Chapter 1: The Dream
Wilde sat cross-legged on her bed, her small room filled with posters of magicians and newspaper clippings about spectacular shows. Her favorite was a vibrant poster of Asher and Lincoln, the legendary paper magicians. She sighed, her heart aching with longing as she traced the bold letters of their names.
Wilde had always been fascinated by magic. From the first time she saw a simple card trick at a village fair, she was hooked. Every show she attended only fueled her desire to become a magician herself. She spent hours practicing sleight of hand and illusion tricks, her small hands nimble and quick. But no matter how many tricks she mastered, she knew she needed more. She needed to learn from the best.
"One day, I'll be up there," she whispered to herself, her eyes sparkling with determination. "One day, everyone will know my name."
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. Her mother, a kind woman with gentle eyes and a warm smile, peeked in.
"Wilde, dinner's ready," she said, her voice soft.
"Coming, Mom," Wilde replied, reluctantly leaving her dreams behind as she joined her family at the dinner table.
That evening, as they sat together eating, Wilde couldn't stop thinking about Asher and Lincoln. She had heard so many stories about their incredible paper magic—how Asher could turn paper into birds that flew around the stage and then transform them into tiny pixies, and how Lincoln could create a paper carpet that carried him through the air. She had to see them perform in person.
"Mom, Dad, I've been thinking," Wilde began, her voice tentative.
"I want to see Asher and Lincoln perform. They're coming to the neighboring town next week.
Can I go?"
Her parents exchanged a worried glance. Her father, a stern but loving man, cleared his throat.
"Wilde, it's a long journey. And expensive. We can't afford it right now," he said, his tone firm but regretful.
"I know, but... this is my dream," Wilde pleaded. "I've been saving up from my odd jobs. I have enough for the trip. Please, let me go. Just this once."
Her mother reached across the table and took Wilde's hand.
"We understand how much this means to you, Wilde. But it's not just the money. It's a dangerous journey for a young girl to make alone."
"I can handle it," Wilde insisted, her eyes shining with determination.
"I'll be careful. And I'll come back with stories of the most amazing magic you've ever heard of."
Her parents were silent for a long moment. Finally, her father sighed and nodded.
"Alright, Wilde. If this is truly what you want, we'll support you. Just promise us you'll be careful."
Wilde's heart leapt with joy.
"I promise! Thank you, thank you so much!"
The following week, Wilde packed her bags with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Her parents gave her final words of caution and love before she set off on her journey. The neighboring town was a few days' walk away, and she had saved enough for a few nights' stay and a ticket to see the legendary magicians.
As she walked along the dirt road, the scenery changed from rolling hills to dense forests. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows and filling the air with the sounds of nocturnal creatures. Despite the growing darkness, Wilde's excitement kept her moving forward.
On the second day, she encountered a small group of travelers heading in the same direction. They shared stories and laughter, and Wilde found herself relaxing in their company. One of the travelers, a kind older woman named Elara, took a special interest in Wilde.
"So, what brings you to the neighboring town, dear?" Elara asked as they walked.
"I'm going to see Asher and Lincoln, the paper magicians," Wilde replied, her eyes shining with excitement.
"I want to be a magician myself one day, and seeing them perform is a dream come true."
Elara smiled warmly.
"That's a wonderful dream, Wilde. I hope it comes true for you."
The group arrived in town just as the sun was setting on the third day. The town was bustling with excitement, with posters of Asher and Lincoln plastered everywhere. Wilde could feel the energy in the air, and her heart raced with anticipation.
The night of the performance, Wilde dressed in her best outfit and made her way to the grand circus tavern where the show was being held. The tavern was packed with people, all eagerly awaiting the start of the performance. Wilde found a spot near the front, her eyes wide with wonder.
The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. A spotlight illuminated the stage, and with a flourish, Asher appeared, dressed in a dapper suit with a top hat. The audience erupted in applause, and Wilde's heart skipped a beat.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Asher began, his voice smooth and captivating.
"Prepare to be amazed by the wonders of paper magic."
With a flick of his wrist, Asher produced a sheet of paper and folded it swiftly into the shape of a bird. He blew on it gently, and the paper bird took flight, soaring around the room to the gasps and cheers of the audience. Wilde watched in awe as the bird transformed mid-air into a flock of tiny pixies that fluttered around the tavern, leaving trails of shimmering dust.
Asher's eyes scanned the crowd, and for a moment, they locked with Wilde's. He gave her a small, knowing smile before returning his attention to the performance. Wilde felt her cheeks flush, her heart pounding in her chest.
Next, Lincoln appeared, standing on a grand paper carpet that floated above the stage. He waved his hands, and the carpet carried him gracefully through the air, drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. As Lincoln soared above them, his eyes met Wilde's, and he seemed momentarily captivated by her presence.
With a mischievous grin, Lincoln guided the carpet down towards Wilde.
"May I have the honor of your company, fair lady?" he asked, extending a hand to her.
Wilde hesitated for a moment, her heart racing, before accepting his hand. The crowd cheered as Lincoln helped her onto the carpet, and together they soared above the tavern, the world below a blur of lights and colors.
As they floated back to the stage, Lincoln whispered,
"What's your name?"
"Wilde," she replied, breathless with excitement.
"Well, Wilde, I hope you enjoy the rest of the show," Lincoln said with a wink, setting her gently back on the ground.
The performance continued, each act more incredible than the last. Wilde was spellbound, completely entranced by the magic unfolding before her eyes. By the end of the show, she was more determined than ever to become a magician.
As the audience began to disperse, Wilde lingered, hoping for a chance to speak with Asher and Lincoln. To her surprise, they approached her, both looking equally intrigued.
"Hello, Wilde," Asher said, his voice warm and inviting.
"We couldn't help but notice how captivated you were by the performance."
Lincoln nodded.
"You have a certain spark in your eyes. Are you interested in magic?"
"Yes, very much so," Wilde replied eagerly.
"It's my dream to become a magician. I've practiced for years, but I've never seen anything like what you do."
Asher and Lincoln exchanged a glance, then turned back to Wilde.
"How would you like to learn from us?" Asher asked. "We could use an apprentice with your passion and determination."
Wilde's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Really? You'd teach me?"
Lincoln grinned.
"Of course. We see great potential in you. Besides, it's always nice to have a fresh perspective."
Tears of joy welled up in Wilde's eyes.
"Thank you, thank you so much! I promise I'll work hard and learn everything I can."
"Welcome to the team, Wilde," Asher said, extending a hand.
Wilde shook his hand, then Lincoln's, her heart soaring with happiness. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one filled with magic, adventure, and the promise of becoming the magician she had always dreamed of being.
As they walked together through the now-empty tavern, Asher and Lincoln began to share stories of their own journeys into the world of magic. Wilde listened intently, absorbing every word.
"Asher was always the natural," Lincoln said with a playful nudge.
"He could make paper dance before he could walk."
"And Lincoln was the creative one," Asher added with a smile.
"He always found new and exciting ways to use paper magic."
Wilde laughed, feeling an instant bond with her new mentors.
"I can't wait to learn from both of you."
Asher's eyes twinkled with amusement.
"Oh, you'll learn, Wilde. We'll make sure of that."
And so, Wilde's journey into the world of magic truly began. With Asher and Lincoln as her guides, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident that she was one step closer to achieving her dream.
The next morning, Wilde awoke with a sense of purpose. She met Asher and Lincoln at the tavern, where they had set up a small practice area for her. The brothers were already deep in discussion about the day's lessons.
"Good morning, Wilde," Asher greeted her with a smile.
"Ready for your first lesson?"
Wilde nodded eagerly.
"Absolutely. What will we be learning today?"
"We'll start with the basics," Lincoln explained, handing her a sheet of paper.
"Paper manipulation is the foundation of our magic. You'll need to master folding, cutting, and shaping paper before we move on to more advanced techniques.