On a sunny afternoon, the mages at the Wildwood Academy of Mages, each graduate student had earned the achievement of full Mage status. This meant the student could go into the kingdom and use spells according to their chosen school of magic. Some mages were battlemages, others were various arcane mages, and a handful chose be healers.<br/><br/>They were given their diplomas and a crate. The animals in the crates were carefully selected familiars for each student according to his or hers talent and personality. Most of the animals were cats, birds of prey, and rodents. The familiars had special abilities that assisted their owners in the field. For example, birds of prey would allow the mage to see long distances through their eyes as the soared.<br/><br/>Among the healers was Lady Katherine also known as Kate and Katie to her friends. She had no inclination what kind of familiar she would receive. After greeting her family and friends, she chose a quiet place among the school's garden under a shade tree to open her crate.<br/>Kate with a soft reassuring voice tried to coax her familiar out of his/her cage. She knew Mastermage Allen would choose a special being for her. Kate was always top of her class in both grades and magical abilities. She never flaunted these talents toward her classmates.<br/><br/>"Hello, my new friend. You can come out. No one is around but me. Please do not be frightened."