Mango threw a bucket of chilled water onto Kasper's unconscious body forcing the boy to spring up heaving to avoid swallowing the aquarium thrust upon his being. Fighting for survival in the corner, Mango just nodded his head as if his suspicions that ghosts could indeed drown was in fact just proven. Once recovered enough to regain his senses Kasper threw a murderous glare Mango's way that would've made a Sith Lord proud.
Mango however, met him with an equally unyielding gaze as if he had no other choice in the matter. Finally after one last cough Kasper relenting and asked "What exactly happened all I remember is seeing you in the crowd and.." His abrupt journey through the shallow waters sprung to mind but he was struggling to procure the very words do describe it fully. Mango however gave him no quarter as he quickly cut him off as wanting to get his story out first. "The match ended in a draw Kasper neither of you were able to continue, though some are finding their way into your corner as you've done what no one thought possible and fought Leo to a stand still. If it weren't for my good looks and persuasive abilities the sponsors would be lined up all the way to the castle, and we don't even find out what magic capabilities you have till the 'morrow." Kasper was frowning from the news hearing he was unable to finish the match, expecting to be the irrefutable victor laying claim to all the kisses he could persuade Eva to relinquish. Blushing slightly he reverted back to his usual paper like color when he eyed Mango's raised eyebrow. Suddenly Kasper honed in on something Mango had said, "Wait did you just say I'll be tested, actually? I thought I had to win both matches to even have a chance?" Mango grew tense as he struggled to find a proper answer to steer him away from the truth, that after his display earlier not one of the higher ups would have let Kasper leave alive without knowing the truth. "It's because you were so impressive and since Leo's abilities are already know the judges allowed an exception to see you press on, to many a sponsor's relief I might add. Now enough questions, night's growing near and Eva should be home soon. Clean and dress yourself and lets get some food ready for the fireworks when she returns." At that Kasper couldn't help but smile as his thoughts once more strayed to Eva. Eager to comply he sprinted up the stairs wanting to get his best outfit on as soon as possible. Mango however, cast a worried glance at the clock, as Eva was supposed to be home as of now, pushing damming thoughts to the rear he figured he'd give it another hour or two until he really started to worry. They had five or so hours till the fireworks anyways, maybe Eva was taking her time hoping to look good for Kasper. With a smile he too turned to the kitchen to prepare for the big moment.
Meanwhile, a half dozen or so miles from Espil, Eva was stopping at her last rest point in an outlying village to water the horses and freshen up a little. She told herself she had every right to care how she looked but she couldn't hide the truth from herself that all she really cared was what Kasper would say when he saw her. Truth be told she's had feelings for him for a while but the dunce was too thick to either notice or make a move. With a shaky breath she locked away her nerves deep into her heart as she loudly proclaimed for all her thoughts to hear, that this would be the day. No more excuses, she would make the first move if she had to. Was life truly worth so little that they could let time waste away or even worse. Kasper decided to forgo all his hard work being a merchant's apprentice to take up being an adventurer after all. Part of her felt guilty she almost hoped he did poorly in the Rite but it was just because she was scared to truly lose something before she even had the blessing of experiencing it to the fullest. With a smile she turned back to the carriage to grab her clothes trunk to change so she could press on through the village and arrive in Espil shortly, looking her best. Her joy was paired with an inverse scene as the village she saw up ahead was struggling to even look the part at the moment. Flames, spreading like a plague in poverty danced their way from house to house and the eery screams followed in pursuit. Oh how they screamed, without noticing tears freely streaked their way down Eva's cheek with no respite to her good looks anymore. Fear tickled her heart but her thoughts flashbacked to her mother, and how she felt as she sat there watching her greet her end without being able to utter even a morsel of disagreement. Stomach tightening she tied the horses and sprinted towards the village, she wouldn't let all her hard work developing Nature magic to heal be wasted when people needed it most. As memories and hope of those stuck in the village fled the scene, Eva ran towards it. Ashen snowflakes covering her tracks as if to hide the fact anyone had ever graced its touch.