Casters

Chapter 17

Charlotte woke up to a beautiful sunny morning. She opened her window and felt the breeze of the morning air, smelled the beautiful aroma of flowers growing in their garden.

"Good morning!" Aunt Annalise entered with excitement. "Wake up, ladies! It is time we make arrangements for tomorrow's ceremony!"

Matilda rose from her bed and smiled, "You're turning eighteen tomorrow!"

Charlotte remembered what Fred told her the other day. She looked at them and finally gave them a smile, "clean yourself up, M. We need to clean the house early."

Matilda jumped in excitement as she recognized her sister's warm tone. Annalise let out a smile and nodded, "okay, I shall see you at breakfast!"

Matilda got up and went to the bathroom. Her floating clothes and towel followed behind.

Why is it so loud early in the morning? Charlotte thought. She rose up and went out of the room. She could hear pots and pans downstairs and saw busy rags and brooms running all over the place.

She let out a sigh, holding her head. I keep on forgetting this house can clean itself, she thought. She looked up and eyed a painting that was waving at her. "Happiest eighteen, young one!" it said.

"Thanks," she awkwardly smiled, unsure of how to respond. "It's tomorrow, though."

"It is?" it asked, "I must have forgotten. Oh well, enjoy your day today and tomorrow!" it said and left. Charlotte smiled and went back into the room.

She looked at her desk and saw the necklace glowing.

Visit your grandmother, she heard. She nodded at the voice and went outside. She knocked on her grandmother's door and a voice said, "come in!"

She opened the door and found Aunt Grace spoonfeeding her grandmother with her breakfast.

"Come, sit," Aunt Grace smiled.

She sat beside Aunt Grace and grandmother Christen. "I heard about what happens to the previous oracles in the family if another is to be claimed." She ducked her head and frowned, "I'm sorry about all of this."

Christen looked at her and smiled, "honey, there is nothing to worry about. It is our duty in this world, and it is an honor to be serving Oracle Minerva as she took good care of me."

"I love you, grandma," Charlotte whispered, holding her hand. Her grandmother looked at her and a tear fell. "I love you, too."

She cupped Charlotte's face and sighed, "You have your mother's eyes."

Charlotte bit her lip, stopping herself from crying, "thank you."

"Do not ever blame yourself of the incident, nor whatever happened before, and things that are happening now," her grandmother said, "it was meant to happen, but what comes next is up to you."

Charlotte nodded and held her hand tightly, "thank you, grandma." She turned to her Aunt Grace and held her hand, "and thank you, too."

She stood up and left the room, still feeling a little bit of her pride taking over her, but felt peace within.

Grace stared at the door and sobbed, "you know what, Ma?" she said, wiping her tears, "Charlotte and I never had a misunderstanding in Gatlin. I was never used to her giving us cold treatments. I'm glad how it took a turn today."

Christen smiled and said, "she is going to be a great Alarie."

---

Charlotte went downstairs after taking a bath, "what's for breakfast?"

She walked into the dining room and was surprised to see the beautiful arrangement of the room. There were floating candles and the kitchenwares were spotless. The room was filled with flowers and there was even sunlight above them. The room expressed a magical aura. "What's with the interior design?" she asked.

"Well, we would not like our relatives and acquaintances to see how filthy the house looks, do we?" Aunt Annalise smiled.

"Charlotte!" Bridget exclaimed, "try these!" She handed out a plate of the meal her aunt cooked. "Wow, this smells delicious!" Charlotte expressed. She eyed the corner and saw Steven and Fred enjoying their meal with her brother, Blake.

"They're early," she said, raising her brow. "Well, they had nothing to do, so came in early and helped Blake in designing a few decorations," Sheena winked.

Charlotte gave her a confusing look, "decorations?" she asked.

"You'll see," Sheena smiled. "Eat up!"

---

"Young master," Stephan said, genuflecting as he faced his master.

"Ah, you are finally here," the young master said, "just in time for tomorrow's grand surprise. How are you feeling, brother?"

"I am doing well, young master. Thank you for sending your best caster to help me recover quickly," he said. "I am in debt."

The young master let out a chuckle, "Don't be ridiculous, we are all brothers and sisters. We take good care of each other until we reach our highest form.

"Are you sure you could join tomorrow's events, Stephan?" the young master asked. Stephan nodded, "I would like to join."

"Very well, we need you, Fred, and Tory to make the grand entrance," he explained, "as the brotherhood and sisterhood follow behind. However, let us only choose a few."

"I am not quite sure how this grand surprise would affect the chosen one, young master," Stephan admitted.

"Our gift would cause a massive impact on her," the young master smirked. "She would love it, of course."

"I do not understand," Stephan said, "but I will trust your words."

"However, be sure to enter the scene at the right moment," the young master said. "I could not trust Tory to lead this plan. She seems emotionally off these days."

Stephan sneered, "would you like me to discuss this with her, master?"

"No," he replied, sitting down, "I sense it would cause more damage to her unstable state than what really occurs."

"Is there any reason why this is happening?" Stephan asked.

"There are things better off unsaid, Stephan," he said. He stood up and went to the window. He looked out to the sunny swaying field.

"Today is a beautiful day, Stephan," the young master commented, "Why don't you and Fred go out on a beautiful morning walk?"

"Master?"

"Go, I am positive you know where to go," he replied.

Stephan thought about it for a moment and nodded. "Yes, master."

He stood up and left.

---

"Fred," Stephan said, knocking on the brotherhood's door. The door opened and Fred eyed him, "what is it?"

"The young master said we should eye the chosen one's place today," he said.

"The humans are there, I've heard," Fred said, motioning for Stephan to enter.

"From whom?"

"Our brothers passed by the town this morning. They were with the chosen one's brother," Fred said, sharpening his daggers.

"So, they knew of the magic realm already," he replied. Fred nodded, "I keep on forgetting you were sick for the past days, brother. I am glad you are doing fine today."

Stephan looked at him and stood up, "hurry, and tell me everything that happened the past days while we travel."

"I heard that human is also named Fred," Fred chuckled.

"And the other one is Steven," Stephan let out a hearty chuckle.

"Our parents really tried to name us after these ordinary humans," Fred said, "pathetic."

---

"So, how is the field supposed to look like?" Charlotte asked.

"Like this," Bridget showed her a picture of the claiming ceremony, "this was mine from last year's."

"Wow, that's beautiful!" Charlotte exclaimed.

"I'll take care of the plants!" Matilda smiled. She stood at the center and extended her arms. "Cerescere!" she exclaimed. Suddenly, flowers grew on the field, creating a center aisle.

"That was quick," Bridget commented. "Okay, I'll carry the things," Charlotte said. She pointed at the chairs and they started floating to where they should be placed. The girls went to work, arranging the field.

Steven and Fred were helping in arranging the flowers and cleaning the materials needed for the ceremony. "Hey, look at this," Steven took out a crystal ball from the box. "Woah," Fred reacted, "that is what they must be using for the claiming ceremony."

"It is," Blake confirmed, "the element that will claim you appears on that crystal." He stood up and went to Steven, "May I handle that? We wouldn't like to break that one." Steven nodded and handed it over.

"How would your relatives and acquaintances react when they find out you have two humans attending the ceremony?" Steven asked.

"Oh, it will really cause chaos," Blake said, "but we'll figure it out."

"Are they against humans?" Fred asked. Blake shook his head, "no, but they would disagree. Over the years, we have never exposed humans to the magic realm. Never except for Gideon."

"Blake," Steven interrupted as he wipes the dust from the flower stands, "did you really leave Charlotte and Matilda in Gatlin?"

Blake stared at him and sighed, "I did. I was young and terrified of my sister's powers," he turned to the door and saw Charlotte laughing with Bridget. "but that was a long time ago. I have learned and become stronger, and I realized she's still my sister."

"I hope you take good care of her, Steven," he said.

Steven turned to him and gave him a faint smile, "I will."

Fred chuckled and gave him a nudge, "I hope you're feeling the same feeling I felt yesterday with Sheena's ice daggers."

Blake chuckled, "Sheena really is a powerful caster, Fred."

Fred nodded, "which is why I now keep a list of her dislikes and likes."

---

The ladies went back inside and grinned at the sight. The floor was spotlessly clean, reflecting the ceiling. The chandeliers were shining bright silver light, as it was newly exchanged by their uncle. The furniture sparkled and the sheets and curtains were changed with lavish flowing silver and blue. Everything looked brand new and the whole house expressed magic. "Here are the things for the ceremony," Blake interrupted.

"These were the only things we cleaned," Fred commented, "and after digging up a few boxes, the whole house has finally cleaned itself?" The girls laughed. "Well, they clean much faster than you," Sheena replied.

"I love this rug," Fred said, "it cleans after the mess we make while we were wiping the stuff."

"You're really amused, huh?" Steven chuckled. "You don't get to experience this every day, Steven!" Fred said, crossing his arms.

"Ladies? Gentlemen?" Aunt Grace called out from the kitchen, "It is time for lunch!"

Everyone entered the room and was shocked to see the whole table of food. "I thought the birthday is tomorrow," Blake smiled, "what's with the food? Are we forgetting something?"

"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Aunt Grace laughed. "Of course, our today's hard work should pay off with delectable meals!"

"I'm starving," Bridget whispered, smelling the tasty aroma in the air.

"Ah! My niece!" Uncle Raven said, entering the room. He hugged Charlotte and said, "I have a gift for you!"

"It's here?" Aunt Annalise asked. Raven nodded and everyone rushed to the living room. Charlotte stopped in her tracks as soon as she saw what they were referring to.

"Oh my gosh," Aunt Grace said with a shocked look. Annalise covered her mouth in awe.

"You'll look absolutely beautiful and elegant in this gown!" Raven said.

The gown was of beautiful lavender color, sew with beautiful beads and purple moon-shaped design. Charlotte approached the dress and decided to touch it. She was in awe when she realized the top layer of the skirt was made of silk. Underneath were different shades of purple from the lavender color to the darkest shade.

"I thought it was a birthday, not a ball," Charlotte joked.

"Well, don't try it on just yet! We'll do that after lunch!" Aunt Grace exclaimed in excitement. "Excuse me," Raven interrupted, "I am not finished."

He pointed beside the gown and introduced a lavender-colored suit. "Of course, Charlotte needs to have a partner, correct?" Raven smiled. He turned to Steven and said, "This is for you, young man. Don't worry, free of charge."

Steven dropped his jaw and stuttered, "for me? Really?"

Sheena and Fred were hiding their excitement. Bridget smiled and looked at Blake, "Charlotte really is a young woman now."

Raven walked towards Steven, "I hope you don't break my young niece's heart, boy."

Steven smiled and bowed, "I could never, sir. Thank you."

"Wait!" Charlotte interrupted, "are you sure, Uncle?"

Raven raised his eyebrow, "of course, why not?"

"I -" Charlotte looked at everyone, who were smiling and enjoying the sight of the gown and suit, "Thank you, Uncle!" She exclaimed, rushing in to give her uncle a hug.

"You are always welcome, young lady."