My dear Elin,

My, what adventures you are having, I read and reread your latest letter numerous times to assure I hadn’t missed anything. I’m quite intrigued by the story of your latest visit with the Fae. I am filled with curiosity and worry for you. The touch is quite interesting and I desperately await your reply with indication as to what symbol the scar turned into, but Elin it could also be extremely dangerous. I’m trying my best not to be so worrisome, but you know that this is just in my nature. What if there is a reason that no other human has received the touch? What if by receiving it, you are bound to the Fae and their ways forever? I am not siding with him, but I feel you must tell Leon what truly happened to your wrist, he will after all be the only one who can say if you are in danger of not.

As for your awkward outings with Leon as courtiers, do not fret. I’m sure that they will become easier to endure. I tell you that I do not envy you, if Leon is anything like you describe him to be, aside from being concerned for your well being, he does seem a bit too secretive and paranoid. Maybe you will be able to use your charm to get him to become more complacent.

Of course, I do not envy myself and the position I have put myself into either. I cannot decipher my true feelings for both of the men that have edged their way into my life. Henry is quite charming and handsome and he seems to have accepted my slightly clumsy and curious ways. But Isaiah is also caring, handsome, and of course mysterious. The only solution that I can think of to sort out this debacle is the fact that I must regard Isaiah as my teacher and fellow “club member” as you would say. I cannot let romance work its way into that relationship. Henry on the other hand is a perfectly satisfactory suitor, who seems to have fallen most conveniently into the role. It is almost as if it is our duty to court each other and be romantic, not a negative duty of course. Oh but Elin, I don’t know, even if it was just Henry, I wouldn’t know how to handle myself, the few admirers I had before were slight, and everything was organized by our mothers. I fear I am slipping out of my composure and here I am rambling and wasting ink.

I must tell you that I have been studying the magic practices as Isaiah instructed, and they are both quite fascinating. I’ve been reading the books on herbs and various plant species. There are so many advantageous spells that can be preformed with the correct incantation and occasional use of certain plants. And the potions are innumerable as well. I have learned about protective potions, in which you drink the completed elixir when you feel you might be in grave danger and the effect is a barrier from nearly all threatening spells and poisons, depending on the intensity of the ingredients. I can now also heal minor wounds, mostly cuts and scratches, with a paste I made of common forest brambles.

As for my gift of tongues, I’m experiencing a bit more difficulty. I’m sure I could be quite fluent now in at least sparrow or tree squirrel if it wasn’t for the need to be secretive. It proves to be quite a challenge to simply speak to animals when I am in the company of my aunt or other on lookers nearly all the time. I’ve had a few chances to practice when birds have fluttered onto my window sill. On these rare occasions I simply open my window and tempt the bird onto my outstretched palm. I must tell you, the first time I did this, I felt quite ridiculous. How was I to know how to speak to a bird? But to my surprise the sparrow on the sill that firs time, let out a loud “coo” and I understood what he was saying. Something along the lines of, “why should I trust you and come to your beckoning hand?” I answered, in what sounded like a series of whistles and soft clicks, because I was a talare and could speak to him. Well he appeared not to know what I was talking about, but could obviously understand me because he flew away muttering about how I was a silly and crazy girl, obviously possessed by something.

I’m not too worried, I know that I will be able to find some time when I can be alone to practice. For now though, seeing as it is still quite early in the morning, the sun has yet to rise, but I cannot sleep any longer, I am going to go visit Isaiah before anyone else awakens. I only hope I will not disturb him at this early hour. I shall write more when I return.

Later

Oh Elin, something dreadful has happened, I’ve been discovered. Aunt Beatrice knows where I’ve been going off to and now she has locked the hidden door behind the mirror and forbidden me ever to return to the door of vervoer. I’ll tell you how this awful occurrence came about; perhaps it shall calm my nerves.

Entering the garden through the door of vervoer had become quite common place for me, no longer was I worried about turning the knob and ending up somewhere foreign. I was a bit surprised when I entered the garden to find that it was not bathed in the bright rays of the sun as I had grown accustomed to, but was still in the shroud of the slight darkness of daybreak. I could just see the crest of the sun, beginning to rise in the distance. I suppose it had never occurred to me that it became night in the garden. Worried that I would wake Isaiah, I turned to leave, slightly disappointed that I would have to come back later, when there wouldn’t be as much time. But just as I began to walk towards the door, Isaiah’s hand grasped my shoulder. I jumped for his sudden appearance had startled me.

“You’re early today” he said almost in a questioning way. I looked at his handsome face, his eyes looked tired. Their blue seemed to be fading, as if they were a garment left out in the sun too long. I wanted to ask him what was troubling him, and apologize for my untimely arrival, but then it occurred to me.

“How did you know I was here? I didn’t see you when I first came.” My eyes searched his expression.

“I sensed you. When two of these amulets are near to each other”, He pulled his own amulet from under his shirt so that it was visible, “they pulse slightly.” I realized that there was a soft, pulsing sensation on my chest where my amulet rested. “I was worried, something was wrong, you’ve never come at this time of day before.” He didn’t seem angry but I still felt ashamed.

“Oh, no I’m terribly sorry. I know this was an awful time to come, I guess I just assumed that since I couldn’t sleep no one else could either, it just seemed like an opportune moment. I realize now that I was mistaken. Isaiah please forgive me, I’ll just leave and come back later, maybe tomorrow to give you more time to rest.” I was quite flustered and once again turned to leave, but his soft deep voice called me back.

“No, Isabel, there is no need to apologize. I wasn’t able to sleep either; there have been too many things on my mind. I’m glad you’re here to keep me company. Come and join me for breakfast.” I followed him willingly, expecting that we would stop at the rock, table like formation, where we usually sat. Instead he led me further in a direction of the garden we had never gone. Soon we came to what looked like a small tent. In fact it looked quite similar to one of the tents we use to make using quilts and bed sheets where we pretended that they were our magical castles. The material of the tent seemed to be a very thin but durable tree bark that was durable enough to be formed into the tent shape. Strewn from the top most outside beam, were strings of flowers and plants that I took to form some sort of magical protection.

Isaiah went first through the tent flap and then took my hand and led me down a set of stairs to what seemed to be a makeshift underground home. There was only one room, but it was quite large. The walls were all dirt, as if we were in a giant hole, the tent material made the roof high above our heads. Isaiah motioned to a small table surrounded by chairs where I was to sit. Once I was seated, he went to the corner of the room that appeared to be the kitchen, there was a small wood burning cook stove and various shelves filled with glass jars of dried goods, including, plants, meats, and preserves. From a box on the wooden counter he pulled out a loaf of bread then took down a jar of what appeared to be jam and brought those over to me, along with two cups of tea. As he was doing this, I took in the rest of my surroundings. Aside from the kitchen and the table where I was, there was a peculiar looking hammock or swing like bed that hung from a dowel, which stretched the length of the room. There was an intricately decorated quilt which was covered with designs of plants and animals and magical creatures. Across from the bed was a large arm chair whose fabric appeared soft from being well worn, and next to this was a large bookshelf filled with leather bound books of all shapes and sizes. This must have been where the books he lent me had come from.

After we had eaten our share in silence, I addressed him. “What has been troubling you that kept you from sleeping?” A hint of worry graced my question.

“I have received word from other members of our group it seems as if nothing is in favor of us at the moment. Young men and women from our generation of the order have been forced to go into hiding now, which makes it even more difficult to find them and have them join our cause. We have to increase our numbers greatly if we have any chance of saving what we believe in. And worst of all,” he lowered his voice, as if worried that there were eavesdroppers near, “Many of the more powerful magical creatures have begun to switch sides. Of course the Fae, who seem to be the leaders of this anti human magic movement are growing even more powerful. They are taking more and more magic for their own, and their hatred towards us is becoming even more hostile that they have begun to call on others such as the elves to join them. I know this will get worse before it gets better, but we must find and secure the source of the magic and find a way to overthrow the Fae before human magic is destroyed forever.” His face was filled with concern and his entire body had become tense. After hearing this I thought of you and I’m sorry but my worry took over me.

“Isaiah, my friend Elin Goldenfae, who is being advised by Leon is acting as a friend of the Fae. She has received the touch and I’m worried that soon she will not be able to resist them.” (I’m sorry Elin the information just spewed from me). Isaiah didn’t seem surprised that I knew of Leon or that I am friends with you, he and Leon must be in close correspondence. He did however seem to become even further troubled when I mentioned your connection with the Fae.

“You must warn Elin, that she must be the utmost secretive and alert around the Fae. She must not be tempted by their ways. I must admit that this greatly distresses me given the state of things, but I trust Leon, and if he wants her to be a spy, as long as he keeps a watchful eye on her than so be it.”

After this rather perturbing conversation, we began to discuss lighter topics, mainly my practices. I told him what I had achieved and he seemed quite impressed at my advancement of my spells and potion abilities. He suggested that another day soon, I come early once again, and he would take me further into the forest where many woodland animals dwell so I can practice my tongues.

Soon the sun had risen and was almost directly over the top of the tent and I knew that I had to get back to my bedroom. Isaiah walked me back through the garden to the door and bid me farewell with a kiss on the hand as always. I smiled and thanked him for his hospitality then crossed over, back into the library. As soon as I emerged into my bedroom, I was taken aback with shock and dread, for there; sitting on the stool beside my vanity was Aunt Beatrice, looking infuriated. Even before I could open my mouth to speak, she began, in a cool yet harsh tone.

“Isabel, what on earth were you doing back there? No don’t even begin with your excuses, I knew you would find it, of course you found the door of Vervoer. I don’t know why I didn’t remember it sooner or suspect you. Your father and I used to go on grand adventures together through that door, but in all my years since childhood I had forgotten about it. And then today, when I was reading the last letter your father had written to me before he went into hiding, I remembered. It explained all of your pretend illnesses as excuses to stay in your room and of course all the times I came in and discovered you, slightly flustered just standing near that mirror. Isabel you must understand, the door of Vervoer might seem wonderful but it is dangerous. I can’t express the seriousness of this. You must never venture through that door again, not with the state of things, I have already as good as lost my favorite brother and sister in law, I refuse to lose my niece as well. Now go and have Melinda draw you a bath so you can get ready for the day. Leave me to lock this so you may never enter that library or go through the door again.” Her expression stayed solid so that the creases around her eyes and her forehead became more pronounced. I left then to find Melinda, crying because I couldn’t think of anything in my power that would help me get back to the garden, back to Isaiah. I had a feeling that “locking me out” from the library and door was more than a simple lock and key matter.

Later that day, Aunt Beatrice sat me down and apologized. “Isabel, I’m sorry for my rash behavior, but you must understand my anxiety, it had to be done. But look on the bright side, now there will be more time for opportunities of courting from Henry!” I must have looked surprised when she said this, but of course I was feeling any thing but happy, how could I think of Henry when the whole our magical world was at stake? “Yes, of course I know about you two. When you were away this morning rendezvousing, Henry called and asked my permission to court you, and then he gave me this.” She handed me an intricate card that looked to be an invitation. It was in fact an invitation to a ball being held by the Sedgwicks and another family called the Fortesque’s. It is to celebrate the engagement of the eldest Sedgwick daughter, Georgiana, whom I have yet to meet, and Victor Fortesque. “I’m simply thrilled for Georgiana and Victor; they make such an admirable pair and of course the ball will be exquisite, it will be quite a lovely occasion for you to wear your new pale green gown!” Aunt Beatrice said delightedly, the anger and worry had completely faded from her face.

“Wonderful!” I replied half heartedly, hoping she wouldn’t pick up on my tone.

Elin, what am I to do, I am completely locked out of my secret, well not so secret anymore, room. Last night, after we had finished dinner I went to my room once again and tried with all my might to open the door. To my surprise the knob turned and for a second I was hopeful, but no matter how much strength I used to push or pull, the door would not budge. I feel as if I have let Isaiah down, I should have been more secretive, and now I haven’t the slightest idea of how to contact him. Despite my frustration at this, I am actually excited for the ball, it will be the first large social event I will have been to since my arrival here. At least there is something small to look forward to, and it is very soon, which puts me more at ease. I believe that is all I can say for now. I welcome any suggestions you have on these matters. And please Elin, heed mine, Isaiah’s, and of course Leon’s warnings about the Fae and be very careful.

Hoping you are having better luck than I am.

With love,

You’re troubled friend, Isabel