fine. I am involved in a lot of paperwork and guiding visitors around the Museum telling them about magic exhibits».
«You have mentioned that your father is a doctor. Is he here in London?»
«No, my parents live in Scotland. In the village of Slitrent. They haven’t yet got used to the open life, even though my Dad also heals non-magicians. I can’t persuade them to move to London. By the way, tomorrow I’m going to visit them».
«I am planning to spend the entire day over the course books tomorrow…»
«I do sympathize with you».
«Have you found out about the joust yet?»
«Yes, I have. The playoffs are to start this coming Autumn. I am allowed to practice so far. They will supply me with all the needed ammunition and equipment. I have already signed up for next Saturday».
«Great! What hour? May I come and see?»
«Definitely! At one p.m. I shall be most delighted to have you as my fan! Nonetheless, I have to care for my own equipment. Hopefully, my parents will back me up in this respect».
«Sure they will! Apart from that, you may apply to the Magistrate for aid. After all, you are one of their staff members».
«That’s right. But I am not going to contact the Magistrate for that. This is everyone’s personal issue».
«Whatsoever. My father applies for loans there and gets them at advantageous conditions. He is highly appreciated and respected by his boss – the Second Master».
Ted smiled, but preferred not to say a word. Rumors are in the air that the Second Master has long been striving to hold the First Master’s office. Furthermore, he was allegedly eager to be the only one, although until presently he had not had much success. Ted wondered if Alice’s father was somehow helping him out in that aspiration. Nothing doing – each and every one makes his ambitious dreams come true to the best of their manners and the way their conscience prompts them.
The supper was over. Ted paid for the bill and they stepped outside.
«Would you like to go for a stroll?» – Ted suggested.
«It would be my pleasure».
Ted felt himself at home next to Alice, yet also a bit awkward by far. He was weighing, whether or not it was about time he embraced her. They walked down the street. There was a cool breeze. Ted took off his jacket and covered Alice’s shoulders with it. She smiled.
«You are so gallant! It’s a pity we communicated so little back at school!»
«I also wish we communicated more. I always thought of coming up to you, but… I never dared,» – Ted got embarrassed.
«Better late than never,» – Alice said meaningfully.
These words of hers made Ted’s heart beat faster. Did she also like him?
They walked for another couple of minutes. The wind got stronger and the first raindrops fell down from the sky.
«Rain,» – Alice pronounced with disappointment. «Ted, you might catch a cold».
«Don’t worry! I am not cold and your dress is made of a very thin fabric. I would never forgive myself if you fall ill!»
«Let’s part then. It’s not that pleasant to walk in the rain».
«You’re absolutely right. When shall I see you again?»
«Are you willing to see me again?» – Alice asked coquettishly.
«Certainly! I feel well when you’re by my side».
«Then we’ll stay in touch. I’ll find spare time. I don’t study twenty-four hours, after all. Don’t forget that on Saturday I shall watch you during your practice!»
«Of course! How could I possibly forget that?»
«Then see you around!»
«Bye, Alice, thanks for this unforgettable evening!»
«Thank you. I may move away from here with the help of the portal-ring, mayn’t I? Or should I call the gate? I haven’t got accustomed yet that I have my own portal».
«In order to move from here you don’t need the gate at all.»
«Thanks, Ted!»
Alice kissed him on the cheek, pressed her ring gem and disappeared. Ted stood for a while; then he also pressed his gem and got back home.
Once he stepped over the threshold there was a phone ring. Ted answered – his friend Jeffrey was calling.
«Hi, Ted! Hopefully, I didn’t wake you up. I kept calling you, but you weren’t available. Then I recollected that you were together with Alice».
«That’s right. I have just come in».
«Are you alone?» – Jeffrey asked meaningfully.
«Sure, I am. What did you think about?»
«Well, I thought you invited her for a cup of coffee».
«C’mon, Jeffrey! What coffee at night? Besides, this was our first date»
«I’m kidding, Ted, just kidding! How was it?»
«Terrific. We had supper in the restaurant «At the Three Magicians’" and talked much. And… Jeff, she seems to like me, too…»
«Why not, Ted? I can give the names of several girls from school who also like you».
«Can you? Why haven’t you given them before?»
«Well, you wouldn’t like them. Besides, you doted on Alice, bud. Did you agree to meet again?»
«Absolutely. Next Saturday at the practice».
«What kind of practice?»
«Ah, I haven’t updated you yet! This morning I signed up for the playoff match of the magician knights’ joust. There is a chance to practice».
«Oh, sounds great! What you need now is your own equipment. On top of all the other necessary things».
«Yes, I can rent for the practice, but at the playoff I must be totally equipped with my own garb and ammunition. Tomorrow I shall be at my parents’ though. I’m going to apply for their financial aid».
«As for me, I know where you can get hold of everything you’re in need for. Pretty cheap.»
«Really? Excellent! Will you come with me to the practice?»
«Wish I could. But the least I would like to do is to disturb your date with Alice».
«But you won’t disturb!»
«Fine. I shall
