The moons had settled in the sky and shone its white rays across Arathorn. The night was calm. The water flowed peacefully through the canals and the trees rested peacefully in the still air. Yvonus strolled through the open corridors, inspecting the guards patrolling them. Everything was in order. The soul-touched pondered. The conversation with Khalla had gone well. He'd seemed more than ready to take on the mission and Master Ibarin had wasted no time sending him to the capital city of Kar. Yvonus would have to check up on him within just a few days. After that he'd be traveling to Rook and aid Lumtor and Caius in their pursuit to convince its leaders from starting a war.
He sighed. So much to do. There was no time to seek out what he truly wished for, a family. Seeing all the young students in Arathorn had him longing for a child and someone to help raise them, but finding the right one proved difficult as many got intimidated by his appearance. Being a soul-touched, he always has to cover his celestial eyes, but within the borders of Arathorn no one blinks an eye. It was why he always did his utmost to interact with the students and help anyway he could when he visited.
He came down to the main square where only the pouring fountain could be heard. Fireflies filled the air with its ambient light and made it look like stars danced all around.
He noticed a different kind of light standing in the corner of the building on the opposite side of the fountain, a torch light. Yvonus walked up to the source. It was Rakus, one of the many guards on patrol that night. The dwarf bowed as the Master approached, "Lord Proudstride."
"Sir Rakus. What brings you this far down? Aren't you supposed to patrol the library?"
Rakus pointed with his eyes to something behind the building. Upon closer look, Yvonus could see a figure sitting on the field, looking into the forest. It was Trisphyra.
"I saw her walking out there and followed to keep an eye out. Making sure she is alright. She's been sitting there for three hours now."
Without taking his eyes off the elf, Yvonus answered, "Thank you, Rakus. I can take it from here."
The dwarf bowed, "As you wish. I'll make my way back to the library then." And wandered back up the stairs.
Yvonus sighed and went out to the field. Trisphyra was sitting with her legs crossed, hands resting on her knees. Her blue hair swayed in the soft wind, luminated by the moonlight.
"It's getting colder, little one. You should be in your room."
"I'm not freezing." She answered without facing him.
"It's still late, Tris. What are you trying to do at this hour?"
Her head sank slightly as she sighed, "I'm trying to talk to mother."
"Your mother? You mean…" Yvonus looked up in the sky. The white moon had always seemed to be much closer since Trisphyra had arrived at the school. However, the goddess's essence remained distant, according to Guprix.
"Right here was where my magic first awakened. I thought if I just sat here again, perhaps I could learn something more about myself. Maybe my mother would help me but… She's not speaking to me."
Yvonus placed himself down beside the young elf, "The gods work in their own mysterious ways, Tris. Take it from me. I was put on this planet as just a little boy. The gods left me with nothing but my abilities. I had to figure out the rest for myself."
She looked at him, "Was that why you let me go here all those years ago? Despite not knowing what would happen?"
"I knew your powers were trying to tell you something. Who am I to stand in the way of that?"
Her eyes went back to the forest, "I'm still not sure what led me here. I just remember a voice calling my name. It was so soft and gentle. To this day I imagined maybe it was Luna'Celesia, but now I'm not so sure."
"I know this isn't what you want to hear, but don't put so much hope in the moon goddess."
"But Master Guprix says-"
"Lombard is wise but he has his own reasons for trying to connect you to your mother."
"What do you mean?"
He rubbed his neck, "I'm not the one who should tell you the whole story, but when Gurpix first came to Arathorn as a student, many believed him to be a child of Luna'Celesia, just like you."
"Really?" She hugged her legs, slightly ashamed. It was weird to think that Master Guprix had gone through the same pressure that she does.
"His powers were strong but that was about the only proof they had back in the day. The Elder Council saw his potential and they sent him out to assist Zoraya in her rise to the throne. When she suddenly died, a lot of the blame was put on Lombard."
"He's never told me this." She muttered.
"He wants to forget it. His failure with Zoraya is the reason he's so hard on you. If you succeed that means he will too and his past sins will be forgiven."
"But… He's the head of the mages of Arathorn? Why does he feel like he needs to be redeemed?"
"I can't answer that for you, little one. Lombard holds both himself and others to a very high standard."
"I'm not sure if I can live up to that."
Yvonus placed a hand on her shoulder, "You will. I have no doubt that you'll be able to achieve great things, Trisphyra. But you need to give yourself time and stop forcing yourself down the road others have forced you to take. You should find a path of your own."
"How do I do that?"
He stood up, "Follow your gut. Kinda like how it led you here in a way. But now, my lady, I'm afraid I have to escort you back to your room."
She smiled and grabbed his hand that he held out for her. As she got to her feet, they heard the sound of rustling leaves within the forest. Without thinking she took a step forward. Yvonus tried to hold her back. Soft and heavy thuds came closer and closer. Trisphyra's eyes lit up as she saw who it was.
"Aldertrunk!"
The old tree smiled as he stepped out of the woods, "Little sprout. I thought I recognized the sound of your beautiful voice."
They stepped back in awe. The old tree that used to be covered in old moss and thick bark had bloomed into a glowing garden. Small white flowers grew from all over, clothing his entire body.
"You look well." Trisphyra complimented.
"Because of you, little sprout. You awakened me again."
She shyly brushed some hair behind her ear, "I'm not sure how but I'm happy I could help."
"We like you, little sprout. Nature likes you." Aldertrunk picked a small bouquet from his arm and offered it to Trisphyra, who joyfully accepted.
"Thank you. I like you too. This is lovely."
"Yvonus." The tree looked up at the soul-touched, "You have grown since I last saw you. You look strong."
"As do you Aldertrunk. It's been quite some time."
"Indeed it has. I almost miss how you used to train on me when you were just a little bud."
"He did not?!" Trisphyra exclaimed teasingly. For her it was almost like listening to two uncles telling joyful stories about their youth. She could read Yvonus like a book, even though his face was covered. The man was rubbing his neck in embarrassment, but she didn't really understand why. He turned to her and chuckled, "All the training equipment broke when I practiced so the General ordered me to do it in the forest and that's when…"
Aldertrunk leaned in, "My bark is too thick. He never left a single scratch." He smiled proudly.
"It hardened my fists, that's for sure."
The tree nodded, "Your stem is strong. I can only assume the outcome will be different if we practice together again someday."
"Should the time ever come then I'd very much like to try, old friend. My heart has been longing for a victory against you ever since I was a child."
The tree nodded, "I shall wait." He turned to Trisphyra, "I hope you will come visit us again soon, little sprout."
"I promise I'll try, Aldertrunk."
He took farwell and wandered back into the forest. Trisphyra inspected the flowers in her hand. They weren't glowing as strongly like when they were attached to the old tree but she could still sense a magical essence from them.
"What kind of flowers are these?" She asked.
Yvonus took one out and inspected it, "I'm not sure. Herbalism isn't my specialty. Perhaps you should ask Lombard?"
"I don't think he'd be happy to know I've been out here."
"Then I suggest we make haste and get you back to your room." He offered his arm to her and she grabbed it.
"Do you think Master Vitellia would know what they are?" She asked him.
"I certainly think so. She or any of our other druids could probably help you with that. You could even visit the mage library. They should have plenty of information."
"I see. I don't think I've ever been up there."
"It upsets me to see how little Lombard has shown you."
"Please don't be. He means well and he has taught me so much. I'm very grateful to have him as my teacher."
"I understand, Trisphyra. I truly hope you're right but… Should you ever feel doubtful, ask him about Ithilunar."
"What is that?"
"Like I said, you have to ask him."
He took her to her room and bowed, "Until next time, little one."
She felt a sad lump grow inside of her, "You're leaving again soon, aren't you?"
"I suspect as much, I'm afraid. Things have taken a turn for the worst in Rejuan and my presence is required. I wouldn't be surprised if Master Ibarin sends me off first thing in the morning."
"Well… Just be careful, okay?" She forced a smile.
"I always am, little one. Take care of yourself."
"You're a kind man, Yvonus. Someday I hope you find someone who can give you that ten times over. You deserve it."
Proudstride was a bit taken by her words, it almost hurt. He didn't expect that. Without thinking, he simply walked away and Trisphyra watched him disappear around the corner. She was alone yet again. Her heart sank. Was it going to be like this forever? In frustration she slammed the door shut as she entered her room. Her eyes gazed across her room. It felt empty, just like her soul. The illuminating flowers tickled her chest as she hugged them tighter. She was happy she could bring something from the outside to ease the atmosphere of her dorm.
"Better find you a good spot." She said and started looking for a pot or something to place the bouquet in. After a few minutes of searching she was able to find a small silver vase. It was covered in dust. Instinctively she started to scrape it off but stopped herself. How was she going to improve her magic if she never took the opportunity to use it? This was one of those moments. She took the flowers and the vase to the carpet resting in front of the large window, where she had a great view across the sky and the white moon shined right in along with the blue and the red moon next to her.
Trisphyra sat down and placed the vase in front of her, taking a deep breath.
"Alright. Luna'Celesia. My goddess… Mother. I really need your guidance right now. Please. Give me something. You put me here. So help me."
She stared at the vase. Its surface was matted. She tried to concentrate on getting the dust away from the surface. Like she did in the classroom earlier that day, her mind focused on positive things in her life. Things that made her happy. The options were few. There was so little she'd been allowed to explore. She closed her eyes and thought back on Yvonus' suggestion to visit the library. It was an exciting idea. Imagine all the things she could find there.
She sensed that familiar spark inside of her. Her body filled with warmth and it was almost as if music filled her ears. It was like receiving a hug. A loving embrace. The sensation was overwhelming. It didn't take long before she was out of breath. She opened her eyes and stared down on the soft carpet. Has she succeeded? It definitely felt like something had happened. As she caught her breath she noticed the music or rather the humming that still filled her ears. The voice was familiar. She'd heard it somewhere before… a long time ago. Her eyes caught some sort of transparent shadow looming across the carpet and she looked up. Her entire body froze. Although she couldn't recall ever seeing her before, she seemed familiar. Her ethereal form was barely visible. It was like looking at the wind, but she was there, levitating on the other side of the glass. The shape was looking at her with a soft expression. Trisphyra struggled to find words, "G-goddess?" She dared to whisper, "Mother?"
Luna'Celesia smiled. She didn't speak, but her soothing humming continued as she gestured to the vase in front of the elf. Trisphyra looked at it. The dust was gone and the silver surface reflected the light coming from the goddess, lighting up the room.
"Where have you been?" She whimpered, "I needed you for so long. Why-"
The goddess shook her head and placed her hand over her heart. Trisphyra walked up to the window and pressed her hand against the glass. Something was wrong.
"I don't understand."
Luna'Celesia pointed to her body up in the sky. The white moon was almost full, the gibbous barely covering the edge. Trisphyra shook her head. It didn't answer her question. The goddess blew her a kiss and began to fade away.
"Wait…" She whispered, knowing it was in vain.
Suddenly, the goddess' shape flashed and a dark silhouette appeared. It threw itself towards the window. Luckily the glass held firm. Trisphyra fell backwards in shock. The shade's white hollow eyes stared at her and it was as if a dark mist creeped closer and closer, blocking out all the light. Thin, claw-like limbs reached out from the shadows on the floor towards the elf. She crawled back, desperate to get away. One of the hands got close enough and she felt its cold fingers grasp around her leg. She let out a scream and shut her eyes. A bright light burst out of nowhere. Even with her eyes covered she understood how bright it was. It faded away quickly.
The door flew open and a guard rushed in, "My lady!" He saw Trisphyra on the floor and knelt down, "My lady! Are you alright? What happened?"
She dared to open her eyes again. The room was back to normal. Even the flowers and the vase remained where they'd stood. The shade was gone.
"T-There was something outside my window." She grabbed his arm, "Please get Master Guprix, right away!"
"Of course, my lady."
As he rushed out of her room, she caught a glimpse of the many students standing outside in their nightgowns, peeking in curiously. Trisphyra had never felt more exposed. To avoid their eyes, she went to the side of her room and sat down on her bed.
A few minutes later, she heard the sound of running steps.
"Trisphyra!" Gurpix's voice echoed and he came bursting into her room. It was weird for her to see him so underdressed. His hair which she'd always seen so neatly brushed and braided was now hanging across his face. His purple coat that he always wears had now been replaced by a loosely fitted shirt. He looked scared.
As soon as he laid eyes on her he rushed up and cupped her face in his hands. He saw the horror in her eyes, "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head and dried some of the tears that were starting to pour from her eyes.
"What happened?" He pushed on.
"There was something outside my window. I don't-"
Gurpix tensed up, fearing it would be another one of her dragon stories.
"I think I saw Luna'Celesia." She whispered, "She was here but then-" Her body began to shake, "There was something else. A shadow. It tried to grab me."
He looked at her sternly, "The guard said he saw a light coming from your room."
"I don't know what it was. I just felt something grasp my leg."
Gurpix turned to the window. The moonlight shone through it. He inspected the glass surface, noticing a faint smudge, like a thin layer of dust. He backed away a few steps and snapped his fingers. His eyes started to glow white as he looked around the room.
"Whatever was here, it's gone now. I can't sense anything close by." The white light faded, "I'll get the guards to inspect the area."
Trisphyra grabbed her legs. He sighed and sat down beside her, "You sure it was the goddess you saw?"
"I can't describe it, Master. She just seemed so familiar."
"What were you even doing up this late?"
Her eyes went to the vase on the floor alongside the heap of flowers. Guprix went ahead and picked them up, bringing them to her. He inspected one of the flowers, noticing how she avoided his eyes. He was curious to know how she got hold of the bouquet but decided now wasn't the time. First things first.
"Go ahead." He placed the silver vase in her hands. She blinked in confusion, "I-"
"I know you can do it. I'm glad you're starting to believe so yourself. As a moon elf, you're connected to the water. Luna'Celesia and Tritona, the goddess of the sea, always enjoy dancing together at nights like these. Now try."
She looked down the vase and whispered, "Nenda."
Water immediately emerged from within the vase, filling it up to the level she'd imagined in her head. She let out a laugh, "I can't believe it."
"I told you child. We've found that focus. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Master."
"You should get some rest now. We'll start our lesson a little later so you can recover some sleep."
"But-"
"I'll have the guards on standby all night, if that makes you feel better."
"Y- Yes. Thank you."
He closed the door and made sure all the students had returned to their rooms before he turned to one of the soldiers, "Send word out to Lord Wrismov that his presence is required immediately."
"The Master is in the Wildland Wastes, sir."
"I don't care. There's been a breach and he's the one with the most knowledge about fiends. Send. Word."
"Yes, my lord."
Gurpix rubbed his forehead. He was confused. The presence he'd sensed had been both a deity and a powerful fiend. Of course, he couldn't tell Trisphyra about it just yet. She'd never dare to use her magic again. He couldn't let that happen now that he's finally making some progress. He simply had to make sure she was always looked after.
Trisphyra had barely slept at all when she decided to step out of bed. There had been so many things on her mind. The melody that she'd heard from the goddess was stuck in her head. She never thought of herself as being a musical person, it was only now that she started to see the appeal. While humming the song, she braided her hair and put on some easy to wear clothes. She grabbed a flower from the bouquet and put it in the braid. As she opened the door to head out, she stood face to face with a guard holding a tray of some morning sweets.
"Good morning." She smiled.
The guard was new, a half-elf who she'd never seen before. His cheeks flushed red, "M- My lady. I was told to bring you breakfast."
"That's so sweet of you. Would you mind if I just grabbed one on the go?" She took a piece of lemon bread and started to walk off. The guard stood there a bit baffled. His face looked between Trisphyra and the door. He decided to put the tray in her room and run after her.
"Could I perhaps escort you somewhere? Master Lombard would prefer you didn't walk alone after what happened last night."
She paused as she realized how many of the students around her looked in her direction, whispering. She swallowed, "Alright. Do you know where Lady Vitellia is? I need to speak with her."
"Oh, I think she's with Master Bakur in the mage library of history."
"Perfect. Let's go."
The guards stumbled after her. She seemed to have a better sense of where they were going than he did.
"What's your name, sir?"
"It's Duncan, my lady."
"You're new here."
"That obvious, huh?"
"Kind of."
"Sorry. It's my first day."
"It's okay. You seem nice. I like meeting recruits from the lower grounds. You're all so talkative."
"You seem very kind as well, my lady."
"Do you want some lemon bread?"
He hesitated, "I don't think I should."
"I bet you haven't had anything to eat this morning. Come on."
Duncan took a small piece and put it in his mouth. His face said it all and Trisphyra smiled. She gave him the rest as they got to the library.
"Thanks for escorting me, sir Duncan. You can go now."
"You don't want me to wait for you, my lady?" He asked, still munching on the bread.
"That's okay, I'll make my way to Master Gurpix's office after this."
"Okay, it was nice meeting you."
"You too."
He skipped away. Trisphyra turned to the door of the library and opened it. It was very quiet since it was still very early. There were giant bookcases as far as the eye could see. The room was oval with a large pillar in the middle. In front of it stood a statue of the founder Drencious Molvo. That's how she knew she'd entered the right one. Arathorn had three large libraries. This one focused on history while the others were focused on magic and warfare.
She searched around for a while. A white cloaked faun shouldn't be that hard to find. Eventually, between two bookcases in the far end of the room, she spotted Vitellia together with Lumtor, who was leaning over her. Their faces were very close to each other. Lumtor whispered something and Vitellia giggled. Trisphyra took a step forward, "Lady Vitellia."
Both of the council members flinched and turned towards her. The faun's eyes softened when she saw who it was. Lumtor on the other hand didn't seem amused.
"Trisphyra." She smiled, "What are you doing here so early? I can't recall seeing you in the libraries before."
"I'm sorry for interrupting. I wanted to ask you something."
The faun glanced up at Lumtor. He sighed and leaned his giant frame on the shelves, crossing his arms. She smiled and walked up to the elf.
"Of course, child. How can I help?"
Trisphyra took out the flower from her hair, "Do you know what this is?"
Vitellia's eyes widened, looking like a curious cat. She took it delicately from the elf's hand. After inspecting it for a few minutes, she suddenly rushed off to a different part of the library.
"Great! You got her going now, moonshine." Lumtor grunted and followed.
"I-I'm sorry, Master. I thought it would be a quick-"
"Father!" A young man's voice entered the room. He was human, but very tall like his father. He had tanned skin with brown hair that had small ember highlights in the ends. He was very well shaped, despite his young age and his eyes glowed in the same light as Lumtor's.
"What is it now, Mathaioz?"
"I was wondering- Hey, Trisphyra."
"Hi." She smiled.
"I was wondering if you would come with me and visit mother next week?"
Lumtor looked mildly annoyed by the question. Trisphyra took a few steps back. Master Bakur was well respected for various reasons. His short temper was one of them.
"I can't do that, I have business in Rook that I have to attend to."
"Can't you spare a day? You haven't seen her for three years."
"She threw me out." He answered.
"That's because you always have to be such an arse!"
Lumtor cleared his throat, glancing over at Trisphyra who pretended not to listen. He grabbed his son by the arm and pulled him away.
"Listen, Mathaoiz. I've been trying to do right by you and your mother. I gave her a house to live in, I took you into the school. The least you both can do is show some fucking gratitude."
"We never asked for any of it! I just wanted you to be around, but you're always busy. You don't care about us."
"It's not that easy, son."
"I'm tired of your excuses, father."
"Oh! Hello, Mathaioz." Vitellia appeared out of nowhere. Even Trisphyra didn't see her coming.
The young man looked down, "Hi, Vitellia." He wasn't sure how to address the council member.
"What are you boys arguing about? This isn't how a father and a son should act."
"Mother wants him to visit her next week."
"Well, that shouldn't be a problem. Right, Lumtor?"
The tall mage gave her a look of disapproval but she answered him with stern eyes.
"I guess Caius can manage without me for a day or two."
The faun smiled widely, "See! No problem."
"Thanks." The son muttered and stormed out. Vitellia punched Lumtor in his arm.
"What?" He asked.
"Be a father. Go after him. Apologize."
There was something about watching the fearsome Lumtor Bakur wander off like a grounded child that Trisphyra found amusing. Vitellia noticed it and smirked, "Despite all his powers, he's still human. Flawed but beautiful."
"I haven't met enough of them to know, my lady."
"You'll have plenty of time for that. Now, about this flower." She pulled out a large book and put it on a bench close to them. "I think what you have here is a klelia."
Trisphyra looked at the page she'd pulled. The drawing was very similar to the one in Vitellia's hand. The petals were white and pointy, slightly luminated. The stem was dark with no leaves. It had to be the one.
"It's very rare actually." Vitallia added, "May I ask where you found it?"
"Aldertrunk gave it to me. They were growing all over them."
"Interesting." She pondered, "You see, this flower has magical properties. It can enhance a person's abjuration spells and if mixed with the right ingredients, it can even heal wounds and cure illnesses."
"Wow! That's amazing! Do they grow here naturally?"
"No, that's what's so interesting."
"I had no idea this many flowers existed." Trisphyra got lost in all the pages, browsing through as much as she could.
"Take it. This is a library after all."
"I'm not sure if-"
"You seem to like it. I think it's a good idea." Vitellia handed her the book. She took it and hugged it tight against her chest, "Thank you."
"Now, if you'll excuse me. I need to make sure Lord Bakur doesn't level a building or something."
She left and Trisphyra was alone. She was happy to have something new to learn about. If the flower could aid spell-casters, maybe there were other ones who could help her as well.
She tucked the book under her arm and walked towards Guprix's classroom.
As she treaded along one of the open halls she could hear voices shouting. She leaned over the railing, trying to catch a glimpse of the source. Far down in the square she could just make out Vitellia and Lumtor arguing. Trisphyra wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Their relationship seemed… odd… and complicated.
"Wonder what their deal is?"
She flinched at the sound of the voice. At first, she expected to see Duncan, but this guard was much, much taller. He'd come up behind her, looking over her shoulder. He was wearing a helmet covering most of his face, but she could make out two golden eyes looking at her. He chuckled, "I'm sorry. Didn't mean to frighten you, my lady." And took a few steps back.
She breathed out, "No, no! It's alright, I was just a bit lost in thought."
He knelt down and picked up her book. She hadn't even noticed that she dropped it. He handed it to her with a chuckle, "I can relate to that."
His voice was warm and soft, yet strong. She caught herself holding her breath as she stared into his eyes. In embarrassment, she looked away and put a string of hair behind her ear.
He smirked, "Are you in need of assistance, my lady?"
"I was… heading to Master Lombard's classroom."
"What a coincidence, I was heading there myself actually. How about we accompany one another?"
"That's very kind of you, sir. I'd like that."
Unlike Duncan, he took the lead this time. She walked beside him, feeling very tiny in his presence. She tried to peek up at him as they moved, curious to see what was hiding underneath that helmet. His eyes had a glow she'd never seen before. Almost as if he had a sixth sense, he glanced down at her. She turned her head immediately, cheeks flushed. Why was she behaving like this?
"You're the second new face I've seen today." She said, trying to calm herself down.
"A handful of us from the lower grounds were picked out to patrol the upper levels."
"I see. Why is that?" She asked.
"I don't ask questions."
"Ah, a true soldier." She smirked.
"Is that mocking I hear, my lady?" He leaned down closer. She could make out his dark sooty skin. She'd never seen anyone like him before.
"You have very interesting eyes." She blurted out.
He laughed, "You think so? Wanna take a closer look?" With a swift move he removed his helmet, letting out his long black hair and leaned in closer again. Trisphyra wasn't sure where to look. He had a firm jaw and high cheekbones. Eyebrows perfectly framing his narrow eyes. His nose was sharp and thin lips curled into a smile. He was mesmerizing.
In turn, he was amused with how forward she was, in a somewhat shy and cute way. Her blue eyes sparkled. He could swear it was like looking into the night sky.
She tilted her head, "Yeah, they're fascinating. I like it."
He snorted in amusement, "You flatter me, my lady."
"Well, it's true."
Time had passed quickly and suddenly they stood outside the classroom.
The guard straightened up, "Well this is my post. I hope you have a pleasant lesson, my lady."
"Thank you for the escort, sir. I hope we cross paths again."
She went inside. Guprix was standing by his usual post by the board. He turned to her and she bowed, "Good morning, Master."
"On time, I see?" He teased.
"I-"
"You went and figured out what that flower was, didn't you?"
She wasn't sure how to answer.
He continued, "Actually, I'm happy you brought one with you. We're going to try out some of its properties today. I think it might help your progress."
"What do you mean?"
He took a step forward, "Today I'm going to teach you the shield spell."
Her body froze, "What?"
"With the help of the flower you're going to protect yourself from my firebolts."
He grabbed her shoulder, removing the book from her grasp and handed her the flower. After he'd led her to the opposite side of the room, he snapped his fingers and a small flame appeared in his hand, "Let us begin."