Emma and Ramona Re-Assessment

Emma and Ramona

Day 1

Ramona, tears blurring her vision, leaving the lounge Victor had claimed. Wandering aimlessly through campus until finding herself in front of the apprentice dorms.

Sniffling. Two other apprentices step out from the door.

“Ramona?”

“She’s a noble. Her family bought her a familiar.”

The first shrugs, “Won’t matter if I challenge her then.” Quirking her head. “She may even like it. If she doesn’t, she can always just claim the one her mother bought.”

The second snarks. “Maybe her familiar already got claimed.” Waving her hand, brushing away the question. “Either way, not wasting my time or risking a noble’s wrath.”

The two step aside and Ramona stumbles in, heading for the stairs. Reaching her door, she’s stopped by a tall thin chestnut-haired young woman. “Ramona! Wait, please.”

The young woman approaches, laying a hand on Ramona’s shoulder. “I’ve been trying to find you since.” Sighing. “Since you broke through my shield.” Shaking her head, “I felt your anguish halfway across campus.” Lightly rubbing her shoulder. “It can’t be about the familiar duel.”

Raising a tear-streaked face as more start. “Its Victor. Its what he’ll do if.” Breaking down, crying.

Draping an arm around Ramona’s shoulder. “Lets go in and talk about it.”

Fumbling with the lock, until the taller girl takes over, leading them both into Ramona’s room.

Later. Ramona, curled up in the taller girl’s lap, clutching. Her crying finished. The taller girl, one arm around Ramona’s back the other softly stroking her long blond hair. As Ramona leans back the other gently wipes the tears away.

“Who are you?”

Lips quirking up, “Emma.”

Emma moves her hand from Ramona’s hair to under her chin, raising Ramon’s face. “Now tell me what that was all about."

Shuddering. “I had a vision. Victor angry, caging the academy, a foul miasma cloaking everything in his reach, then a bloody throne in the background. I tried to warn him to stop, but he didn’t believe me. No-one believed me.” Burring her head in the crook between Emma’s shoulder and neck.

“I’ve never met an oracle before. This vision. You had it undirected, no focus, no preparation, nothing right?”

Ramona nods.

“Only one thing to do then. I’ll help you set the ritual up and we’ll see if there’s anything we can do to stop it.”

Ramona jerks back, looking into Emma’s face. “You believe me?!”

“Yes. I’ve never felt emotions as powerfully as yours, and I don’t even know you, yet.”

A ritual circle inscribed on the desk, Emma a strong presence behind her, Ramona begins by shuffling her cards. Drawing and lay each carefully. The prediction becomes worse, until Emma lays a comforting hand on Ramona’s shoulder.

Hours later. Ramona curled up in Emma’s lap on the bed.

Eyes wide in worry. “We can’t let Victor win. With Grace and the other elementalists off the table, Victor plays it safe and becomes a magus. If he’s challenged, he cheats.” Clutching Emma’s blouse. “Victor always cheats. And wins. Against everyone except Calvin. If Calvin wins Earl Hawks bring an army against the academy.”

Emma rubbing small circles on Ramona’s back. “I think that the best option we’ve got. Unless there’s some significant change. We’ll have to work with what we know.”

Emma leans over Ramona, kissing the top of her head, and releases a soothing spell.

Ramona, visibly calmer. “How? If we convince others, it just happens faster.”

Emma tilts her head focusing one eye on Ramona. “What do we have to work with? We’re two third year apprentices. I was on my way to challenge someone. You have a promised.” A distasteful passing over her face. “And can become a magus. We know Calvin can win against Victor.”

Ramona picks up, “Unless he’s beaten, poisoned and bound before being tossed into the circle.”

“How likely is that?” ask Emma.

Sighing, “Knowing Victory, almost definite.”

Ramona slides out of Emma’s lap to stand. “And Calvin winning isn’t good, not as bad.” Moving over to her desk and pulling out some parchment and a pen.

*~*~*~*

We stayed in my room as we planned everything. More rituals and I use cards, bones, dice and every other means of foretelling readily available. We even discuss watching the birds fly at dawn. After running through variation after variation, we’re both frustrated and short tempered.

Emma starts down the list. “Lets focus on the primary ones, the other predictions don’t change much.”

“If either of us becomes a magus before Victor, he wins. He becomes a magus through bribery, poison, deception, trickery, outright lying, intimidation, and in two cases actually dueling. Calvin is the only one the consistently wins against him.”

“But if Calvin wins and Earl Hawks attacks, Calvin kills the Earl. The army disperses but then we get assassinations until all the Hawks are dead and that starts a war.”

Ramona slowly nods, “But if we don’t become magi, then we’re stuck in here or at least in hiding.”

Emma grins. “Not necessarily. I’m a mind mage and can go unnoticed. It’s not invisibility, more a ‘something much more interesting is over there’. If we stick close, I can cover you.”

Ramona, exasperated, “This is too much. If we do one thing the Sinslar is attacked and the Earl’s army is wiped out. If we do something else Victor figures out a way to enslaves magi, or at least force them to obey him. If we do another thing then only the Earl dies, which starts a war.” Pouting, “No wonder most oracles turn into hermits.”

Emma grabs me, pulling me onto her lap as she sits. “What else were you planning on doing with your life?”

“Um, become a magus, graduate, get married to some count my mother has already picked out and. . .” Shrugging.

Emma, raising an eyebrow, “Did you think changing the course of an entire academy would be easy?”

Sputtering.

Emma places a finger over Ramona’s lips. “Now imagine how much more work it’ll be when you become a magus.”

Grunting. “What was your plan then?”

Displaying a cocky grin Emma begins. “Actually I was on my way to challenge Alberta when I felt you.”

“The binder?”

Nodding, Emma continues. “She’s pretty, strong.”

Eyebrows scrunching, a touch of jealousy.  “What were you going to make her?”

A smile creeping across her face, Emma replies. “Oh, a hucow. She’s got nice tits now, but I’d want them larger, swelling with milk.” Running a hand up Ramona’s stomach, cupping a breast. “Not sure about horns, probably small ones.  And I’ll tag her.” Raising her other hand and lightly pinching Ramona’s ear. “Here.”

“Tits? You’re picking her for her tits?”

Emma laughs. “No. That part isn’t important. I can remake anyone into a hucow. No, I want Alberta for her manifestation.” Blowing a breath out. “Bindings. Creating and controlling bindings, lock shackles, weave leather, control rope.” Sighing, “Once I make her my familiar, I don’t think. No, I know! I’d keep her lactating, harnessed and in estrus. All while being led around by a nose ring.”

Pushing my breast into Emma’s hand. “Oooh!” As Emma shifts her hand pinching a nipple. I feel a blush, the warmth spreading, settling in my core.

Emma stays the night.

Day 2 & 3

Working together we maneuvered eight apprentices into locations where they’d be challenged by a spell shark. All so they wouldn’t interfere later.

I did this even after taking Familiar 101.

A few things from Familiar 101. Your familiar is part of you, metaphysically speaking. The soul bond gives the magus complete control of the familiar’s magic, increases their control, and transforms the familiar into a walking wellspring of mana for their magus. If treated correctly, that wellspring grows, the bonds strengthen and the amount of control increases. A shadjus, like a tattoo, forms somewhere on the magus. The stronger the bond the more complete the shadjus. The familiar also begins to unconsciously shapes themselves into a perfect companion for their magus.

But if you mistreat your familiar. They can become slothful, mistrustful, even greedy. To the point the bond can be affected slowing the draw of mana from their wellspring.

Knowing what may happen to them. I did a foretelling for them. Most ended up content, some even happy in being a familiar. But not all. The strain of all those possibilities. I cried myself to sleep that night.

The next morning, after Emma came to my room, I explained. She agreed. Most of the third day was spent trying to pick the best matches for the apprentices. After spending so much time preparing, we only managed two. And one of those was pure luck.

*~*~*~*

Waiting in an empty classroom.

Ramona leans into Emma and whispers “How many apprentices do you think we’ll have to match to make a difference?”

“You should do another foretelling. See how much has already changed.”

Day 4

I did the foretelling again today with Emma. Nothing had changed.

Emma, standing behind me calm, a slight smile on her face. As I peer into the hallway, making sure its clear.

“Aren’t you afraid of being challenged? I know you can.” Fluttering my hand.

Laughing, “Not really.” Shaking her head. “Oh, to some extent, but I was very careful to pick my battles. I wouldn’t want to fight one of the elementalist or Callie. And I’m sure some of the other specialists would give me pause. But I’m very good with my mind magic. Although I’m better at gathering information.”

Emma leans down to kiss Ramona’s forehead. “I’ve been careful since I got here. For ever duel I win against a strong opponent, I make sure to lose two more against weaker ones. I want others to underestimate me.”

Quickly turning back to the door and pressing against it to hide my pebbling nipples. Another look, “Its clear, for now.” Swinging the door wide for Emma.

She’s already picked out an apprentice. I don’t want a repeat of the other night. Do I? Feeling my thighs glide against each other, coated in desire.

*~*~*~*

Lying in bed musing over everything. There must be a significant change. Something that will keep Victor from winning and Earl Hawks from attacking the academy. I can’t cause bandits to not attack, reroute a trade caravan, cause a war golem to remain dormant, bribe a noble in Dosan, cause a swamp to flood, or cause someone to win a duel.

Wait!

Sitting up. I can’t force someone to win a duel. But I’m causing someone to lose one. My promised, Nora, the apprentice my mother negotiated for. I’m causing her to lose and myself to win.

What if? No. No. No. She’s strict. She said so herself. Could I put up with that for the rest of my life? No control. Balling a hand up and pressing it against my core. Sensations spreading as I press down. No decisions. Rubbing. No worries besides pleasing my owner, estrus, collared. Lead around by a nose ring. A leashed, and loved? A pet. I can feel my lips puffing, slick beginning to leak as my hips begin to rock.

Would I have a choice? No. Utterly controlled. If it were Emma.  

Falling to my side as I pull my legs up. One hand pinching my nipple through my blouse the other bunching up my skirt to get to my core. I rock my hips, grinding.

Especially, if it were Emma.

Pulling my nipple, twisting and pressing my face into the pillow and ‘moo’-ing. Stopping in shock. Pulling my hand up. Stuffing my fingers in my mouth.

‘No.’

Twitching on edge. Close. But Emma, she wants control.

Panting, I send a message spell to Emma.

*~*~*~*

I’ve cleaned up and have the ritual reset by the time she’s back.

Looking up at Emma. “I thought of a significant event.” Stepping into an embrace and hiding my face in her breast, words rushing out in a stream. “This time I’m doing the foretelling for you, not me. I need you to ask like I’m not independent, like I’m a familiar.” Blushing. “Like I’m your familiar.”

Emma gently pushes me back and raises my face to hers. One arm supporting me, she leans us into a kiss. I’m panting when she stands me back up.

“I think I can manage that.”

I pull out my cards and begin the foretelling.

Day 5

Emma gently shaking Ramona awake.

“You sure you want to go through with this?” Pausing, “If Calvin claims Victor. Earl Hawks doesn’t even reach the walls.”

Scooting up to face Emma. “You think Calvin will let what the Earl does to his father go? The fighting for succession will last years. Chongula will be destroyed in a week.”

Sighing. “I suppose I’m trying to give you an ‘out’. I’ve always keep tight control over everything and that’ll include my familiar.”

Slyly grinning, “Kinda makes it hotter.“

Emma, eyes rolling, “Not that. I mean not just that. You really want to go through with this half-formed plan?”

Ramona leaning up off the pillow, and nodding, “Yep. Read me.” Tapping her head and smiling.

Minutes later. Emma, holding Ramona, “This is going to take work, timing and no small amount of luck.”

Grinning, “Yes, Mistress?”

Smiling back, Emma nods. Glancing out the window. “We’d better get started.”

Minutes later at an identical doorway one floor down, as a short, shrouded girl is leaving her room. 

“Squee.” Followed by an “Oh, he’s cute. What’s his name?”

*~*~*~*

An hour later, three apprentices are sitting in an administrator’s office. Emma asking, “Are you sure? Once you sign that you’ll no longer have an apprentice or anything else to call your own.”

Leaning into Emma, Ramona replies, “Its not mine, not really. Once an apprentice becomes a familiar everything they have becomes the property of their magus. I’m really signing my magus’s stuff away.”

Leaning back to look Emma in the eye as Ramona draws a breath and replies. “Mistress.”

Emma, a serious expressing on her face. “I don’t need your stuff, just you. I’ll keep you intact.”

Ramona shaking her head. “No, after we do everything, I don’t want to worry. I know what you want.” Unconsciously shifting around and blushing. “What I really want.” Smirking, “I already know I’ll love it.”

Glancing at a still shocked Nora. “You need to hurry to the main circle. When you see Alicia tell her ‘Hi’.”

Nora, Ramona’s now former promised, reaches for the papers and adds her signature. 

Day 12

Emma, waiting outside the quad, turns and smiles at Ramona.

“Any trouble?

Ramona shakes her head. “No, but your spell is wearing off. A couple noticed me on my way back here.”

Emma, opening her mana sight, lays a hand on Ramona’s shoulder and reworks the spell laid on her.

A shudder travels through Ramona as Emma steps back.

“There, now you’re nondescript and trustworthy again, at least for another hour.”

Ramona, “I’ll concentrate on the east and south side this time and warn the others away.”

“Leaving me with the north and west.”

Wrapping her arms around Ramona, Emma leans in for a kiss. Sliding her tongue over Ramona’s lips until they part. Exploring Ramona’s mouth, briefly wrestling with her tongue until Ramona surrenders.

Parting, Emma stands straight, release a flushed looking Ramona. “Remember we leave as soon as we spot Lewis.”

*~*~*~*

Emma, mental senses extended, waiting around the corner at the bottom of the stairs.

Ramona’s waiting back in the room. She’d better be ready when I get back. Kneeling in front of the door and ready for me.

Foot tapping, only a few more minutes.

‘Ah, here they come.’

Timing her walk around the corner. She doesn’t have to fake surprise. Suspended between two apprentices is Calvin, clothes torn, bruised and bloody. It doesn’t take much to blast her anger at the two holding him.

Day 13

Ramona wanders through the academy’s Alchemy Shop in the bulk section. Items stacked in wooden bins with affixed labels. Picking up a flowering plant and sniffing it.

As it’s dropped back, the shepherd’s purse label slips off the bin. Bending down Ramona picks up the label. Looking confused she affixes it to a different bin.

Barely glancing at the potions on display, Ramon picks out a small vial of cure-toxin. Approaching the counter. “What happens if stuff gets mixed up?” Pointing back to the bulk section.

The shopkeeper looks up. “The labels are always falling of there. I go through every couple of days to organize em.”

“Aren’t you worried someone will get the wrong ingredient?”

Snorting and Shaking his head, “That section is for first years. Nothing dangerous, and if they can’t tell that stuff apart, they don’t need to be alchemist.” Pointing to the vial. “That’s strong but only works on a couple of poisons. If you want a better general remedy, you’ll want the general anti-toxin.”

“Thanks, but this is the one I need.”

Day 15

We waited on the bench, under the effects of Emma’s spells. She calls it her privacy buffer. People see but pass you by.

We stand as Dav walks by, then quickstep to catch up with her and the group of magi heading into the assembly hall.

Once Dav separates from the magi she followed in we approach.

“Oh, is that your familiar? What’s his name?”

“Can we pet him?”

We’re admiring Cat’o as the orange smoke starts. While Dav’s attention is on Galvin and Lewis, I shriek and run toward the door as Emma ‘bumps’ Dav turning her to face Callie.

Day 19

Standing in the hallway outside Davina’s room, looking up at Emma, I notice the ward drawn between the top of the door and the door frame.

Pointing, “Someone put a ward there.”

Emma activates her mana sight. “It doesn’t look, um.” Standing on tiptoe, “It’s a basic ward.”

Beaming, “I’ve got an idea.” Dropping to all fours by the door. “Use me.”

Emma releases a throaty laugh. Stepping up for a closer look. “It’s an alarm ward. Whoever set it will be alerted when the door opens.”

Arms locked, I turn my head. “Breaking that one doesn’t feel right. In my vision, I saw her windows change color.”

Emma steps down. I start to rise when I feel her hand land on my shoulder. “Stay.”

Resuming my position, Emma turns and takes a seat. Tapping her chin with one finger. “This is going to take some thought.”

I hear footsteps approaching and try to stare a hole in the floor as my face heats up. From the corner of my eye, I spot a pair of fine lady’s boots. Behind them a puppyboy crouches down, leaning into the boot’s owners.

Emma lays a hand over my ass and begins caressing it through my skirt. The new magus and Emma talk. Emma drags my skirt up, higher and higher until it’s bunched at my waist.

Sliding her hand in my panties, pushing them down. I feel her weight shift as she works two fingers in, coated by my own wetness. Emma and the magus have a whole conversation that I can’t hear due to my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

Emma brings me to the edge. A brief though flitters through that she’s using her magic to keep me here, balanced on the edge.

Eventually, what feels like hours later the two continue down the hallway.

Emma removes her fingers and bring them to her mouth, tasting.

I feel Emma adjust, rolling her weight from side to side as slick runs down my thighs as she returns her fingers. “Eh, um.” Wanting to bring them together. Wanting Emma to stop or worse continue. Wanting not to have that choice. My hips shift back on that though, seeking more of her fingers. “Please.”

Grinning, Emma ask, “What colors did you say?”

“The window was black but the frame was, red.” I feel Emma’s fingers leave as she stands. Hips jerking uncontrollably, I whine, “Please, please, please!”

I can hear the tease in her voice as she says. “Later. The color can be changed from outside.”

We’re halfway down the hall before she motions for me to stand.

Day 21

Mansel and Brute

Early Morning.

Mansel, Brute trailing behind, stops at the announcement board outside the magus dorms.

“Check up top.”

Brute leaps up one of the posts and looks around. ‘There’s not one up here.’ Crouching, looming over Mansel, Brute brings a hand to his mouth and begins grooming.

Grunting in reply, Mansel steps to the front of the board.

Glancing over the primary announcement “Required assembly of all third year . . . severe consequences if missed . . . invoke punishment . . . “

With mixed feelings of anger and betrayal showing, Mansel quietly murmurs, “They have to know it was Victor, but no mention of it.”

“At this point it’d take the whole board to list everything Victors done.”

Mansel spins round to face the speaker. “Ramona! Where did you come from?” Glancing up, Brute is still meticulously cleaning the same hand and carefully ignoring what’s going on below. “You were supposed to be keeping watch.”

Brute sniffs, turns and faces away.

Standing next to Ramona is a tall young woman with dark chestnut colored hair the morning light highlighting the play of colors.

Ramona steps into Mansels personal space, tilting her head back to look him in the eye. “I told you he was going down a dark path.”

“Ya, but.” Releasing a sigh, Mansel continues. “My father.” Shaking his head and stepping back. “Look a Count doesn’t go against an Earl. And well, we were friends. At least I though so.”

Suddenly Brute is there, crouching, pressed into Mansel’s legs. Standing running his body along Mansel so Manse’s arm ends up draped over Brute’s shoulder.

Sighing, “You were right. I should have listened, but no one wants to believe something like that.” Looking down. “I couldn’t really explain it either.”

Squeezing Brute, Mansel glances back at the board. “Wait. You’re still an apprentice. Did you actually release Nora?”

Ramona, smiles up at Mansel. “I found someone better.” Squeezing Emma’s hand.

“You know Alicia became her familiar. She was challenging everyone, then Nora showed up like she was looking for her. Then Alicia challenged her on sight, drug her into the circle and practically threw herself at Nora’s feet.”

A shared glance between Ramona and Emma. “I hope they’re happy together.”

Eyes narrowing, Mansel just nods and continues. “Beric says she ran. He was worried until his family bought him someone else.” Chuckling, “Victor passed them over because they weren’t strong enough. I think it was the last person that took the deal this year.”

“Really?” Showing an innocent smile. “That’s not why I’m, um. Why we’re here. I know what Victor did.” Pointing her chin toward Brute.

Mansel, lowers his arm to Brute’s waist, “How?”

Pulling Brute in tight. “You know he does everything his Father says. It wasn’t Victor’s idea to take all the familiars. He thinks it a way to control a magus.” Giving Brute a squeeze. “Until you’re a magus you don’t, can’t understand what the bond does to you both.”

Emma, bringing her arm up and placing it protectively around Ramona. “Yet. And we figured it out by following Ramona’s instincts.”

Mansel, looking uncertain, “What are you going to do, hope he loses.” Turning and reading the list of apprentices. “The only one left that can take him is the Fam-, sorry. Calvin. And he’s got a plan for that, some slow acting poison. Not enough to kill him, but more than enough to slow him down.”

Ramona, carefully studying Brute. “We’ve got a plan for that.” Briefly showing the vial of cure-toxin.

Emma continues, “Once Victor is in the circle stop him from running.” Dropping her arm down, sliding it over Ramona’s and caressing her.

Mansel nods.

Ramona, shifting her attention to Brute, hesitantly ask, “Does it hurt, being a familiar?”

Brute looks up at Mansel and getting a silent reply. “The change? The change is the most terrible pain. But once it’s over, everything fits. You have a new purpose.” Sliding out from Mansel’s arm. “Like making sure master gets enough exercise.”

A loud ‘whack’ as Brute smacks Mansel’s ass and is halfway across the quad before Mansel, eyes wide and blushing, gives chase.

“Brute!”

In the smaller challenge circle, behind the storage hut. Emma smiles down at Ramona. “Would you like to make it official?”

Ramona, bringing her arms us, wraps then around Emma’s neck. Drawing her down for a slow kiss. Emma takes control, bending Ramona back probing, battling and conquering Ramona. Straightening and setting Ramona back on her feet. Ramona quietly rushes through the official challenge, then announcing to all declares. “Mistress Emma, I surrender to you, in the sight of Blessed Sinslar and the sanctity of the Circle, to the Binding of my Soul to yours.”