In theory, anyone who has a talent or affinity with magic and can see mana, or the tiny invisible golden specs in the surroundings, and freely use it, regardless of human race. Or so I've read. It's just that the Sorcerer-kind have hereditary affinity with magic and most of them have an accessible and larger magic core, although not all.
Tapu is the counter part of mana. There was even a theory on how the both of them were born out of the collision of dark matter, but without concise evidence, the book could only call it a theory, though the author sure sounded confident of themself. Even now, the concept of tapu and mana still slightly eludes my understanding.
There are several types of magic spells. I've read about it sometime in Lumea's Hidden Library before through a book called 'Magic Through the Ages'—the second published book of the same author. There are cantillated magic, chantless magic, rune magic, and other not so popular smaller types that are mostly unique to certain ethnic races.
Cantillated magic are those recited spells. Depending on the intonation, speed of casting, words spoken, and their number affects the spell arbitrarily. Chantless magic uses more brain power, concentration, and imagination than cantillated magic so there are only a handful who can use it as easy as breathing. The two may seem not so different, but speaking and not speaking in magic casting has an ocean wide of difference. With cantillated magic, it's as if the spells are automated. Giving out a command is enough to trigger the spell.
If cantillated magic is all about tapping a command button, then chantless magic is more about coding the process in their brain before executing the output command. This is why the latter is harder. All elements are available to chantless magic, but cantillated magic is only facilitated for the primary elements like wood, fire, water, and wind, and their offshoots.
Rune magic, on the other hand, was created more to facilitate magic for a larger number of people using simplified runes. Say for example this damnatus teleportation circle Savella just casted. There's a theory that this type of magic was based on older, more complex magic casting that the Encantado's use.
"This is revenge", Tukare interrupts my inner musing. Trapped in her embrace, all I could manage was a pinch her arm.
"Ow!" Savella exclaims. "Pinch the other arm ah!"
"..."
I pinch both Tukare's arms.
When the transportation circle unwound itself and disperses after accomplishing its purpose, my eyes are dazzled by bright lights. Looking closely, the lights were moving. Glowing insects that looked thrice as large as a normal firefly, were dancing among the trees and bushes. With winter coming, night came earlier in the evening, making a spectacular view of the place and the live lights.
"Priestess."
"It's the Priestess. Who's she with?"
"Are those the 'twins'?"
"No, I'm told they look different."
Upon our sudden arrival came the sudden attention of the people in attendance. It didn't take all that long for us to be surrounded by ageless people. I glance at Tukare. She didn't look like she cared, but she stayed by Savella as she greeted each and every one politely.
"Beautiful lady", a male Faerie greets me, two glasses of sparkling beverages in his hands. "May I have the pleasure of having a toast with you?"
"..."
"Ah, don't be like that", he hurriedly blocks my way when I turn to leave. "I simply couldn't help but be attracted to you."
I obviously glance at Tukare. He follows my gaze, and then continues to smile.
"You're different. Although I admit, you look similar, I can sense that you're different from her. I'm of the Faerie-kind. I won't lie to you. Yeah? " He smoothly lowers his voice, raising a glass for me to take.
I sigh, "...I'm male."
His jaw slackens for a moment.
That's what I thought. I wouldn't have revealed such an embarrassing thing if you'd just kept your annoying self at bay.
"Then—"
"I don't mind", he says, the same time I speak. His eyes shone brighter, as if I'd become all the more interesting to him. "I really don't mind", he presses, taking a step forward.
"..." I mind.
The closer he came, the darker my paralyzed face became. Invading my personal space like this, it took a lot of holding back not to slice him with a shadow blade. What beautiful spectacle would his spilling innards look like? The anticipation of seeing a blood rose on seeping on all directions on the floor... Ah, but I'm not allowed to do so in such a banquet.
Be thankful Laris needs your alliance.
He shivers for a second and looks around. Seeing no threat, he resumes his persistence. Containing myself, I can only take one step backward in dislike. He misinterprets this as timidity.
"Don't be afraid, it's just wine. I really just want a toast with you to get to know you better. Say, do you have a partner now? Are they male or female? Do you think I have a chance?"
I take another step back, getting angrier by the step. Suddenly, I am met with a meat wall behind me.
"You don't. He's taken." A hand encircles my waist before I can turn around, a cold voice speaking over my head. "What concerns would you have with my husband?"
"H—Husband?" The person glances at my face with a horrified, yet doubtful mien.
Obrecht grabs my waist in one hand, lifting me slightly as he walks away with me. I can't help but grab unto his sleeves to steady myself. He's in a more formal wear right now, his hair slicked to one side instead of his messy bird's nest hairstyle and overgrown bangs.
"...When exactly did I become your husband?" I steady my feet on the ground, as he puts me down in a side garden that didn't have people or as much lights.
He stays quiet for a while, his stare unnerving. The atmosphere between us thickens. Just when I was about to laugh off my teasing, he begins to speak, "The moment you kissed me at our treehouse. Since you've forgotten, should I remind you?" He phrases it in a question, but his tone of voice is flat.
Rough lips meld on mine. He tilts my chin upwards, and a warm slippery thing comes to greet my tongue. After a short daze, I grab back his nape, abruptly changing from being chased into a prominent fighter.
I'll show you who's dominant.
Obrecht gasps a little in surprise at my eagerness. Frankly, ever since earlier, I can't get this sense of pleasure out of my mind. Even if it embarrasses me to no end, I can't help but chase after this feeling that makes my heart so full and fiery, and my mind whirling in curiosity—
What would happen if I do this? Will it feel nice? Will my heartbeat finally burst my eardrums open?
He keeps my head in place, his large hand on my nape pressing near either side of my vital points. He can squeeze the life out of me with just a hand; have each nail on his finger gouge my flesh and pierce the veins on my neck. Then blood will flow in beautiful streams of red. In turn, I'll end his life as he kills me, wrapping him in my domain as we sink down in the makeshift coffin made out of my ability. Even though this won't happen, I can't help but picture it.
It's intoxicating—this trust.
The mutual superiority of having control over the each other's life, does he feel this? Unconsciously, our surroundings turn a shade darker. The few glowing insects flicker in panic before dying as if suffocated by the darkness.
"Videre", Obrecht whispers hoarsely when he pulls back, slightly snapping me out of my daze. I stare at his lips as I answer with a noncommittal hum.
"..." Why stop?
Of course, Obrecht easily reads this question from my face. With a growl, Obrecht whispers in my ear, "Don't blame me if I..."
Saying things that made my face redder and my body tremble, Obrecht bites my ear; daunting me to continue with my taunts while keeping in mind the consequences he just whispered. When the scale within my hearts tips over to the feelings of embarrassment, I push his chest, holding my bitten ear. He obediently lets me put space between us, as we both try to regain our calm with heaving chests.
I peek at him. The lust and hunger in his eyes have yet to subside.
"I have a delicious meal in front of me but I can't eat it", he mumbles, displeased.
"…Meal?"
He glances at me sadly, "I haven't practiced how to eat it yet. But I've studied. Do you think that would help?"
"...Maybe?" I don't even know what you're talking about so I guess I'll smile?
He doesn't buy my smile, quietly sighing while studying my dress. He goes so far as pinching the fabric between his fingers.
"...You want to wear it?" I ask, calm enough to tease him.
Pursing his lips, Obrecht says, "If there wasn't a party, it would've been easy to do in this dress."
It took a few seconds before it loaded in my head. I hit Obrecht on the shoulder.
"Ow!", he yelps, "Why hit me?"
"I'm angry", is all I say as an explanation.
"Oh", Obrecht effortlessly accepts it. "Then, if you're happy, does that mean I get a kiss instead?"
I pause, "...I'll think about it."
His face draws near, biting my nose, and then my cheeks.
"..." Don't eat me like that.
"It's so convenient to be a Wraith. Where do I mark you so people know you're mine?"
"...Don't bite."
"Can't you make another rune that has my name and put it on your neck or something?" He complains childishly.
Forcefully pulling down the rising corners of my lips, "Ob, it doesn't work that way." I want to laugh but he's actually really serious so I can't. I don't want to hurt his fragile childish heart after all.
He hums resignedly, sad and pitiful. Seeing him like this, I really can't resist coaxing.
"...You don't have to bite." I take his hand in mine. "Just holding my hand like this should be fine."
"This is enough?"
"Mm."
"Alright", he smiles.
"Let's go back", I tug his hand, hiding my shyness.
"Eh~? We're going back already?" He frowns again.
Why are you so hard to please? I sigh while facing him. When I look downwards, I inadvertently notice something missing.
"Where's your sword?"