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Susila woke before his alarm the next morning, the clock reading 4:13. The monitor was in a new set of pajamas, provided by MADAM. He felt heavy, and soon remembered why. Reaching across his alarm clock, Susila switched on the light. What he saw caused the monitor to gasp loudly. He had gained another two and a half inches of fat overnight. That spell had certainly done its job. What was equally curious was the fact that Susila had no need of the restroom. He then remembered that the spell caused all of the food that he consumed to be processed by the spell without any waste left over.

Susila poked at his new girth curiously. His belly was remarkably soft now, at least above the muscles which could still be felt through the pudge. Susila actually caught himself enjoying his new softness, a prospect which frightened him slightly. If he enjoyed being this overweight, would he be even happier if he was even heavier?

Susila pushed that prospect away, seeing it as merely a half-sleeping dream. Still, his stomach was now uncomfortably empty, thanks to the Caloric Energy Storage spell. Susila noticed Aaron coiled up at his feet and he wondered if spirits slept. Aaron had reverted to his original form somewhat, becoming the size of a large dog with his five eyes closed. He was breathing regularly and moving very little, so Susila made the assumption that he truly was asleep.

Moving carefully, so as not to disturb Aaron, Susila switched off the bedside lamp and went into the restroom. Closing the door, Susila flicked on the light, getting a better view of himself in the mirror. He had definitely grown since he had arrived. The monitor's belly was starting to sag from its own weight, and the rest of his body was losing definition. Still, the softer look did seem to make him look less like a bouncer at a club and more like the student he was becoming. Susila felt like he was at college, gaining far more than the freshman ten.

The fact that he was starting to accept his new figure troubled Susila. The monitor sat down in the bathtub's seat, wanting some time to himself. He was becoming a wizard, his childhood dream, and the only cost was his figure, something he had never really thought of until he started to lose it. And now, he was even starting to enjoy a wider frame, a shape that most would be appalled to have. Maybe it was the magic? Did the magic make him enjoy being rounder?

Susila doubted that. Maybe it was just the novelty of being something other than lean? That seemed like a more rational explanation. Still, if he needed to be rounder to cast spells effectively, then why shouldn't he enjoy being larger?

Photine. The name came out of nowhere, but hung in Susila's mind with great weight. Susila thought back to how Photine had reacted to his binging. She seemed embarrassed to be around him whenever his gut started to poke out. And now it protruded without anything inside of it. How would she react? And why did he care?

Susila shook himself, trying to derail his own confusing train of thought. He needed a distraction. His belly growled, calling his attention back to the fact that he was hungry. He decided that food would be an excellent diversion.

"MADAM?" Susila called out quietly.

"Yes?" MADAM answered, mimicking Susila's volume.

"Would you bring me some breakfast?" Susila asked, "Bacon and eggs would be nice."

A rosy flash later and there was a plate with three strips of bacon and three fried eggs hovering in the air before Susila. The monitor ate quietly, noticing that the breakfast was rather more bland than the food that Melissa made. Susila assumed that synthesizing food must not be as precise as cooking it by hand. Still, it wasn't bad, merely not the excellence the monitor was getting used to.

Susila paused, then smiled to himself as he realized just how quickly he was adapting to an opulent lifestyle. The monitor was amused by the prospect of becoming spoiled. Shaking his head and chuckling, Susila finished his meal in silence, MADAM taking care of his dishes. With a meal in his stomach, Susila quietly went back into his room. As he made his way to his bed, he noticed that Aaron was gone, replaced by a book with a note on top. Curious, Susila picked up the note.

"Susila,

I have some business to attend to, but I'll be back by dinner. In the meantime, I would like you to study this book, maybe even practice a few spells if you have the time. Remember to cast the Caloric Energy Storage spell after each meal.

Aaron"

Susila set the note aside and picked up the book, getting comfortable in his bed. Switching the lamp back on, he read the book's title, "Low Magic for Everyday Use". Flipping through the pages, Susila took note of the plethora of utilitarian spells available, from dishwashing spells to spells for precise measurements. Focusing on spells that would be useful for completing the manor's new wing, the monitor began to learn the complex theory behind each spell.

After what seemed like only a moment, Susila's alarm went off. Looking up from the book to the clock, it took a moment for the arcane equations to quit swimming in the monitor's eyes so that he could see the time. It really was six o'clock, the past hour and a half passing with surprising speed thanks to the monitor's intense focus.

Rubbing his eyes as he closed the book, Susila stood and stretched. Getting dressed quickly, he donned his apprentice's hat and work clothes. Looking in the mirror to make sure he was presentable, Susila's face dropped when he saw his rounded figure again. Unlike yesterday, his clothes did nothing to hide his increased girth, his shirt resting against his all too obvious belly, even though his clothes resized themselves to fit his growing figure.

There was a knock at Susila's door. "Mister Flores, I'm here to take you to the study," Photine called through the door.

Susila felt his heart drop. He searched desperately for anything to hide his figure, but in the end he merely resigned himself to his fate, sighing as he opened the door.

"Good morning Mister..." Photine started, but trailed off at the sight of Susila. Recovering quicker than she had before, though Susila swore he caught a glimpse of a barely suppressed blush, Photine continued, "Mister Flores. I see you've mastered the Caloric Energy Storage spell."

Susila rubbed his neck awkwardly, noticing it was somewhat softer than he remembered. "Uh, yeah, I guess so," he answered. There was an uncomfortable pause, during which it seemed like Photine was trying not to stare at Susila's midsection, but every once in a while, her eyes would flick down, eliciting a blush from the already scarlet bird.

Susila cleared his throat, rearranging his hat. "So," he invited, "Shall we?"

Photine nodded, unwittingly causing her gaze to drop again. Before either of them could become any more embarrassed, Susila reached out and placed a hand on Photine's wing. The monitor once again took note of how Photine seemed to keep her wings tightly clamped to her sides, wondering why that was. The familiar sensation of being twisted through a hot, bright hole washed over Susila, distracting him from his curiosity, but when the light resided, it was once again raised when he and Photine were standing in the dining room, not the study.

"Oh, dear!" Photine gasped, "My mistake." As the bird took them through space again, Susila wondered how Photine had brought them to the wrong place. He was further confused when the two of them wound up in the kitchen. Melissa, who had been washing the dishes, jumped with surprise as a wave of heat washed over her. When she turned around, she smiled and curtsied to Photine and Susila in turn.

"Good morning," the bee gestured, "Here for an early breakfast?"

Photine seemed at a loss for words, so Susila spoke up. "Actually, Melissa, I was looking to try some of your tea," Susila said honestly, "What you brought to Lord Grentail the other day smelled delicious."

Melissa smiled at the compliment. "Alright, I'll make you some," she signed, "But you didn't need to come all the way to the kitchen. MADAM could've told me about your desire. Your tea will be done in five minutes." Melissa curtsied to the both of them before shooing the two servants out of the kitchen and into the dining room.

When Melissa had closed the kitchen doors behind them, Susila turned to Photine. "Are you alright?" the lizard asked, noticing that the bird was blushing so profusely that it was clearly visible through her crimson plumage.

It took a moment for Photine to find her voice before she could answer. "I...I'm fine, Mister Flores, really," she said, taking a seat and shaking her head, clearing her blush, "I just can't remember the last time I had any trouble with transportation."

Susila couldn't help but feel like his was somehow his fault. He took a seat next to the bird, unsure of how to respond to the situation. "Well," the monitor said after a moment, "We could always walk to the study. I could use the exercise!" Susila chuckled and patted his growing paunch. For some reason, a flash of worry seemed to cross Photine's face at Susila's jest, but she gave him a reassuring smile and a pat on the knee with her claw. Susila noticed again that the bird was abnormally warm, her claws almost uncomfortably hot. The lizard was finding it increasingly difficult to gauge the butler's reactions.

"Thank you for your concern, Mister Flores," Photine said gratefully, "I believe it would be best if we walked. And thank you for covering for my mistake."

Deciding to leave Photine to her thoughts, Susila nodded and remained quiet for the remainder of his wait for his tea. Within a few minutes, Melissa came bustling out of the kitchen with a cup of steaming hot tea in her hands. After she handed the cup to Susila, the cook gestured, "Here we are, one cup of black tea, mildly sweetened. Now hurry along, Lord Grentail is waiting for you two."

"Thank you, Melissa," Susila said, smiling as the cook curtsied again and buzzed back into the kitchen. Walking to the large door of the dining room, Susila made to open it with one claw.

"Mister Flores, that's-" Photine attempted to warn the lizard, but Susila was already attempting to open the door.

"Oof!" Susila grunted as he attempted to pull the door open, only managing to pull himself off balance, nearly spilling himself and his tea over.

"-heavier than it looks," Photine finished. She put a claw to her beak, suppressing a smile as Susila righted himself.

"It really is," Susila agreed, straitening his hat, "How much does this door way?"

Photine stepped forward and opened the door with a single claw. "Nearly four hundred pounds, I'd say," Photine looked to Susila with an inscrutable expression as he stared slack-jawed at the bird's strength.

Shaking his head to regain his composure, Susila stated, "You must be strong as a dragon to move such a weight so easily."

Photine said nothing, only smiled at what she knew was meant to be a compliment. Susila noticed that the bird was getting more comfortable around his increased frame. Feeling relieved for some reason, Susila smiled back to the butler and gestured out the door. "After you, Miss Emberplume," he said overly formally.

Photine giggled a bit as she led the way out of the dining room. As they walked, Susila sipped his tea, which was perfectly balanced, and once again took note of the theme of the manor. The crimson birds and emerald dragons shown in the artwork showed that the Emberplume family must have been working in this manor for centuries. Susila was impressed that Photine had painted all the art in the hall, especially the lifelike portraits of each of the manor's masters. For some reason, this fact was suddenly confusing to Susila and it took a moment for him to realize why.

"Miss Emberplume?" Susila said, walking up beside the bird, "You said you painted all of these portraits?"

Photine's expression became enigmatic once more. "Yes, Mister Flores," she answered, "Why do you ask?"

"Did you go by descriptions of the Grentail family members?" Susila asked.

"No," Photine said flatly, evidently unhappy with this line of questioning.

Taken aback by Photine's sudden curtness, Susila halted his questioning, even though he was suddenly presented with several new questions.

All too soon, the two of them were at the base of the study tower. "Why do wizards insist on putting their studies so high up?" Susila sighed as he started up the stairs. Photine smiled and shook her head, following Susila.

With his increased baggage, Susila found himself tiring much more quickly than the last time he had climbed these stairs. When they were halfway up, Susila was wheezing profusely. "Let's take a rest," Photine suggested, not showing any evidence of fatigue. Susila stopped and nodded, bent over with his claws on his knees as he panted out his excess heat, not trusting his voice. Photine appeared concerned before a resolute expression appeared on her face.

Turning her side to Susila, Photine ordered, "Put your claw on my wing."

Susila caught his voice and looked up to Photine. "You sure?" he asked.

Photine nodded. "I know what the problem was," she stated, "I've overcome it."

"Good enough for me," Susila said, finally catching his breath and placing his hand on Photine's wing. Once more, Susila was pulled through a hot hole in space. Thankfully, the lizard was greeted by the sight of Lord Grentail's study.

Lord Grentail was muzzle-deep in a tome the size of a dining table when they arrived, the dragon holding up the heavy tome single-clawed as he sipped from a teacup. Susila could make out words on the book's cover, but they were in a language he didn't recognize. It seemed to take a moment for him to realize he wasn't alone, or perhaps he was just reluctant to put the tome down, but after a minute, Lord Grentail looked up from his reading with his typical smile as Susila sat across from him.

"Good morning, Mister Flores," Lord Grentail greeted, "I see you've got the hang of Caloric Energy Storage. Rather quickly, too, if I might mention. Usually it takes apprentices a few days of practice before they can cast a spell for the first time. It seems you have potential, Mister Flores!"

"Thank you, sir," Susila said gratefully, "What is that you're reading?" Lord Grentail didn't seem to notice that he was late.

Lord Grentail set the heavy tome on the desk gently, eliciting a strained groan from the desk's wooden legs. Before Susila could marvel at the dragon's strength, Grentail indicated the foreign writing.

"This is our lesson for today," Lord Grentail began, "Learning the Spiritual language. Many tomes of arcane theory were written by spirits or those who learned from them, so mastering this language is crucial for any wizard. With Mors' help, we should cover quite a lot of material."

"I'll leave you two to it," Photine said, "If I am excused, my Lord."

"Of course, Miss Emberplume," Lord Grentail said, "You are excused." As Photine disappeared in a hot flash of light, the dragon seemed to come to a sudden realization. "Wait a moment," Grentail said, "Where is Aaron?"

Susila shrugged. "He left a note this morning saying he had business to take care of," the monitor explained.

Lord Grentail leaned back in his chair, pulling out his pipe. "Well, this is rather inconvenient," the dragon stated, placing some herbs into the mouth of his pipe and lighting it, "I suppose I'll have to come up with a different lesson for today."

The smell of cinnamon wafted over Susila as the dragon took a long draw from his pipe. "Why don't we start on the Spiritual language without Aaron?" Susila asked.

Lord Grentail exhaled a thin line of reddish-brown smoke before answering. "Because I'm a little rusty," the dragon admitted with a sheepish grin, "Between you and me, I've been neglecting my studies on the subject. A teacher of a language ought to be fluent in the language he is teaching, wouldn't you agree?" Lord Grentail winked at Susila as he took another draw from his pipe.

Susila nodded, conceding the sense in the dragon's words. "Do you have another lesson in mind, then?" the monitor asked, then added, "My Lord."

Lord Grentail smiled at Susila's changing mannerisms. Tapping his pipe against his chin, the dragon took a moment to make a decision. "What has Aaron had you working on?" Lord Grentail asked.

"Besides this?" Susila asked dryly, indicating his paunch, "Well, he left me with a copy of Low Magic for Everyday Use when he left this morning."

Lord Grentail nodded. "Then let's work on that, shall we?" the dragon snapped his fingers, causing the book to appear on the desk.

That morning was spent memorizing arcane formulae and practicing simple spells. Susila learned how to cause light objects to ascend and descend in the air, and even how to call small items to him. Susila took note of how these spells would help him during his construction work, wondering if this was a deliberate effort on Lord Grentail's behalf.

By the time the lesson was over, Susila could feel the effects that using magic had on his stamina. Even levitating a five pound weight caused him to pant lightly. Lord Grentail assured Susila that this fatigue would be lessened with practice.

Just as Lord Grentail was about to wrap up his latest lesson, they were interrupted. "Lord Grentail," MADAM said, "A messenger from the Sotherlinds has arrived at the gate. I am escorting him to the door."

Lord Grentail frowned, the expression seeming out of place on the dragon's pudgy face. "I wasn't expecting a message," he said plainly as he extinguished his pipe, "Mister Flores, we're done for today. MADAM, would you summon Photine for me?"

A moment later, Photine appeared in a flash. "Lord Grentail?" she inquired.

"Escort Mister Flores to the construction site," the dragon ordered, "When you're done, please escort me to the front door."

Photine nodded as Susila stood and placed his hand on her wing. A moment later, they were standing at the dug up bed and before Susila could thank her, Photine was gone. Wondering at Lord Grentail's urgency, Susila shrugged and rolled up his sleeves, feeling that his arms hadn't yet begun to lose their definition.

With MADAM's help, Susila began laying the foundation for the new wing. The day passed uneventfully, Melissa bringing lunch when it was noon. The gardener didn't even pay Susila a visit.

Early on in the afternoon, Photine emerged from the manor. "Mister Flores, you're done for the day," she announced, "Lord Grentail would like to see you."

Susila wiped the cement off his hands. "Isn't it a bit early to call it a day?" the monitor asked, making his way over to Photine.

Photine nodded, heading back into the manor when Susila reached her. "Usually it would be," she acknowledged as the monitor walked beside her, "However, Lord Grentail has received some news that he needs to discuss with you."

Before he could think better of it, Susila asked, "What kind of news?"

Photine smiled to the monitor. "News from our homeland," she said, "You'll have to hear it from Lord Grentail himself."

Susila nodded, not pressing further. As he walked beside her, Susila once again noticed Photine's almost unearthly grace and poise. He also observed that the bird was radiating a subtle heat, something he hadn't noticed before. The warmth felt good to the cold blooded monitor, but he wondered if Photine was feeling well. Such a high temperature would usually indicate a fever, but the crimson bird didn't seem ill at all.

Before he could ask if Photine was alright, she suddenly turned to a door across from the dining room. As she pushed it open, Susila saw Lord Grentail sitting across a desk from what appeared to be a cross between a Bestiamorphic lion and an eagle. It took a moment, but Susila remembered reading about gryphons during his cultural studies classes. He had to tell himself not to stare, no matter how intriguing the gryphon's hybrid form was.

"Ah, there you are, Mister Flores," Lord Grentail greeted, "Mister Adler, allow me to introduce Mister Susila Flores, our newest employee. Mister Flores, this is Mister Leonhard Adler, a messenger from the Sotherlinds Council."

Susila extended his claw to the gryphon, who took it in his talon. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Leonhard said.

"Likewise," Susila said, noticing how sharp the gryphon's talons were, despite his gentle grip.

Releasing Susila's claw, Leonhard turned back to Lord Grentail. "I assume the Council can trust you with this task," the gryphon stated.

Lord Grentail retrieved his pipe from his robes. "Of course, Mister Adler," Lord Grentail answered, lighting his pipe and filling the room with the aroma of citrus fruits, "Tell the Council that it will be done within a fortnight. Oh, and do give Lady Kyubi my regards."

Leonhard nodded as he rose up on all fours. "I shall inform the Council," he said, turning to leave. As he passed Photine and Susila, he nodded to them, saying, "Miss Emberplume, Mister Flores."

Photine nodded in return, and Susila followed her example. As Photine made to escort the gryphon to the front door, he shook his head and said, "I know my way, Miss Emberplume."

"Of course, Mister Adler," Photine said, turning back to Lord Grentail.

After a moment, Lord Grentail said, "Well, take a seat, Mister Flores."

Susila nodded, taking the seat the gryphon just left. Lord Grentail took a draw from his pipe before he started. "It seems it's time for me to earn my pay once more, Mister Flores," the dragon began, "The Sotherlind Archaeological Research Foundation has discovered some ruins in the Drakenwood. There are powerful enchantments in place at the ruins that have prevented access to the team sent to investigate them, so the Council has asked that I aid in the research being done there. Of course, this has presented me with a slight problem," Lord Grentail paused to take another draw from hid pipe before continuing, "That problem being you, Mister Flores."

Taken aback, it took Susila a moment to find his voice. "Me?" the lizard asked, unable to form a more intelligent response.

Lord Grentail reached forward and patted Susila on the shoulder reassuringly, the massive dragon's strength evident even in this gentle gesture. "It's no fault of your own, Mister Flores," the dragon said, "Rather one I brought upon myself. You see, on the one hand, I need you here to continue work on the manor's new wing. On the other hand, this is an excellent opportunity for my new pupil to join me in what is sure to be fascinating research. I find that I simply cannot decide whether you would better serve me here or at my side. So, I've decided to leave to decision to you." Taking a last breath from his pipe, Lord Grentail snuffed it out with a claw and stowed it in his robe, then waited for Susila's answer.

Susila hesitated before answering. He wondered if this was some sort of test. The lizard felt torn between his sense of duty to finish what he had started and his desire to learn more about magic. As Lord Grentail had said, he needed Susila here working on the construction of the manor. But both of them desired for Susila to accompany the dragon on his research expedition.

Susila suddenly had his answer. "Lord Grentail," the monitor stated resolutely, "This manor isn't going anywhere. But these ruins you mentioned sound like a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about magic. So, I request that you take me with you on your research expedition."

Lord Grentail grinned widely. "That's the answer I was hoping for, Mister Flores," the dragon said jovially, "We'll leave tomorrow. MADAM, prepare Mister Flores' luggage and tell Tawny to see me when she wakes up. Oh, and tell Melissa not to worry about dinner tonight, I'll be eating in my study. Mister Flores, you may have the rest of the day off. Get some rest for the trip. Photine, please escort me to the tower."

"Of course, my Lord," Photine answered, positioning herself at Lord Grentail's side. Once the dragon had placed his claw on the bird's wing, the two of them disappeared in a flash, leaving Susila alone.

Feeling awkward from his sudden isolation, Susila got up and stretched. "Looks like you have quite the day ahead of you tomorrow."

Susila yelped and jumped away from the voice before he recognized it. "Aaron!" the monitor shouted, "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

The five-eyed serpent grinned sheepishly from the arm of the chair that Susila had just been sitting in. "Sorry," Aaron apologized, "Fear isn't an emotion I completely understand. Forgive me for startling you."

Susila took a deep breath to calm himself before he sat back down next to Aaron. "So where were you all day?" The monitor asked.

"Visiting an old friend," Aaron answered, "Which is saying a lot, coming from a retired spirit!"

Susila chuckled softly. He had nearly forgotten that Aaron was a spirit. "So, what kind of spirit are you, Aaron?" the monitor asked."

The violet serpent's face darkened. "I prefer to keep that to myself," he said flatly.

Taken aback, Susila wondered if he had offended Aaron. "Sorry," he apologized.

Aaron shook his head. "It's alright," he reassured the lizard, "Now, how did you like that book I left you?"

Susila smiled. "See for yourself," he said plainly, concentrating on a quill that was lying on the table. The monitor went through the arcane formula in his head and muttered a few words, causing the quill to rise slowly into the air. The expenditure of energy drew on Susila's reserves causing his stomach to growl. Suddenly aware of how hungry he was, the lizard let the quill drop.

Aaron smiled. "Very good, Susila!" the spirit praised his pupil, "Very good. You are quick to master. But I see that you need to work on your endurance."

Susila nodded, standing. "I'm going to see if Melissa will make me dinner," he stated.

Aaron rose as well, suddenly just as tall as Susila, and much longer. "That's good," he said, slithering beside Susila as he walked, "Have you been casting the Caloric Energy Storage spell after each meal?"

Susila felt himself blush for apparently no reason. "I forgot," he responded, rubbing the back of his neck and smiling sheepishly at his familiar.

Aaron frowned. "Well," he started, "We'll just have to make up for that at dinner, won't we?"

Susila didn't like the sound of that. When they reached the large doors of the dining room, Susila reached out to open them, when he remembered how heavy they were. "Aaron, would you...?" the monitor began.

Aaron nodded, wrapping his tail around the handle of the door and pulling it open. "After you," the spirit said.

As they entered the dining room, Susila heard a buzzing sound. Not an unpleasant buzzing, but rather reminiscent of a cross between a cloud of insects and a violin quartet. The unlikely combination was beautiful to hear, and it came from the kitchen. Walking quietly to the open door, Susila saw Melissa dancing softly through the air, her eyes closed as she glided gracefully through her kitchen. Susila realized that the sound was coming from the bee's four wings, each buzzing in harmony. The monitor wondered at the pudgy little chef's grace as she continued to dance through the air as she sang with her wings. Susila saw that the bee was gesturing in her language as she danced, but no voice was being manifested from her gestures.

After a few minutes of this, Melissa landed, facing away from Susila and Aaron. Susila began applauding, causing the little bee to jump and whirl around.

"Oh, Mister Flores, Mister Mortis!" the Melissa gestured, "How long have you been standing there?"

Susila smiled. "Long enough to know that you are an amazing dancer and," Susila hesitated, looking for the right word, "Singer?"

Melissa blushed. "Oh, you silly!" she said, "That wasn't a dance! That was a recipe."

Susila looked at the chef, confused. "I was practicing my craft in my head," Melissa explained, "Gathering the ingredients and mixing them together. The reason I can make a good meal with the speed that I do is because I practice like this daily, so that I know my kitchen inside and out."

Aaron chuckled. "And woe betide the one who moves something in here without the chef's permission!" he laughed.

Melissa joined the spirit in his mirth, leaving Susila feeling slightly left out. "Sorry," Aaron said, "Inside joke."

Susila nodded. "And what about the singing?" the monitor asked, "Was that like a list of ingredients?"

Melissa giggled. "No, I just like to hum while I'm alone," she stated, "I'm used to being around people who speak audibly, so silence feels a little lonely."

"Oh, I see," Susila said.

Aaron cleared his throat. "Anyway, Melissa," the spirit started, "We were wondering if you would make Susila some dinner." Susila nodded in agreement

Melissa smiled excitedly. "Of course!" she gestured happily, "I'd love something to do! So, what would you like? If you can name it, I can make it!"

Susila hesitated. With such a wealth of choice, the monitor had no idea where to start. He glanced over to Aaron, who chuckled at the lizard's indecision. "He'll have honey glazed venison with a side of ham, also glazed," the spirit ordered, and before Susila could protest, he finished with, "And a whole fat milkshake. Oh, and supersize that order."

Melissa nodded, then ushered them out of the kitchen. When the door closed, Susila looked at Aaron with a mixture of irritation and disbelief. The spirit shrugged, an impressive feat without shoulders, and said flatly, "You were the one who forgot to store your calories. I'm just keeping you on schedule, my wizardly pupil." Aaron reached around and playfully pinched Susila's pudgy side with his tail, causing him to yelp in surprise.

"Aaron!" Susila hissed irritably. The spirit simply laughed good-naturedly, pulling out the nearest chair for the monitor.

"Have a seat, Susila," Aaron said, "I want us to go over what you've learned while we wait."

Still mildly irritated, Susila nevertheless did as he was told. "You weren't nearly this sporadic yesterday," the monitor grumbled.

Aaron chuckled. "You'll find that the more I get to know a person, the more playful towards them I become," he explained, "Now, let's review..."

The next half an hour was spent going over what Lord Grentail had taught Susila that morning. The mathematical properties of each spell seemed less important to the lizard's familiar, who focused more on the state of mind and emotion needed for spellcasting. Susila started to notice how the two different teaching styles complimented each other, and he began to understand why Lord Grentail had asked Aaron to join in his teaching.

Before long, Melissa came bustling out of the kitchen with her cart once more. After a blur of activity, Susila's meal was set up before him. He thanked Melissa once more before the chef returned to her kitchen.

Looking at the massive meal I front of him, Susila was overcome by the odd feeling of being famished and feeling full just looking at all he would have to eat. Susila glanced pleadingly at Aaron.

The spirit smiled pleasantly. "Just go slowly," he reassured his student, "You're going to need this energy for your research, anyways."

Susila looked back to his meal and sighed in resignation. Letting the overwhelmingly delicious aroma rekindle his appetite, Susila dug in.

An hour later, Susila was lying in his bed, groaning in concert with his overfilled stomach, which rose a full foot above his heaving chest, completely blocking his view of his bedroom door.

"Tell me again why I'm supposed to hold off on casting the Caloric Energy Storage spell?" the monitor asked blearily.

Aaron, coiled up next to his student's belly and once again the size of a housecat, smiled reassuringly. "You need to let your stomach stretch a little before you empty it all at once," he repeated patiently, using a coil to massage Susila's side, "You're on your way to becoming a wizard, so you'll need all the caloric energy you can get, and increasing your stomach's capacity with help you with that."

Susila groaned again. He couldn't help but wonder whether becoming a wizard was worth this much discomfort. Not to mention embarrassment, he thought as the image of a blushing Photine flickered in and out of his thoughts.

Aaron glanced at the clock on Susila's nightstand, patting his pupil's stomach gently. "Alright, Susila," the spirit said, "You can cast it, now."

Susila praised every spirit whose name he knew, except Aaron's. With a muttering of the spell's rhyme, the monitor was relieved when the spell worked the first time he attempted it. As he drifted off to sleep from the expenditure of energy, Susila heard Aaron's voice.

"Impressive. Even half asleep, he can still use magic..."