I stretch out, the long conversation having wore at me. I walk to the backyard garden and sit on a bench. Lounging back I look at the blue sky, accented with small puffy clouds here and there. A gentle smile plays on my face.
My vision blurry as I wake up, "Ah I must've fallen asleep." I mutter to myself, or so I thought.
Gentle fingers scratch as my scalp, nails prickling against my skin I shiver lightly. turning i look up two mounds blocking my view as I see starling red hair cascading around the woman's shoulders, "P-Princess Irene?" I try to sit up, but she presses down on my head.
"It is I, You were sleeping so peacefully, I decided to sit and enjoy the garden while I waited for you to wake up, but you fell right into my lap." Her hands stroke along my chin, "You need to rest, this is all a lot to take in, and your friends put you into the leader role. I can only imagine what your going through."
I sigh and relax, "Is it really okay for you to do this though, I wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong impression. You are unwed afterall and showing too much favor to me may cause issues in your own politics'."
"It may," she sighs, "However you are a hero, who wishes to help protect the people alongside the royal family. How could I not show favoritism to someone with the same goals?"
My face heats up, turning my head i look out over the garden, enjoying the cool breeze, "I did take charge as I have more knowledge of this timeframe at least from our world. So navigating it would be slightly easier if someone like me were to negotiate. Although, I am certain after summoning us, You must be just as exhausted as I am, Princess." I lay on my back, looking up at her, My fingers slowly twirl the long red hair.
Soft footsteps trail from the house, "I apologize for the interruption. Sir Ezekiel, and Princess Irene. Master Elaine, Knight Raphael and Master Lito have arrived." Julius, gives a light bow, "I will let them know you will be present shortly."
I smile lightly, "We will be present shortly, Thank you for informing me, Julius." I watch him retreat back into the house, "Thank you, I am feeling much more refreshed, Miss Irene. You make a good pillow." I wink as i sit up. "Maybe next time it will be you using my shoulder as a pillow." Standing I offer her my hand to help her stand.
Irene takes my hand standing, she wraps an arm around mine, "Would you be so kind as to escort me to the house, Sire?"
"But of course my lady, However I think You may be a tad bit to close..." I look away, as my arm is sandwiched between her arms and her chest.
"Oh, contrair Sire, I must be forward if I am to make any progress past this teasing am I not?" she smiles brightly at me, "Or is the brave hero embarrassed to have slept in the lap of a maiden such as I?"
I sigh, resigned to my fate, "Let us be off, Miss Irene."
Walking into the main foyer with the princess still clung to my arm, "Hello everyone, Welcome, to the home, Elain, Lito, and Raphael."
Raphael sighs, walking up to me he stares down at Irene, "Your Highness, please stop this absurd display. If nobles were present you would ruin their perception of you that you've worked so hard for."
Irene's laugh lite's through the foyer, "Raphael, You are not my father, so please do not speak above your station." her voice commanding authority, "I have taken a liking to this young man, and after he proves himself. There will be no scars to my status, my brother is the crown prince. I am simply enjoying banter and being escorted by Sire Ezekiel."
Raphael turns his gaze to me, "So you are simply escorting her to the foyer per her request. Is that correct?"
"I was escorting the princess per her request, Although I would have done so either way." I shrug, gently pulling from the princess I smile, "I told you they'd be upset didnt I?"
Elaine claps her hand together, "Now that i have your attention shall split you into groups regarding your interest's?"
Master lito steps forward, "To start my display I'd like everyone to test their aptitude. Additionally there are ways to gain proficiency or attributes for different magics using mana stones. So don't worry even if you have no affinities for magic, additionally it will tell us if you have any spiritual aptitude."
"Alright you heard them, lets line up to see what we got!" Isaac says loud and clearly, his voice crackling with excitement.
I chuckle, "Somones hyped up!" I sling an arm over Isaac's shoulder walkinging with him, "Lets get you tested first then."
"Oh, to the contrair, the fearless leader should test first!" Isaac turns raising his arms, "Am I right, or am I right?"
Glancing around I see everyone nodding, "Yeah, you should go first," Isabel brushes her hair over her shoulder, with a scoff, "Or are you fraid of disappointing your princess."
"Shut up sis," Isaac glances over his shoulder. "You know full well, he's simply being kind. Instead of standing stagnant, reach out for what you want. Otherwise you have no right to be angry when something doesn't fall into your lap."
"Both of you knock it off!" I turn and look at Lito, "What do I need to do?"
"Just place your hand on this crystal ball. Your elements will form small crystal shard's spirit energy will look like a swirling fog inside."
I run a hand through my hair, "Sound's simple enough," reaching out I grasp the cold crystal ball.
A shimming haze fills the ball, brightening tell it lights up the entire room, a yellow, red and black shard slowly revolve.
"Magnificent," lito clasps his hands together, "You're a Triad with a high affinity for spirit arts. They say only a few emerge per generation, Truly a unique combination with Lightning, Darkness, and a Fire attribute to boost. As I explained before Lightning can be used externally as an attack, as armor or Internally to increase processing speeds. Fire is a highly destructing attribute. Darkness and be both very defensive as well as deadly. With these attributes you could easily join any of the 4 Military strength's. However we will focus on refining every person's skills that wish to adventure. Please think of this as our grattitude as well as an apology for taking you from your world's." He bows deeply
Glancing down at my fist i clench and unclench it. "I will take you up on your offer," turning I look at the other leaders, "When do guards, summoners and mages usually train?"
Raphael smiles, "That's a bold goal you have, Knight's train in the mornings for 2 hours. Start's soon as the sun comes up. Mages practice around noon. While summoners practice towards twilight."
I turn to look at Elaine, "Is there a specific reason for practicing that late?"
"Yes, I'm glad you asked. It has long been beleived that twilight is when death and spirit's are at their closest with the mortal plane. I'll explain more later, for now come give this pup attention. Agnus won't stop bugging me." Elaine laughs patting his side.
I stand by agnus resting a hand on the scruff of his neck, petting him I turn around, "Alright, you're up Isaac. You better get at least 2 attribute or you'll have to call me boss from now on, y'hear."
Isaac laughs loudly, flipping me off, "Then if I get better results then you, you better call me Sensei."
I give a mocking bow, "As you wish, Sire."
Isaac places his hand on the stone, it shimmers with brown green and blue crystals forming inside. "I guess its were tied, thats dissappointing." He chuckles walking over beside me.
Lito nods his head, "Good attributes, you have Spiritual power, water, earth and light attributes. These can be combined to create plantlife, and healing which are all amazing support skills for teams."
Isabel steps forward after his explanation, planting her hand on the stone. It forms yellow white and black attributes, and glows.
"Again spiritually inclined, with Wind, Lightning, and shadow attributes. Quite the deadly combination if you choose to be a ranger or assassin."
Isabel nods silently, coming to stand by Isaac, she refuses to meet my eyes. My eyes linger for a moment, Isaac nudge's me and shakes his head mouthing 'not yet.'