth of the matter. Very well, come along." She shooed Louise and Link into the back of the cart and took charge of the horse's reins.

Louise sat at the front end of the cart, Link's head in her lap as she absently stroked his fur; Kirche, Flame, and Tabitha sat towards the rear of the cart, the bluette reading and the red-head, with her hand resting on Flame's head, descending further into boredom with each minute.

To occupy herself, Kirche asked Miss Longueville, who was concentrating on the reins as she quietly drove the cart down the roadway, "Miss Longueville, driving this cart to our destination could be done by a commoner. Why do you feel you have to do it yourself?"

Miss Longueville smiled with a glance back and answered; "It's all right, I am certainly capable and besides, I'm not a noble anyway."

Kirche chewed on that for a while, and then asked another question, "But aren't you Headmaster Osmond's secretary?"

"Yes, I am. But Old Osmond isn't a person who is concerned by another person's status when looking for help. Regardless if the person in question is a noble or commoner." She nodded.

"If it's alright," Kirche continued, "please, tell me how you lost your status as a noble."

Miss Longueville gave a tight smile to Kirche and turned her attention back to the road.

"Just tell me please, even if it's just a little bit of the story." Kirche pestered as she began edging closer to Miss Longueville.

Louise frowned and reached across her wolf to poke Kirche.

Kirche turned to look at her, "What is it that you want, Vallière?"

"Stop digging up other peoples' past." Louise answered firmly.

"Humph," Kirche turned up her nose and excused herself, "I'm bored, that's why I need someone to talk to." Kirche placed her hands behind her head and lied against the side of the cart.

"I do not know if this applies to Germania, but in Tristain, it's shameful to force someone to reveal personal information that he or she does not want to talk about." Louise continued her rebuke.

"Well then, Vallière, pick a topic and talk to me." Kirche gave her a sideways look.

Louise frowned, "Fine, the thief we are looking for is Fouquet-"

"The Crumbling Dirt?" Kirche interrupted with a stunned look.

"Yes… and the item we are retrieving is the Staff of Destruction."

Even Tabitha looked up at that.

"Truly?" Kirche mused, wide-eyed, "I've heard of that staff. It is said to have been responsible for the destruction of a quarter of a city: dozens were injured and a few even died."

Louise nodded, "The old man that owned the Staff died from injuries from falling debris."

The girls fell silent and it turned dark as the cart entered the forest. The darkness and the weird smell present in the forest sent shivers down the three girls' spines. Link had raised his head, vigilantly scanning the area around the cart, ears swiveling to catch sounds.

"We'll have to walk from here onwards." Miss Longueville told them. The three girls, two familiars, and one secretary disembarked from the cart, and proceeded down the small path into the forest.

The group reached a clearing in the forest roughly the size of the Vestri Court of Tristain Academy and in the middle of it was an abandoned house. The dilapidated wooden house had several holes from where the wood had rotted through and the corroded stove within could be clearly seen. They quickly abandoned the small path for coverage.

The group crouched behind the cover of the bushes and low hanging tree branches – although Louise personally thought it unnecessary, the foliage was so thick that Fouquet couldn't possibly spot them through it. As they observed the house through gapes in the greenery, Miss Longueville pointed to it and whispered, "From the information I've gathered, that should be the place."

"Looks like no one is inside." Kirche noted skeptically. "Is Fouquet really hiding there?"

Louise edged back with Link to the fringe of the group as they began discussing the pros and cons of various schemes, using sticks to draw their battle plan on the ground. "How do you want to do this?" she whispered as the group quickly began to reach a unanimous agreement for ambushing Fouquet.

Link's quiet rumblings were translated by Derf, "He wants to change back, says that he can go into the house and either engage Fouquet there or draw him out for you lot to over whelm him with magic."

"And the Staff of Destruction?"

"Partner says that if Fouquet has it then he'll make sure the mage doesn't have the opportunity to use it by engaging in close combat – Fouquet isn't likely to risk getting caught in the Staff's power. And if Fouquet doesn't have the Staff on him, partner can grab it." Derf muttered.

Louise nodded and Link shifted back to his cloaked self. He armed himself with the Ordon Sword in his left hand and a fine, but worn metallic shield – with the crest of his country's royal family on it and a sacred image of 'Triforce' – on his right arm.

Behind her, a loud gasp was followed by startled exclamations. Louise looked over her shoulder to see Miss Longueville pointing at Link, looking as stunned as Kirche. Tabitha, however, had raised her staff threateningly with a determined look on her face. Louise quickly twisted upright, arms flung wide, and glared down the bluette. "Put that away!"

"Miss Vallière! Who is that? And where did he come from?" Miss Longueville hissed, wide-eyed. Then the startled secretary pulled herself together, "Is this the illusion of your wolf?"

Louise raised her chin, "Yes, it's just Link – he's … going under cover to draw out Fouquet."

Any reply the secretary may have made was interrupted when her familiar stood up, towering over Louise's smaller frame. "Hmm, I'll let you handle the explanations, little one. And while you do that – I'll scout around the house and then enter if it's sound enough."

"Your wolf's illusion can talk?" Miss Longueville blurted, looking grudgingly impressed.

Louise furrowed her brow at the secretary, "Yes… didn't the headmaster explain any of this to you?" She shook her head and then glanced over her shoulder at her familiar, but Link was gone – she hadn't even heard a rustle. She huffed in irritation, did he really have to just up and run off like that?

Kirche cleared her throat, "Louise?"

"Um, yes, my wolf's illusions are very convincing… so Fouquet will no doubt be taken in by the ruse and we should be able to subdue him easily enough." Louise pointed at the rundown house, "Link will draw him out."

Miss Longueville coughed pointedly as Kirche opened her mouth. "How about you girls providing back up for Link while I investigate the area and make sure Fouquet hasn't got any surprises for us." The green haired woman stood and walked briskly into the foliage.

Tabitha gestured toward the house with her staff.

Louise followed the gesture, spotting Link as he opened the door and peered inside. Her familiar looked over his shoulder and Louise pushed through the vegetation into the clearing. Rustling behind her indicated that Kirche, Tabitha and Flame had followed.

"Looks clear, little one. Just a chest inside – I'll go in and you three get ready."

"For what?" Kirche asked.

"… Trap." Tabitha answered.

Louise bit her lip as Link nodded and entered the house. As the seconds stretched into minutes, Louise became more and more tense. Finally, the cloaked figure of Link emerged from the house, a hooked staff clutched in his right hand instead of his shield. He was tense, scanning the area.

"Isn't this too easy?" Kirche asked, her voice pitched with disbelief.

Louise looked at the unassuming Staff of Destruction, "Kirche, is this really the Staff of Destruction?"

Kirche nodded and confirmed, "Undeniably, I saw it once during my tour of the treasure vault."

Link shook his head, a frown visible beneath his hood, "If I'm not wrong this is actually …"

He was cut off as Louise gave a chilling shriek. "Ahhhh!"'

Link immediately fell into a battle stance as he whirled to face … a giant earth creature.

"It's an earth golem!" Kirche screamed, her familiar hissing threateningly as it stood between her and the golem.

Tabitha waved her staff, speaking her magical chants. A whirlwind appeared out of her staff and struck the golem. As the whirlwind dissipated, the golem emerged unscathed.

Following Tabitha, Kirche took out her wand hidden in her cleavage and started chanting. Joining her, Flame inhaled deeply. Twin fireballs shot out – one from Kirche's wand and the other from Flame's mouth and engulfed the earth construct. Even though the whole golem was alit with flames, it did not seem to be affected by the attack at all.

Louise raised her wand and from the corner of her eye saw that Link had put away his sword and was leveling the Staff of Destruction at the earth golem. As she began chanting the golem abruptly flipped upside down and crashed into the ground hard enough to bury itself just past the shoulders. The creature flailed, its lack of agility preventing it from doing more than leaning slowly from front to back.

Louise twitched in disbelief, inhaled deeply and chanted the first spell to come to mind and pointed her wand towards the golem. Her attack exploded on the surface of the golem, causing a minor surface dent. An arrow with a bomb attached flew into the dent and another explosion took more dirt out of the construct.

Louise narrowed her eyes and glanced at her familiar, who was already notching another arrow. "Use the Staff!"

Link shook his head as he released the arrow, "It doesn't have any destructive powers – I don't understand how you can attribute the destruction of, well, a quarter of a city to it. The Cane of Pacci's only power is to flip things upside down." He notched another arrow; the golem had nearly managed to touch ground between its struggles and the repeated explosions. However, the construct had also developed a good-sized hole in its chest. "Little one, keep firing!"

Louise raised her wand again, chanted, and poured as much magic as she could into her spell. The golem's right arm exploded as her spell took out a good chunk of it.

Nearby, Kirche and Flame had withdrawn to avoid any fiery debris mishaps and were scouting the perimeter for Fouquet. Tabitha unleashed another whirlwind to kick up dust and obscure their movements.

As the golem collapsed on the ground and struggled to stand up right, Link shoved his bow back into his pouch and pulled out the Cane of Pacci. He again flipped the golem and its weight once more drove it firmly into the ground, head first. He exchanged weapons again and notched another bomb arrow at the construction's chest as Louise's spell exploded the golem's right arm off its body. Between the two of them, the strategy reduced the large golem into a mound of dirt.

Louise panted, her heart racing in exhilaration. She'd done it! Her magic had been successful, where Kirche and Tabitha had failed. She beamed – and then squawked as Link began patting her down, checking for injuries. Her attempts at swatting him away ended in failure as Link finished his inspection and smiled at her grimly, his bow on the ground next to them.

"Ready for the next part, little one?"

Louise's brow furrowed in confusion. Her familiar's hood moved in a way that indicated he had tipped his head to the side, "We still have to deal with Fouquet."

"R-right!" Louise pointed at him, "Find him!"

"Her."

Louise blinked at the grim correction, "W-what?"

"In the house, I changed into a wolf to sniff out any traps. I didn't find any but I did notice that the only scent in the house was the secretary's." His angry blue eyes peered at her from beneath his hood.

Louise squared her shoulders, "Miss Lon—er, Fouquet left, said that she was going to investigate the surrounding area…"

Kirche, Tabitha, and Flame approached the pair. The salamander was hissing and grumbling as it crowded protectively around Kirche.

Louise frowned as Link turned to stare at Kirche. She sharply bopped him on the head. "Stop staring at her!"

Link grunted, "Not her – Flame." He pointed at the salamander, "Can you track by scent well?"

The fire lizard flicked his tongue and rasped a sharp hiss.

"Track the secretary." Link demanded, shoving the Hero Bow into his pouch.

Flame grunted and moved off, head turning and tongue flicking. Link grabbed Louise's hand and pulled her after as he followed the lizard.

Kirche's eyes widened in disbelief "Wait a minute! You can't just- Flame's my familiar! Who are you to-?" She cut off abruptly as Tabitha grabbed her by the wrist and jerked Kirche forward. Kirche stumbled, caught herself, and then quickly fell into step with the smaller bluette, "Fine, I suppose questions can wait."

Up ahead, Louise developed a new appreciation for the lizard as it moved swiftly through the underbrush. It wasn't long before she spotted Fouquet's retreating form among the foliage. Link released her and darted ahead. He pulled out his shield and armed himself as he dashed after the green-haired mage. Louise saw Fouquet turn, wand ready, just in time for Link's shield to bash her across the face. The salamander rushed in and pinned her as the woman, clearly dazed, feebly attempted to get up as she flailed her wand in defense. Link pulled out the chained ball weapon and snatched up Fouquet's wand, tossing it to Louise. He then gestured for Flame to move and when the salamander complied, wrapped the chain around the thief, securing her tightly.

Link straightened, frowning at the subdued woman, "After that golem, I hadn't expected this to be so easy." He crouched down, inspecting the head wound, "Hmm… I have some Red Potion left. Not much, but it'll reduce your injuries and keep you conscious until a proper healer can look at you."

Louise, pale and clutching two wands, crept closer as her familiar pulled out a bottle that was partially filled with red liquid. He uncorked it and brought it to Fouquet's lips, tipping the potion into her mouth. Fouquet drank quickly. Louse watched as the woman's bruises began to fade, the swelling beginning around her eye reduced, and the gash from the impact of the shield began to seal shut.

"… Bring her back to the cart. She can answer our questions on the way back to the academy." Louise's voice was soft, shaken by the violence her familiar had inflicted on the other woman.

Link gave her a searching look, but she avoided his eyes. Finally, he nodded and picked up Fouquet, chained ball and all. "Lead on, little one."

Kirche and Tabitha crashed into her.

Later that night, inside the headmaster's office, Headmaster Osmond listened to the group's account of what happened.

"So, she wasn't able to activate the Staff's magic and she set the trap hoping that someone with the ability to use it would come after it and she could trick them into showing her how to activate the Staff by battling the golem. However, during our battle with the golem, she figured out that Link's elf form wasn't an illusion and coupled with the display of the Staff's power, she decided the risk was too great and that it wasn't worth keeping and so she tried to run off. At that point, Flame and Link subdued her. We took the opportunity to question her on the way back while Link drove the cart." Louise finished.

"Hmm… So Miss Longueville is Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt…" the Headmaster leaned back, "Because she's so beautiful I did not think twice about hiring her as my secretary."

"How did you go about hiring her?" Professor Colbert, who was also present, inquired.

"In a tavern – I was a customer while she was a waitress there. Where I slowly caressed her from her hands down to her buttocks…" Sir Osmond trailed off.

"Then what happened?" Professor Colbert pressed.

Headmaster Osmond flushed in embarrassment and confessed, "Ah… because she wasn't angry at all after what I did, I asked her whether she wanted to become my secretary or not."

"Why?" The bewildered professor continued asking.

"Anyways!" Headmaster Osmond cried out, flailing dramatically to escape further questions from that particular line of inquiry. Sir Osmond coughed into his fist and murmured, "And she could use magic, too."

"Yeah, magic that could kill." Professor Colbert mumbled to himself, just loudly enough for Louise to hear.

Headmaster Osmond coughed again then told Professor Colbert in a prudent manner, "Come to think of it, the most likely reason that Fouquet allowed me to touch her all over, happily served me fine wine, and praised my handsome looks, while I was in the tavern, was just to infiltrate the academy. And all those praises were most probably just lies…"

"Speaking of," Link piped up. "Explain about the 'Staff of Destruction'."

Louise nodded thoughtfully, "What Fouquet stolen certainly didn't have the power that the Staff of Destruction is reported to have."

Kirche and Tabitha nodded in agreement as Professor Colbert blinked in confusion.

"Ahh…." The headmaster shifted uncomfortably. "That story begins thirty years ago, when I was visiting a Germanian city for their Founder's Day festival. I meet a man there, roughly my own age, perhaps a bit older. Well, we decided to peek in on the military women – they were all required to wear lovely dresses instead of their uniforms for the dance that evening you see. So there we were and there they were, and the man pulls out the staff and – I still cannot believe the foolishness of it – flips the women upside down, exposing their panties for the world to see." Sir Osmond shook his head, eyes wide, "Oh! Their wrath was the stuff of nightmares…"

Louise stared at him, shocked. A slow look around showed that the others were also in varying states of shock.

The Headmaster cleared his throat, "After witnessing the devastation caused by the abuse of the Staff's power, I petitioned to have it locked away. Fortunately, those involved agreed with me." He studied the ceiling, "The name 'Staff of Destruction' was coined by a most unfortunate fellow… the women did not appreciate his attempt at levity…anyway, the name stuck."

"… I see," Link, muttered, incredulous. He cleared his throat, "But this is an artifact of my world, so I'll be keeping it if you don't mind."

"Er…" Osmond looked ready to protest but then paused and thought better of contesting an elf. "Very well." He turned to the girls, "I have requested the imperial court to confer upon you ladies the title of Chevalier, and I believe that we should hear news of their decision soon. And since Tabitha already has the title of Chevalier, I have requested that she be given the Elven Medallion."

The trio's faces brightened up upon hearing the news.

"Really?" Kirche asked, astounded.

"Yes. You have done more than enough to deserve this title. Haven't you?"

"But," Louise frowned, "What about Link?"

"Yes, I'm afraid since he's not a noble-"

Link cut in, "I don't need anything."

Headmaster Osmond gently clapped his hands and said, "I almost forgot, Tonight's Ball of Frigg will resume as planned since we have recovered the Staff of Destruction."

Kirche's face brightened up. "That's right. Let's forget about Fouquet and dance all night long!" Kirche latched onto Link's arm, "and since you actually appear to be quite a fine looking man and not a wolf, how about you escorting me to the Ball? I'd be very pleased to show you true passion!"

Louise reddened, and narrowed her eyes at the other girl, "Don't you get any ideas, Zerbst! Unhand him!"

Kirche apparently took that as a challenge, "I have plenty already Vallière, and if your familiar looks as good as this cloak suggests, he'll quickly fall for my charms!"

Link cleared his throat and slipped his arm out of Kirche's grasp, "I already have plans for tonight. My apologies, young lady."

Kirche pouted, "What plans?"

"I've been meaning to polish my sword. He's getting a bit grumpy since it's been a while."

Kirche blinked and Louise turned beet red. "Oh… I could certainly help you with that." The red-head smiled suggestively.

Link tipped his head, "Hmmm…" He made a choking sound and Louise could see his cheeks flush as he caught onto Kirche's implications and his own accidental innuendo.

The Headmaster coughed and clapped his hands to bring the attention back to himself, "The main attraction of the ball will be you three lovely young ladies. So go get ready and dress up!"

Kirche and Tabitha bowed, and left through the door.

Sir Osmond blinked at Louise. She looked at Link. Headmaster Osmond turned to the elf and inquired mildly, "You have something to ask me?"

Link, having regained his composure, nodded.

"Please ask. I'll try to answer your question to the best of my abilities. Even though I couldn't confer you a title, this is the least I can do to show my appreciation." Sir Osmond clasped his hands together attentively.

"The runes… have you found out anything about them?" Link studied the headmaster and professor; "I noticed they glowed under my gauntlet when I spoke to Flame to have him track down Fouquet."

Sir Osmond pondered for a moment and answered, "…That I know. Those are the runes of "Windalfr", the legendary familiar."

"The runes of the legendary familiar?"

"Yes. Windalfr was a legendary familiar who could command any beast at will. That is most likely the reason that you could understand and order Miss Zerbst's familiar. Unfortunately, that is as much as we have discovered at this time, I'm sorry that I could not be of much help." Sir Osmond then added. "I must thank you once again for recovering the Staff… and I'm certain you will guard it well."

"Yes, yes…" Link agreed tiredly.

"I tried to find out for you how we could safely break the contract but…" Sir Osmond trailed off.

"But?" Link's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening.

"But I could not find anything, please do not be dismayed, Link." The headmaster spoke quickly.

Link snorted, "When I have fulfilled my purpose here, the contract will end and the goddesses will bring me home."

Creative License was taken to swap the bound familiars of Romalia and Tristian so that Link could be Windalfr.