Alex had a terminal Cancer diagnosis and thought she would die before she got to be the girl she always was inside. That all changes when she's in the wrong place at the right time and gets transported to another world and into the body of a girl. So what if she's not human, she's alive and a girl. Now if only she had her sister with her to navigate this new world and her new responsibilities. Wait, she's here too? The passage of their souls between worlds may have doomed the Earth to apocalypse, but Alex and Michelle won't be there to see it and they have enough problems on their hands.
 

 

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Author's Note: Here's chapter 5 of the rewrite of Alex in Wonderland. I was hoping to have a chapter of Apocalypse Dawn done this week but the past couple of weeks have been crappy and bouts of writer's block and depression weren't really helping matters. Rewriting this worked a lot better and while there were some additions and some slight change of tone from the original in this chapter, most of it was just grammar and clarification. Thanks to my readers and to BCTS for giving their support of Transgendered authors and fiction. ~Amethyst.
 

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Chapter 5: Bearing Gifts

The morning after my Giftsun, I awoke late and just stayed in bed for a long while, enjoying what was probably the first real chance that I had to relax since arriving at the capital. It was then that a wave of intense hunger hit me. Weird, I was hungry, but not that hungry. I could feel Michelle as a contented warmth at the back of my mind. It didn't feel like she was hungry either, but I thought it best to ask her anyway. ~Sis, are you hungry?~

It was a moment before she responded, her mind speech heavy with sleepy contentment. ~No. Grayle and I just ate, and I was about to take a nap. What's wrong?~

~I feel hunger, as if I were starving,~ I responded, still confused. ~I know I'm a bit hungry, but I'm not that hungry. Nevermind. I'll eat something, then hopefully it will go away. Have a good nap, Sis.~

~I will. Call me if you need anything.~ I could feel the connection lose its strength as she started to doze off again. The hunger was still there, though, so with a stretch I got out of bed and rang the bell that would bring Felice, and then started getting dressed.

She arrived before I had even finished putting on my bra and panties. On my first day in the palace, I learned to ring for Felice should I need anything. Not only was she eager to serve or even just chat, but it was considered improper for a princess to do things like go down to the kitchen to fix her own meals. The first time that I tried that was amusing.

Felice was in a good mood and smiling cheerfully when she arrived. She even felt happy; it was like I could sense the feeling bubbling around her, and that made me happy. Soon, I was dressed in a casual light green chemise that really made my eyes pop, brown suede leggings, and matching ankle boots with a three-inch heel. I could still feel that hunger, even as I felt the happiness and what might just be pride, but I would be eating breakfast soon, and I tried to put it out of my mind.

“You seem to be in a fine mood this morning, Felice,” I said as she began to work my raven hair into a long braid.

“And why should I not be, Your Highness? I was a little worried when you came back to us with no memory that you may not receive a Gift, that Itari may not accept you, or that you may have had troubles with the ceremonies. You did perfectly, though, and not only did Itari accept you, but you received three Gifts. I am so proud of you.”

"Wait a minute," I thought. "Gifts? She's happy and proud? Maybe my Diviner Gift is some sort of empathy? But if that's the case, who am I feeling this hunger from? I've been the only one in the room since I woke up, until Felice came, except for..." I turned my head toward my bed, earning a scolding from Felice. I could feel that her heart wasn't in it, though.

On my pillow, Chrissy was watching me intently, and I felt the hunger intensify a bit. “Felice, once you're done with my hair, could you please bring up some leftovers from last night's feast for Chrissy to eat? I think she's hungry.”

I could see my maid nodding in the mirror as she continued working on my hair. “Of course, Your Highness. Once you are finished here, Lady Jezz wishes to continue your lessons. She mentioned wanting to teach you some of the basics of Healing as well, since neither of you will be able to begin your formal training until Lady Larane returns from her diplomatic mission in Torma.”

I knew Torma was an island nation in the Ujard Ocean to the west and that it was the homeland of the Cinoles. From what Jezz had told me, they were pretty isolationist. I had no idea who Larane was, though.

“Who's Larane? And what type of diplomatic mission is it?” I inquired.

Felice gave me a sad look at another reminder of my 'lost' memory, and her emotions echoed it. “Larane is the palace Healer, and she will be teaching you and Lady Jezz. Torma’s Prince, Mathan Biord, has come down ill. Her Majesty offered Lady Larane's services and sent her to Heal Prince Mathan and discuss trade between our nations. Trevas, her apprentice, remained behind, but he is not qualified to teach you both.”

I had to keep myself from nodding as she finished braiding my hair and tied it off. “I see. Please have Jezz join me when she is ready so that we can get started.”

“As you wish, Highness,” was her reply as she left to carry out my orders. It wasn't long before she returned with Jezz, my breakfast, and some food for my kihr.

“Thank you, Felice,” I told her with a smile. “I'll ring you if we need anything else before we leave my rooms.”

My maid placed the tray with my breakfast before me and the bowl of food on the floor for Chrissy and then bowed as she took her leave and said, “As you wish, Highness.” Chrissy leaped off the bed and began to eat with reckless abandon, as I did the same, only somewhat less enthusiastically. Hunger gave way soon to happy contentment once we were both full and she was in her rightful place around my neck.

We were about to leave the room for the palace library when I could feel something like humor bubbling around my Cinole friend. “I think ya may be forgettin' sumthin', 'Lex.”

I tried frantically to think of what she may be referring to, but I had my keys for my rooms, I had Chrissy, and I was properly dressed. This might be a bit casual for a princess, but there were no formal events today, and I was just going to be spending the day with Jezz, since Patar and Runne were on border patrol today. “What did I miss?” I finally asked in confusion.

I could feel her humor getting more intense, and she looked like she was having trouble not laughing. “Ya fergot yer crown, silly. I know yer not used t' bein' a princess, but ya oughta be wearin' that. Maybe it'll remind ya.”

I groaned, went to retrieve the badge of my new office, and placed the jewel-encrusted gold tiara on my head as I shut the door to my rooms behind me and locked it. “Is this better?” I asked.

“Ya, I think that'll do,” she replied. Happiness and humor seemed to radiate from her along with something different, something I couldn't really define.

“Come on, we've got studying to do,” I grumbled, though there was no real bite behind it.

I took her hand in mine and began to pull the flying girl along with me in the direction of the library when my thoughts were suddenly overwhelmed. ~... my friend and the princess. I shouldn't be thinking about her that way. But she's so sweet and pretty, and we have so much in common. What do I do? I can't just tell her. It could ruin our friendship. She probably wouldn't be interested in me anyway. Besides, she has to have an heir someday. Yes, it’s better to keep it as friends. Why did she suddenly stop?~

I let go of her hand and looked away as I figured out what that something I hadn't been able to define was. “Umm... do we need to go to the library to study Healing stuff, or is there something better?” I quickly offered to excuse my sudden stop.

She seemed lost in thought for a moment before answering. “I s'pose we could go t' see Tre'as. He's Larane's 'pprentice and may have some scrolls or books fer beginners.”

“Let's go find Trevas, then,” I agreed with a nod as I tried to bury my thoughts. "Were those truly her thoughts that I was hearing? And if they were, what in the hell should I do?" I thought bitterly.

Eventually, with Jezz leading the way, we arrived at the palace Healer's rooms and knocked. The door was answered by a young Zenin man, maybe a year or two older than my current body. He had dark brown hair, amber eyes, and his fur was beige colored with black spots. He was also shorter than me by a few inches and a little overweight. When he caught sight of me, his eyes went wide. I could feel a mix of hope, happiness, and something very close to what I had been feeling from Jezz as he smiled. “Are you Trevas?” I asked.

Suddenly, the hope and happiness were replaced with disappointment as his smile left his face.“Yes, Your Highness, how can I help you?”

I wondered briefly what, if any, relationship Visanee had had with the boy as I replied, “Jezz and I are supposed to be learning Healing from Larane once she gets back from Torma. We were wondering if she might have some books or scrolls for beginners that we might look at until then.”

The boy nodded his head. “Mom has some in her library that she had me read when I was starting my lessons. I suppose they should be fine for you.” He paused as he looked around. “Please come in while I have a look, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Trevas,” I offered politely.

He waved us inside and gestured to a sofa, where Jezz and I took a seat. “Congratulations on your Gifts, Your Highness, and welcome, both of you, to the ranks of the palace Healers.”

“Thank you, Trevas,” I repeated, feeling just a little awkward from the emotions I was feeling from both him and Jezz. I would have tried a smile as well, but he was absorbed in looking through a bookshelf at the moment and wouldn’t have seen it. “My Gifts were a bit of a surprise to all of us, but I think I will like being a Healer.”

He nodded as he brought over some of the scrolls and a book that he had found. “I have only been one for three tenths myself, but I find it very interesting. I think it will be very rewarding.” There was still a sadness about him, and something like guilt. I was about to ask him if we had known one another before my loss of memory when he handed me the materials, and our hands touched.

I was in the palace Healer’s rooms, and there was a white Zenin with black stripes smiling at me. I knew that Zenin. I looked at her every morning in the mirror since I had come to the palace. She had a scrape on her elbow and was speaking to me as I cleaned it. “Trevas, thank you for taking care of me. Will your mother be back soon? I wanted to talk to you privately.”

"Visanee is so pretty," the thought came out of the blue, "but she would never be interested in a short, fat Zenin like me. The only reason I am here is because my mother is the palace Healer, and because I show promise." Then I found myself saying, “Talk to me about what, Your Highness?”

"I..." Visanee smiled flirtatiously as she seemed to hesitate. “Trevas, we have known each other since we were babies. You know that you can call me by my name. I was wondering if you could do me a big favor.”

“Ummm... sure, what can I do for you, Your High... Visanee?” I heard myself as Trevas ask.

She seemed nervous, wringing her hands and her tail twitching as she replied, “Do you think that you can get me a pouch of Corrune pollen?”

Another thought came to me. "She has been yawning during our history and geography lessons lately. Perhaps she is having trouble sleeping?" The thought had barely concluded when I felt myself say, “I guess that I could ask my mom.”

Visanee shook her head frantically. “No, I don't want your mother to know. She would tell my parents, and they would... umm... they would all worry. My Giftsun is under two sevensuns away, I do not want everyone to worry about me.”

I realized that I was a passenger in Trevas's mind. This must be a memory.“I guess that I could gather some and bring it to your rooms later today,” I felt myself reply. There was uncertainty in my mind and voice.

“I would be very grateful, Trevas. So grateful I could kiss you.” I could feel my heart leap at that.

I was brought back to the present as his hand left mine, and the book and scrolls fell to the floor. I felt bad for Trevas. The poor boy had it bad for Visanee. Seeing me here, not remembering him, a childhood friend whom he clearly wanted to be more, must be hard on him. I quickly bent over to pick up the reading materials.

“Sorry, my mind kinda went blank there for a minute,” I said to cover the mishap. I could feel the feelings he had for her, me, and I felt bad for him. I may have wanted to be a girl all my life, but I still knew what it felt like to be a horny teenager carrying a torch for someone I had no chance with. “Thanks for the book and the scrolls.”

He looked away as he replied, “Think nothing of it, Your Highness. I guess that I will be seeing you both for lessons soon. If either of you has any questions before my mom... Lady Larane returns, just come and find me. I will try to help if I can.”

Jezz and I took that as our cue to leave, stood up, and headed to the door. “Thanks again, Trevas. We'll see you around.” We left the Healer’s rooms and, as the door closed behind us, I took a deep breath to calm myself. “So, where to next?” I had thought briefly of telling Jezz what just happened, but I wasn't sure how to talk to her about it without the subject of my new Gifts coming up, and possibly that of my inadvertently hearing her thoughts as well.

“Let's go t' the palace gardens, 'Lex. I'll show ya the Healin' herbs,” was the Cinole's reply as she flew off down the hallway, leading the way. Soon we were out in one of the courtyards, which sported a large garden. There were some fruit trees and a few varieties of vegetables grown there, but mostly it was herbs. I saw some red and blue flowers as well, and I recognized them from the lakeside gardens where Jezz and I first met.

“Those flowers look familiar. Are they common here?” I asked.

“The blue 'uns are corrune, they're only found here in Azure. The pollen makes folks sleep. The red 'uns are red bonnets, they...” she trailed off as she began to blush. “Best not go smellin' either with yer sens'tive nose, 'Lex. Gotta be careful collectin' the pollen fer use.”

“Come on, Jezz, what do the red ones do?” I asked, curious about what was making her so embarrassed.

“They make folks more alert, but they also make 'em feel... desire,” she answered as she looked away.

I also blushed under my fur, as I realized she meant that they were an aphrodisiac. I could feel that warm feeling coming from her again, and I couldn't help wondering what she was thinking about. Was she thinking about me in that way? “Oh,” was my not-so-clever reply. “So… ummm… what are these other ones?” I quickly inquired, trying to change the topic.

She ran through all the various herbs there; many were the same as we had on Earth, though I had never really known about their medicinal uses before. Another that was not from Earth, at least that I knew of, was padith, which has a variety of uses in Healing and is often used in potions. There was also loiku, a common plant in the Greylands, whose fibers are used in making cotton-like cloth. The large roots are very sweet and are ground to make a pink sugar-like substance, which is referred to by the same name as the plant. The sweetener is used to make potions more palatable.

Another important plant was stingweed, which has purple leaves and long, sharp needles. The needles are used by Healers for drawing blood and injections when needed, and the leaves contain an aloe-like gel that is used to treat burns and scrapes. Finally, there was also shiide, a plant with gummy leaves that have a very minty taste and smell, and also acts as a mild relaxant. I tried chewing on one of those leaves and found it a lot like chewing gum. Too bad that it wouldn't let me blow any bubbles.

We spent a good two hours, sorry, candlemarks not hours, in the garden going over the various plants and their uses, though I was sure to keep my nose away from the red bonnets. When we got hungry, we pulled a couple of blue citrus fruits from a tree and ate them. They were called rillfruit and were a bit tart, but very tasty. Finally, when Jezz thought that I had had enough, we headed for the Drakans' courtyard to spend some time playing with Michelle and Grayle before the midday meal.

As the day plodded onward, I found myself wondering increasingly about what Jezz was thinking. She had been with me all through the morning, we had lunch together in my rooms, and we spent the early afternoon going over the book and scrolls that Trevas had loaned me. She was fun to be with, and I knew that she was feeling more than friendship for me, as on several occasions, I felt that warm feeling that I had felt from her when I had accidentally read her thoughts. And as I wondered what she was thinking, I also wondered what to do about it. I needed to think.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and told Jezz I needed some time alone to focus on what I thought might be my Wilder Gift. I told her that I had been feeling things from Chrissy all morning, leaving out that I had been feeling things from her, Trevas, and everyone else we met as well. Technically, it was all true, and I was hoping that spending some time sitting alone in the Queen's courtyard, with only the animals and birds around me, would help me focus my thoughts. So it came to pass that a candlemark before dinner, I was standing before the great doors and their Jiquar guards. “I would like inside, please.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” said the grey one, and they quickly unbarred and opened the doors. Then I placed my hand on the inner door, and it opened to allow me access. It was just like I remembered it from the day before, but the illusion of the sky showed the sun preparing to set, just as it was outside. Chrissy was quick to jump from my shoulder to run off and explore, and soon I was feeling the emotions of the other creatures around me.

There was a veritable cornucopia of emotions amongst the birds and beasts: Hunger, excitement, curiosity, fear, and contentment. The emotions washed over me, soothed me, and made me feel connected to the land that I was bound to. I stopped walking when I got to the fountain and, rather than finding a bench to sit on, I just sat right there in the lotus position.

Once I was comfortable, I closed my eyes and opened myself to the land. Itari's voice soon filled my mind. ~I did not think that you would come to visit me again so soon, Alexis.~

I sighed as I formulated an answer. “I needed to get away for a bit. I am confused and uncertain what to do.”

~Ah, yes, your Gifts have come to you. You will get used to them in time and learn to better control them, but it is not your new awareness alone that bothers you.~ I could hear the amusement in Her tone.

“No, it's not,” I admitted. “I think that I accidentally overheard Jezz's thoughts. I think that she likes me more than just as a friend, and I don't know what to do about it. That, and I feel bad about intruding in her mind, even if it was an accident.”

~You are learning, there will be accidents. You will learn from them. I can not tell you what to do with your life; we do not interfere in the lives of mortals.~ There was a pungent bitterness in Her thoughts as she said that.

“Wasn't making the land here habitable interfering? Aren't You interfering each time that You bind one of us to the land? Isn't even talking to me interfering?” I asked, genuinely confused about it.

~No,~ was Her firm reply. ~The fountain is a great source of power and must not fall into the wrong hands; it must be protected. The hostility of the land before your people came here was a way to protect the fountain. When I made the Vow with your ancestor, I merely exchanged one form of protection for another. Your people would have continued living here regardless. Speaking with me no more interferes with your fate than you speaking with a friend or a relative, or even a stranger. It is you who ultimately makes your decisions and guides your fate. So long as I do not try to influence you, there is no interference.~

“What about Selune?” I asked. “Doesn't She interfere by giving us Gifts? The right Gift in the right or wrong hands could likely change this whole world.”

I could have sworn I felt a deep and pervasive sadness in her tone as she replied, ~Selune gives Gifts, but she cannot know how those Gifts will be used, nor will she tell you how to use a Gift that she has given. She merely bestows them and hopes for the best. It is up to each of you whether you will cherish your Gifts and use them for good or let the power corrupt you. People are not born good or evil; it is the events of one's life that shape the soul. None of us, save one, would dare to tell a mortal how to use a Gift given them, especially not the greatest gift, life itself.~ Sadness turned to bitterness as she said the last.

“Save one?” I wondered aloud.

The bitterness increased, becoming sharper. ~Would you like to hear a story? Fear not, I will tell you nothing that you would not be able to find in the library on your own if you chose to.~

I nodded my head, then, fearing that She may not have seen it, I answered, “Sure.”

~I have a brother,~ She began, ~Lharus, God of the Sky. He and Selune were deeply in love and bound themselves to one another. On the night of their union, they gave one another gifts to show their love. Lharus used his winds to carve Selune's likeness into a great stone spire. Selune, trusting Lharus, gave him a portion of her power.~

A pregnant pause settled over us for a moment before She continued. ~Lharus used this power well at first, giving Gifts as Selune herself did. Soon, though, the power corrupted him. He saw mortals using Gifts in ways that he was not expecting. He started to think that the world would be better if the mortals used these Gifts only as he intended. And so, he began to whisper to mortals on the wind, promising them power if they would follow him. He used these Gifted mortals to shape events and mold the world as he felt it should be.~

~The power drove him mad,~ she stated with a mix of sorrow and fury. ~He began to call himself 'The One God' and favored only Humans with his Gifts, as they craved power most of all. In her anger, Selune had me destroy the gift that Lharus gave her, and for many passes, she gave Gifts to no one. Thus, the Lharusian Empire began its expansion, and your people were unable to do much but flee your rightful homeland. Now, he alone is worshiped by an empire of Humans that threatens to one day engulf all the Greylands. Still, we will not interfere; mortals must weave their own futures.~

I shook my head in shock. “Couldn't the Gods have worked together to prevent him from abusing that power?”

Her regret and loss were palpable as She answered, ~We can no more see the future than you can, Alexis. We see flashes here and there, various possible outcomes, but all we can do is follow our hearts and hope for the best. That is all the advice that I can give you.~

I sighed deeply. “If I follow my heart, things could turn out badly. I don't even know how people in this world would react to same-sex relationships. We're not even the same species, and I thought that I needed to produce an heir to take on the Vow after I die.”

To my great surprise, She laughed in response. ~Every decision has the possibility of turning out badly. Whether it turns out bad or well is all up to you and the decisions you make. You would not be the first Queen of Azure to have a female consort. Heirs can be produced outside of wedlock; all that matters is your blood and the will to protect this place and your people. If you pass both of those down to a daughter, then the Vow will be renewed with her.~

“I thought that You couldn't interfere,” I grumbled.

~I am not. I am merely telling you what your options are. I do not favor any particular choice, nor will I suggest one. It is you who will decide the path that you take.~

I nodded sadly. “I guess You're right. I'm no better or worse off than when I came in here, and I still have a decision to make, but if You can't interfere, why talk to me at all?”

~You are bound to the land, the fountain, and thus to me. Does a mother stop talking to her child once they reach maturity? No, they watch them become the person they were meant to be, hope they turn out well, and provide a loving heart and listening ear when needed.~ She said gently as I felt myself being wrapped in a warm mental hug. ~I cannot interfere in your life, but I will be here to listen and embrace you when needed.~

“Thanks, Itari, I should go now, I think dinner is soon. I'll see You again soon,” I promised as I returned Her mental hug.

As I walked away, I could feel Her mental grip loosening, and I heard Her say, ~I will be here, Alexis.~

Chrissy found me near the entrance and climbed up my leg to make her way to her usual spot. She was a bit hungry, but I could also feel her happiness wrapping around me as I lovingly stroked her fur and she began to hum. As the great doors were barred behind us, I began to give serious thought to what I wanted to do about Jezz.

Dinner was a quiet affair that night, devoid of all the well-wishers and revelers of the past several nights. Patar was still on patrol, and my parents, while still mourning Visanee, were doing their best to make me feel like part of the family and included as they discussed matters of state. The main topic was an upcoming trip to Draden. It was Azure's largest port city and home to some very nice beaches, if my mother was to be believed.

They planned to stay at our summer house there, while they made a tour of the various port towns and held court for nobility, merchants, and other citizens with matters to discuss, who might not easily travel to the capital. It was nice how they tried to consider the needs of all the people of Azure, and not just those in the capital, and I was gaining a great deal of respect for them.

They asked if Jezz and I would like to accompany them on the upcoming trip, but we turned down the offer. Honestly, I would have loved to go, but there were logistical issues. Traveling that kind of distance with two very young Draklings was just too impractical, and neither I nor Jezz wanted to go have fun without Michelle and Grayle.

Other than the occasional comment and question, I was mostly quiet and lost in my thoughts. I was feeding little tidbits to Chrissy, who was becoming very fond of sweets, when Michelle's voice popped into my head. ~Alex, is something wrong? Your emotions have been bouncing around like a pinball all night.~

I fed Chrissy another piece of my tart before finishing it myself. ~I discovered some of my Gifts this morning,~ I told Michelle.

~Isn't that a good thing?~ she asked. ~What can you do?~

Washing down my tart with the last of my sweet milk, I replied, ~I seem to be able to read the emotions of people and animals.~

~An empath, huh? Do you think it's influencing your moods? Is that why you're all brooding and sad one moment, and happy or nervous the next?~ Her mind was sharply tinted with concern as she asked.

I only barely stopped myself from shaking my head in response. ~No, Sis. Something happened when I touched Jezz earlier. I think that I read her mind.~

I could feel her interest sparked. ~Telepathy? That could be a useful talent. Have you tried speaking with anyone like you do with me?~

~No,~ I responded, ~It only happened when I touched Jezz, and later when Trevas and I accidentally touched. I don't know if I was reading his thoughts or not; it was more like I was watching one of his memories through his own eyes.~

~Maybe your telepathy is only touch-based, didn't Patar say something about that being a possibility for some Gifts? Maybe you could get Jezz to help you test this?~

~I'd have to explain to her how I learned about this ability,~ I countered nervously. That was not something I looked forward to at all. ~The thoughts that I picked up from her were personal; I had no right to hear them. If they really were her thoughts, then she's attracted to me, but she doesn't think I'd be interested and doesn't want to risk our friendship.~

I could have sworn that she was laughing at me as she replied, ~And how do you feel about her? Do you want to jump her bones, too? Or are guys more your thing?~

I blushed at that and was very happy that my fur was there to conceal it. ~Well, we have a lot in common, we get along great, and I really like her. I find her very attractive, but we're not even the same species. As for guys, I've seen a few of those that I've found attractive since coming here. I've seen other girls that I've found attractive too, but looks aren't important to me. I want a connection.~

~Race isn't important, Alex,~ Michelle told me sternly. ~You said it yourself; you want a connection. If you feel that connection with someone you're attracted to, then everything else isn't important. Now stop moping and make a decision. If you need me, I'll be napping.~

~Thanks, Sis, rest well,~ I replied as I turned my attention back to the world around me. I picked Chrissy up, nuzzling her against my cheek before placing her on my shoulder so she could take her spot around my neck. “Mom, Dad, may we be excused? I'm finished, and I think I'd like to go over a few of the things that I learned earlier today. Jezz, would you care to come with me?”

Jezz nodded, her wings fluttering as she stretched a bit. “Ya, 'Lex, we did go o'er a lot. I'm sure you'll have it all mem'rized soon, though.”

My mother nodded her head and smiled at us as she said, “You are both excused. Try not to study too hard, though; you have plenty of time to learn everything.”

Jezz and I were sitting on the massive bed in my bedchamber, and I had sent Felice away for the evening with the promise to ring for her if I needed anything. She could hear me ring from anywhere in the palace since an Enchanter had connected the bell that I used to one of the earrings she wore. I tried to find a sitting position on the bed that was comfortable for my tail, but finding none, I had given up and instead reclined on my belly facing Jezz.

Jezz had taken a similar position, and we were facing one another, just close enough to reach out and hold hands if we chose. “So, 'Lex, which o' the Healin' lessons did ya wan' t' go o'er?”

I shook my head. “I'm fine with all the Healing stuff we went over, but there is something else Gift-related that I want to talk to you about.”

She nodded and looked toward Chrissy, who was stretched out on a pillow. “Is this 'bout yer Wilder Gift?”

I took a deep breath and said, “Kind of. I've been picking up emotions from Chrissy and other animals all day. I've been sensing them from people, too, though people's emotional states seem a lot more complex and can be hard to figure out. I think there may be one other thing, though.”

She seemed to be following me as she nodded and smiled. “Yer Gifts are comin' fast, 'Lex. It makes sense yer Diviner Gifts are sim'lar t' yer Wilder Gifts. So, what's the other thing?”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I admitted, “I think I can read minds when I touch people. It happened earlier with Trevas. I think that I saw one of his memories of Visanee. He kinda has a thing for her... me. It happened before that, too, with… someone else. Michelle suggested trying to see if I can do it again, or maybe to try speaking mind to mind with someone other than her.”

Jezz looked uncertain for a moment before reluctantly agreeing. I tried at first reaching out for her mind without touching, but all that served to do was give me a headache. Finally, I reached out and took her hands in mine, and then her mind was suddenly open to me. ~What do I do if this works? I've never been mind-to-mind with anyone but Grayle or Uncle Patar.~

~Jezz, can you hear me?~ I ventured, now that the connection was made.

~Alex? I can't believe that we're talking this way!~ Her thoughts were tinged with excitement, uncertainty, and nervousness.

~Would you two keep it down? I'm trying to take a nap. Wait... why am I hearing Jezz's voice, and what happened to her accent?~ came Michelle's voice.

~Uncle Patar says mind speech is interpreted by our minds as if we were thinking the words ourselves. It's mostly images and concepts that we ourselves put into words to make it easier to understand,~ Jezz responded. ~I have no idea how you can hear me, though.~

~Maybe it has something to do with the permanent mind link between Drakan and Chosen?~ I offered. ~Grayle, can you hear us too?~

Another voice, like soft music and silk, broke in. ~I can hear all of you. This is very strange, but it is nice to speak with someone other than my Chosen. No offense to you, of course, Jezz.~

~None taken, my sweet Grayle,~ Jezz responded with warmth in her mind.

~As fascinating as this is, could we practice this more later? Dinner made me sleepy, and it's hard to sleep when you've got a party going on in your head,~ Michelle put in grouchily.

~I will work on a way to not bother you whenever I do this,~ I assured Michelle as I let go of Jezz's hands and severed the mind link. When I opened my eyes, I was staring into hers. I'd never noticed before how very green they were. “Well, it looks like that worked,” I said as I looked away.

“Ya, 'Lex, tha' could be useful,” Jezz agreed.

I let out a breath that I hadn't realized I had been holding and spoke up. “Ummm… Jezz. The first time that I read someone's mind.” I paused and took another deep breath to steel myself. “It was when I took you by the hand this morning. You were thinking about... me, I think. I swear, I didn't mean to do it! It just hit me out of nowhere; I had no control over it!”

The Cinole's emerald eyes went wide, and she blushed as she realized what the nature of those thoughts might have been. “I'm so sorry, 'Lex. I dinna wan' t' say anythin'. I was worried it would ruin our friendship.” She hung her head down and started to move away as she tried to apologize. “I should go, ya prob'ly dun wan' me too close now.”

I took her hands firmly in my own and concentrated very hard on sending to only her, hoping not to bother our sleeping companions. ~Jezz! I'm not mad at you, or uncomfortable, or anything. Please don't leave.~

~But you're the Princess, and I'm just a lower-class Healer in training,~ she thought at me frantically, backing away. I noticed that she didn't seem to share my previous concern over us not being the same species, though. ~You need to find a nice Zenin man to give you heirs.~

~What if I don't want a nice man? I think that I can decide what's best for me. I am the Princess, right? Even if I weren't your friend, you'd willingly do anything I ask?~ I sent, gripping her hands more firmly, but not tight enough to hurt her as I pulled her back toward me.

~Yes, Your Highness,~ she answered uncertainly.

~I told you to call me Alex,~ I insisted.

She sighed as uncertainty, affection, fear, and hope all swirled around in her mind. ~Alex, if you ask me, I will stay and just be your friend. I'll never try to be more to you than you want. We can forget all of this and never mention it again, we can...~

I quickly cut her off, opening my eyes to look into hers, and squeezed her hands in my own shaking ones. ~Jezz, I mean this in the nicest possible way, and I would rather not make it an order. Please shut up and kiss me.~