Bibrid, Gikka, and Lilbit meet Wraithvine's new associate, Zygorguk. Lilbit is actually the one that is least hesitant about the first meeting. Cats can just tell.
https://peakd.com/fiction/@internutter/challenge-04028-k010-orphaned-plotline-adoption -- Anon Guest
[AN: Continuity wise, Zygorguk pre-dates Gikka and Lilbit... But I can make it work]
On the side of a mountain is an old, gnarled tree. It's so tall that clouds catch in its upper branches. Advanced students weave them into treats for the novices. The hollows are large enough for spacious mansion-like rooms, and that is deliberate. The knotted, gnarled, enormous tree is a Mountain Ygdrassi, a tree made to be a house for a huge family. Perhaps even a village.
It's now the centrepoint of a school.
Welcome to Highbranch Omnimagic Academy. Where anyone with a magical talent can learn to hone their abilities. Refined schools like Swinbrau sneer downwards at it, because they will teach anyone. Even Hellkin and Halfbreds. Further, gossip has it that the headmaster is an Imp, direct from the Plane of Torment. This is only halfway true.
The Imp Zygorguk has been in the Mortal Plane for far longer than many would believe. He has outlived more than a few mortal headmasters that had given him cover as a Wizard's Imp. The students have had it all figured out for a millennium or more, and have also worked out that the Imp was no longer evil.
"What are we doing here?" wondered Gikka.
"Visiting an old friend," said Wraithvine. "In the meantime, Bibrid can talk to the spellcrafters here. They're fascinated with every means of healing, and will respect any need you bring up. Even if that need is being left to your own devices."
Half the student body working in the grounds cheered, "Wraithvine! It's Wraithvine! Ze's back!"
"Wow," muttered Gikka. "It's not often you get recognised like this."
"I have friends here," said Wraithvine, as if that explained everything.
That friend launched himself from some of the upper-branch offices. Wings wide so he could spiral down and into the immortal Elf's arms. Landing in a laughing hug.
Just one among the many small miracles that helped deify Wraithvine in the eyes of others.
[Photo by Marko Blažević on Unsplash]
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