“Please, you would be much faster than me. Old age you see, and I-” He waffled on for a bit, but I wasn’t listening. Noah wanted wine. I would take it to him. My stomach churned excitedly.
“-already had a bit to drink already though so I don’t see why he needs more. He keeps parading me up and down the stairs, demanding more wine, like I haven’t got better things to do. Haven’t had a chance to get away until I saw you. So off you pop. Why are you still here? Go, go.” Charles waved me away.
“Oh, yes. Of course.” And I hurried back down the stairs.
The wine wasn’t kept in the kitchen, but there was a door that led off to the cellars where isle upon isle of ancient wines was stacked. Charles hadn’t told me what to get exactly, so I picked up the first bottle of dusty red wine I could see. It was missing several bottles next to it so I assumed Charles had taken the other ones for Noah.
I rushed from the room and up the stairs, a little worn out from all the hurrying.
All too soon I was standing outside Noah’s door, my heart thumping wildly. Holding my breath I knocked timidly on the door.
“Yes, yes, come in!” a harsh voice called.
I jumped slightly but entered cautiously peering through the door rather unsure. I stepped into the candle lit room and gave a small bow, but Noah was not looking. He was sitting on the bed, his back to me, facing the open window and staring out of it as though deep in thought. I saw several empty bottles piled on his work desk.
“C’mon man, what are you waiting for?” Noah said angrily, turning around to cast me an angry stare.
His face was livid and severe. It took him several moments before he realised that I was not Charles. He dropped his irritated expression and it fell into a look of surprise. He jumped up from the bed as though he had been electrocuted. I had to admit that his glare was quite intimidating, and changed his whole appearance. I had felt a shiver of fear as his eyes had pierced my own.
“Avalon Redding.” He frowned as he said the name, “I thought you were Charles.”
“I-I’m sorry sir.” I gulped noisily. I hope he didn’t notice the way my voice shook. He had remembered my name.
“No, no.” He seemed to stagger around the bed as he made his way to the middle of the room, “Sincerest apologies, miss. I didn’t mean to be so harsh. If I had but known-”
“It’s all right, sir.” I flushed and held up the wine.
Noah looked at the wine in my hands then at his work desk littered with empty bottles.
“Perhaps I would not have been so offensive if I were not affected by the large amount of wine I have already consumed.” He gave a sigh before turning to the desk and resting his hands upon the back of his chair.
I stood there awkwardly, shifting my weight nervously from foot to foot. All was silent for a moment before-
“I wasn’t always like this.” Noah said, still not looking at me.
I kept very still and silent.
“A glass of wine with dinner, or for celebrations.” He continued as though I was not there, “Please do not judge me for tonight.”
I licked my dry lips anxiously, “Of course not, sir.” I mumbled, “It’s not my place.”
Noah stood straight and pondered for a moment, “Would you please dispose of these bottles, Avalon Redding?” He asked. A perfect gentleman, my heart fluttered. I enjoyed the way my name rolled from his tongue so easily.
I hurried forwards and collected all the bottles into my arms. As I picked them up, the back of my hand lightly brushed against Noah’s forearm. He jumped slightly.
“I’m sorry.” I mumbled.
“You’re burning up.” He seemed genuinely concerned.
I remembered that Noah Forsythe was not aware of my Power, nor had he seen me light any fires. The only time I had performed my Power near him was when I heated his bath on that first day. Perhaps he had not thought to question why he had hot water waiting for him.
“It’s nothing.” I said stepping back, my arms laden with empty bottles.
He frowned at me and put the back of his hand to my forehead, “A normal Mage would be dead if they had a temperature that high. Maybe you can get that healer kid to-”
“Jack,” I corrected, my legs beginning to shake violently, “he has better things to do. Besides, I’ve always been like this, sir.”
Noah dropped his hand. He seemed aware that I was shaking for the bottles were clinking jerkily in my arms. After a moment he seemed to understand, “Oh but of course.” He smiled crookedly, “The bath …”
“Yes, sir.”
From this close proximity I could smell the wine on his breath strongly, though it was not repugnant. It was sweet and warm and made me feel dizzy. I also noticed how tall he was; at least over six foot. He positively towered over my five foot four inches. My eyes were level with his wide chest.
“A Fire-Mage, I’m guessing?” He said as a smile played his lips.
I nodded nervously, keeping my eyes averted from his face.