A Touch of Magic

As Kenza stepped into the house, she was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Kenza, dear! Please come here. I have a surprise for you!" The words drifted to Kenza, light and melodic like the notes of an instrument.

Immediately, the girl perked up and broke into a run, flinging her sunshine yellow slip-ons in the process. Following the voice's source, Kenza quickly made it to the living room.

"Ah, there you are. And eager as ever, I see," Kenza's grandmother let out a soft chuckle, beaming at the young girl.

"Grandma Harpe!" Kenza shouted as she rushed to the couch, and into said woman's waiting arms. "It's so great to see you again!"

Harpe gave the girl a soft squeeze before leaning back, and staring into lime green eyes expectantly. "Well, dear. I had to be here for such a special day! Like I said, I have a surprise for you."

Kenza's entire face lit up, shining with barely contained excitement. "Ooh, a surprise? What is it? Can I see it? Please, please, please!"

With a gentle laugh, Harpe gripped her granddaughter's trembling arm. "Okay, okay. Calm down, dear. Of course, you can see it. Be careful, though. Your new friend might be a bit on edge." The woman slid a small cardboard box over, slowly lifting the lid up. As she did, a black muzzle cautiously rose with it.

Kenza gazed in complete awe, her mouth gaping open. Then, the creature fully emerged, and simultaneously, the girl's heart filled with warmth. Lovely fur, dark as a raven's feather. Thin ivory whiskers billowing around a mewling mouth. Bright amber orbs peeking out with a mixture of curiosity and timidity.

Baffled, Kenza stood stock still, locking eyes with the tiny creature. "Grandma...I-Is this my…?" The girl was so taken aback, her voice emerged as a mere whisper.

Serene smile in place, Harpe gazed at the youngling, and with a slight nod, she answered, "Yes, dear. This little creature will be your familiar. Now, go on, come meet them."

Ever so carefully, Kenza crouched down toward the little mass of fur. When the two were at eye level, she slowly reached a hand out, and with a few delicate sniffs, the kitten investigated. Afterwards, a petite coral pink tongue flicked from the cats mouth, running along Kenza's outstretched hand.

Kenza's slender lips upturned into a wide grin, and her eyes sparkled with joy. As the kitten retracted its tongue, Kenza lightly wrapped her hands around the little animal. Ever so slowly, she lifted the cat up until it was face-to-face with her. The creature gazed into lime colored orbs, and after a moment, placed its nose against Kenza's. Purring like a boat motor, the kitten nuzzled into Kenza.

With an airy giggle, the girl nuzzled back, her cheeks flushing with scarlet. Harpe explained, "From this moment on, this creature will be with you at all times. It will protect you, it will guide you in life, it will console you in times of doubt, and it will be an eternal companion. In other words, this aninal will be your familiar."

"I finally have a familiar! I'm so excited!" Kenza exclaimed. Turning to the kitten, she proclaimed, "And well be the best of friends, forever!" The cat mewled in return, almost looking as if it was grinning.

"So, dear, what will you name your new friend?" Harpe asked.

"Hmm," Kenza mumbled, mulling it over. A familiar's name was important; it was the only title theyd respond to, once the name was set in stone. The girl perked up, and glancing at the kitten, she said, "Aha! Ive got it! The perfect name for you. Raven, that's what Ill call you."

"That's a wonderful name, dear. Very fitting, too."

Laughing, Kenza cradled Raven against her chest. As the kitten rumbled softly, slipping into sleep, Kenza's body was filled with such warmth. They would go on grand adventures, brew potions, cast spells, and work toward peace for the world of magic. Together, they would do it all. Kenza just knew, this was the beginning of a wonderful journey, and an even better friendship. A truly magical one.