The preliminary matches of the tournament's opening elimination round came to a close, with several people feeling dismayed by what had transpired earlier that day. Inside the arena, a grand spire of ice reached towards the sky. The counterspell used by Lanthim had brought the entire event to a close. Having blanketed the entire arena floor in a frozen layer of ice.
With the opening matches completed, the days following would see many other battles. There would be much to see for those who wished to travel and view the tournament. At the present time, Lanthim would not see another match for several days. This first match had been put in place solely because of the Strentolos clan's insistence. The first official match that Leinea and Lanthim would participate in would not be for three more days.
Looking up at the tower of ice that seemed to go on forever. Melryn had with the rest of the family. Observed the match from a reserved booth felt an intense feeling of admiration for his older brother's feat of Mana Manipulation prowess. While at the same time jealous that he could not participate. On such a stage due to the limiter, he and Aldain were both required to wear.
These limiters cut both young men's capacity to manipulate mana to almost nothing. Receiving instruction to not parade their true ability's in public. Melryn did not enjoy being told how he was to live. Feeling that this newfound power should be used. This idea had not persisted too long, however, with Lanthim sending. An instructor to continue his and Aldain's training. From that point until the present the, surety of a swift and dreadful punishment if he ever disobeyed had become part of Melryn's being.
Walking down through the cafe on the fourth tier Melryn could sense his older brother sitting at a table that had an excellent view of the entire arena. His two wives Leinea and, Mynrea was present with three other women that Melryn did not know.
"To witness such magic performed so effortlessly, I hope to see what else you can do, Lanthim Frenost." [Palrena]
The one who spoke had her back to Melryn but from what he could see the likelihood that they were human was becoming more apparent the closer to the table he came.
'Dragons.'
The horns normally were the first giveaway. However, most older dragons could hide their horns and other features with magic. That being said the five here allowed them to be seen by all.
"It must have been a long walk all the way down here, Melryn. What brings you here?" [Lanthim]
Almost like a dragon himself, Lanthim loomed over the rest. Prominent and powerful. His voice while calming with no sign of agitation. Melryn had found it to be far more frightening. Since his brother always wore a calm but firm expression which was difficult to read. So when Lanthim rose from where he was seated. Melryn came to attention as much out of respect and awe.
"Our grandmother has sent me to find you. She wishes you to come quickly." [Melryn]
"I see, well we better not keep her waiting." [Lanthim]
While Lanthim did not take efforts to meet with the head of the clan if he could avoid doing so. It was due to the distance which he lived from the empire that afforded him such luxury. However, he could not without causing rumours to arise ignore his grandmother's summons with such close proximity separating them. So both brothers began to make their way. Up to the sixth tier of the arena, where the Strentolos Clans booth was located.
"It has been some time since I had any interaction with our grandmother. Tell me, Melryn. What was the mood when you left to find me?" [Lanthim]
"Grandmother seemed pleased with what she had seen. Her attitude towards your brother has improved since your evaluation exam." [Melryn]
In all honesty, Melryn did not understand the swift change that had overtaken his grandmother. Her steadfast resolve to see Lanthim perish into nothing had given way to an uninvolved evaluation on anything involving him.
"Interesting having her not causing me issue will be a boon for the clan. Sadly though having her against me was likely the only thing keeping me from having to take a third wife." [Lanthim]
Having reached the fifth tier both brothers stopped in the back of their minds they could sense something drawing near. For some time Lanthim had known about the coming object. However, the irregular direction and speed seemed to indicate whatever it was would just skirt the edge of his sensing range. That was twenty minutes ago, and now Melryn could sense the coming entity as well.
"A dragon? Or some other kind of higher-order being you think brother?" [Melryn]
"Unlikely. Dragons do not get that large. We will have to monitor things and move swiftly when required." [Lanthim]
While not looking too worried about the unknown object. Neither could remove their limiters to make an identification. The information concerning Melryn and Aldain's ability to manipulate mana was strictly controlled. If the wrong people knew. Then Lanthim's true enemies would bring themselves upon him with destructive fury.
That being said, Lanthim had already assumed that his cat was out of the bag. Still, as long as he did not move in a way. That the true magi would not feel threatened. Then he could move as he pleased. So the three brothers could not move in public without their limiters.
"Find Aldain once, we reach the booth if this unknown becomes a threat, we may need to act swiftly to get everyone out of the arena." [Lanthim]
"Yes, master." [Melryn]
Coming closer to the entrance of the booth. Two guards stood at attention examining both young men as they passed.
"Rank thirteen witches from the Solbenroth Branch of the clan. Funny how the Strentolos clan has so many branch families that hold different surnames." [Melryn]
"Many wish to separate themselves from the main branch of the clan. Grandmother married well and often over the last two thousand years. With so many children born from different fathers, it is expected that there would be some friction in the clan." [Lanthim]
The looks he received from the clan heads that were present were of annoyance. For Lanthim spoke the truth with openness so all could hear what he had to say. This attitude was looked down upon by many because most believed that it was better to be silent than be punished for one's views. Seeing the one who would just say the truth so all could hear and be secure in the fact that none could do anything about it was deeply vexing.
Standing in the center of the booth. Talking to a group of women that neither of her grandsons knew Arielia looked stunning. One would never guess that she had lived two thousand years.
"Ah! Lanthim you have come I am pleased that you will obey if proximity allows." [Arielia]
Some in the booth openly laughed as Lanthim received these harsh words from his grandmother.
'If anyone could put him in his place it would be his grandmother.'
Thought those present with cruel smiles. Among them was Fienya. Who looked most satisfied with what had been said.
"As it pleases you, grandmother. I have come at your bidding without delay. May I ask what it is you desire from myself?" [Lanthim]
In his typical uninterested style, Lanthim threw off the laughs of all others. He cared For his grandmother's position as head of the clan. However, he would not allow others to place themselves in a position that was not theirs. As the most powerful individual in the clan. Regardless of their place in birth order, none here actually had the right to claim privilege over him.
"HaHa! How undoubtedly you remind us of your place grandson in truth there is none in our clan greater than yourself." [Arielia]
Hearing this admission all others became silent some backing further away in fear.
"I am thankful for your praise grandmother." [Lanthim]
Bowing respectfully, Arielia a bitter smile she was well aware that her son Nedral was always busy. Rarely seeing his children so loyal amongst these children was not something she openly expected. With many of the older children, this was the case but after Lanthim was born everything changed. Being the head of the clan. Being shown the utmost respect in all things. Yes, Lanthim moved as he pleased and even took Syrelia away against the will of his grandmother.
Putting all that aside, he still upheld a strong sense of loyalty to the clan which, Arielia was accepting of.
"There has been a discussion concerning Syrelia's marriage into the Cousrlim clan. Due to the likelihood of the groom being killed if we continue to pursue such a course. I have decided not to move forward with the engagement." [Arielia]
Assertively folding her arms. Lanthim felt that there was more.
"BROTHER LOOK!" [Melryn]
Standing next to the railing of the booth. Melryn looked out over the horizon with a dreadful expression on his face.
"What do you see, Melryn?" [Lanthim]
"I can not tell it is too far." [Melryn]
"Remove your limiter and tell me what you see!" [Lanthim]
Hearing this order Melryn with a single movement. Removed the limiter and in the minds of all present disappeared from the world. Himself being third order. None present could sense his presence. It also helped that in the same moment a barrier was deployed so none could see or hear either of them.
"It looks like an oversized dragon to my eyes." [Melryn]
'There haven't been dragons of that size since long before the fourth braking.' {Lanthim}
Lanthim thought of what this creature could be. True there were a few subspecies of dragons the existed in this world. But they lived so far south that none had ever seen any.
"Attack spell incoming." [Melryn]
Instantly the ice tower's summit was incinerated. By a large fire spell. that sent the tower crashing to the ground. As massive pieces of ice came falling to the ground Melryn instinctively performed a series of hand signs behind him Lanthim did the same.
"Third order barrier art Madrona Drgoma." [Melryn]
"First order barrier art Vartym Colwuos." [Lanthim]
Within seconds both spells instantly activated with a nearly impenetrable barrier covering the entire arena.
"It's a Renthial. A subspecies of the dragon, to think one has come all the way this far north. This will require a great deal of work to deal with this." [Lanthim]