"We need to provide the soldiers with some enchanted weapons and armor. Otherwise this won't be a fair sparring lesson." Ailluin, a rather young, handsome looking wood elf with white, short hair and green eyes, sat around a small table with Master Guprix. They'd been discussing at great length how to best proceed with the upcoming lessons he would have with some of the soldiers from now on. The wood elf himself was well known around the world for his dueling skills despite his young age.
Guprix thought of his suggestion, "How big are the chances they'll have enchanted items in a real life scenario? Shouldn't they be prepared for that?"
"Perhaps, but to the very least they should know some simple enchantment spells. Would it be possible to bring Angela in on this too? She could instruct one half while I teach the other."
"I'm not sure she'll have the time. Is it really necessary?"
"This is a big deal, sir. It's been ages since the soldiers and the mages trained together in this manner. I certainly wouldn't want anyone to get hurt."
He sighed, "Fine. I'll talk to her and see what she thinks."
The door to the office opened and Vehéres entered, "Ohoy!"
"You're here early, Manral." Ailluin said with a smirk.
The aquanian sat down and placed his feet on the table, "I ended my class early today."
"Why am I not surprised?"
"You spoil them." Guprix muttered.
"No need to be jealous just because the students love me. Besides, I heard of this new lesson of yours and wanted to see how that was coming along."
"It's coming along alright."
"Which soldiers do you think the General will pick out for this?" He asked teasingly.
"Her best. Her worst." Ailluin chuckled, "Anyone who she thinks won't back down. Which means I have to do the same."
"Anyone who is versatile enough, you mean? The best aren't always the best."
"What else do we have to go on? Picking anyone at random doesn't seem fair either."
"So pick everyone."
The two elves looked at him as if he'd said the stupidest thing. Vehéres smiled, "Everyone will benefit from this. Win or lose experience is always good. This isn't a competition between the General's army and us. We want to teach them, no?"
"I don't think our youngest students wou-"
"No, no of course not. I'm not talking about them. I'm saying, instead of hand picking a few students from every class, hand pick a few classes and bring everyone."
Guprix scoffed, "Your methodes always amuse me, Manral."
The man nodded, "My methods were the reason you chose me to become a teacher, sir. Interesting pupil you've gotten your hands on."
Lombard turned towards him slowly. Vehéres smiled and leaned forward, "You'll be happy to know I might have solved your issue with her."
He looked offended, "I'm not quite sure what you mean."
"She performed the frost spell today. It was most excellent. Has she ever been able to do any evocation magic before?"
"N-No, her connection has never been strong enough- What do you mean she performed the frost spell?" He couldn't quite believe what he was hearing.
Vehéres shrugged as if it was nothing, "Today's lesson was about learning the frost spell… and she did it. Twice, actually."
He tried to not seem overly impressed, "I suppose a thank you is in order. How did you manage to get through to her so quickly?"
"The girl is like a stubborn flower. No matter how much you water or fertilize it, it will only grow where it wants to. All you can do is put it there. So I did and she responded to it immediately."
Guprix rubbed his chin, "I see."
"Now that she's gotten more comfortable with the sensation, I believe you'll have an easier time teaching her new spells."
"Where is she now?" He asked.
"Dunno. She left the classroom with the rest of the students."
His heart sank and began storming out the room, "You can take it from here, Ailluin." Vehéres met his angry stare, not intimidated whatsoever, "Is that really still a problem, sir? She's old enough now."
"Age has got nothing to do with it."
As he searched the school he would soon find her, sitting around the fountain at the square with two other students. He stopped in his tracks as he saw the look on her face. A smile he'd never seen before. Something inside him struck hard. What was this sensation? Gurpix had been looking after since she was a small child and never once had he seen such… happiness. He had to watch, only for a little while.
"And then he offered to do my homework! As if that was gonna do anything?" The human girl with long, curly white hair rolled her eyes. Trisphyra had learned that her name was Sionia and was a lot more talkative than anyone she'd ever met. Her eyes went to Dahlia, the winan girl who'd offered her book to her during the lesson. She smiled apologetically, "Poor Jhaan, he picked the wrong girl there, didn't he?"
"Don't feel sorry for him!" Sionia exclaimed, "That guy tries to charm anyone he comes across. So arrogant."
"Yeah, doesn't sound like anyone else I know." Dahlia teased. Her friend crossed her arms angrily.
Trisphyra pulled her hair nervously, "Does it happen often?"
The human girl took a deep breath, "Thankfully not."
"I don't think there are many brave enough to try." Dahlia laughed, flapping her giant wings.
"You know so many." Trisphyra smiled shyly, "I'm amazed you keep track of them all."
"Haven't seen much of you though." Sionia leaned in closer, "How long have you been here at Arathorn?"
"For as long as I can remember."
"How come I've never seen you in any classes?"
"You study under Master Lombard, don't you?" Dahlia added.
"You kidding?" Sionia's eyes widened, "Lucky you!"
"Lucky me?" Trisphyra asked confusedly.
"He's the head of the mages for a reason. What I wouldn't give to attend one of his lessons! You must learn a great deal."
She looked down at her lap. It was no secret that her Master was a powerful mage, but she had no idea he was so popular amongst the other students. Was she a bad student for being so ungrateful for his teachings?
"Actually, I'm a bit of a slow learner."
Dahlia placed a hand on her shoulder, "I find that hard to believe. You did amazing in class today!"
"You're too nice." She blushed.
"I mean it! You got some strong magic in you."
"It was thanks to Master Manral that I was able to find it so easily."
"And whatever family you got that from." Sionia implored.
"I… I wouldn't know." Her voice faded.
The two students looked at one another. This was clearly a sensitive subject.
"Ahem, my ladies." A voice interrupted.
Sionia almost flew up from her seat, "Master Lombard!"
Trisphyra and Dahlia stood up as well. The young elf almost didn't dare to look at him, but once she did, he seemed calm, collected and… he'd never smiled like that before.
"I need to speak with Trisphyra in private, if you please."
"Of course, sir. No problem at all!" Sionia bowed and pulled Dahlia along as they left.
"Will we see you in class tomorrow?" The winan asked.
"I…" Trisphyra wasn't sure what to answer, "We'll see."
She turned to Guprix. His smile had disappeared, "Walk with me."
They ventured through the various great halls of the school, decorated with statues and paintings depicting its history.
"Master Manral told me you did very well at his class today. He seemed very impressed."
"The Master is too kind."
He didn't answer. They kept walking for a while. She began to get nervous. Was he angry with her? Was it because of the day's events or because she'd performed well for another teacher?
"Was Elder Sharis angry with you?"
"Most certainly." He admitted, "With all of us."
"I'm so sorry, Master."
"I'm at fault this time, dear. No need to apologize." He stopped to look at her, "I'm glad something good came out of it." His hand stretched out with an open palm, "Show me the spell you learned today."
"On your hand?"
"Yes."
"Master, I don't want to-"
"Don't worry about me. Just do it."
She grabbed onto his hand. His eyes stared at her expectantly. Her heart began to raise as she switched the focus to his hand and hers. She remembered how hers had looked just a few hours ago. It angered her. The magic responded quicker than she'd expected. The frost burst out from her fingers and spread across Guprix's entire hand and turned it snow white.
She took a sharp breath. What had she done?
Her Master seemed calm. He inspected his hand which was frozen solid, unable to move. He smiled, "Very good, Trisphyra."
"Master, I didn't mean-"
"No, dear. This is exactly what we've been aiming for." He pouted his lips and blew at his hand, melting all the ice away, "Now we can finally begin the real work."
She hadn't thought her training could be more intense, but Guprix proved her wrong. She never got to attend another class. Instead she got to spend more and more hours within her Master's classroom. Vehéres had been right, her magic was easier to conjure but that didn't stop Lombard from pushing her to her limits every time. The only difference from earlier was that now she actually showed results.
Weeks passed by quickly. There weren't many opportunities but every one she got she tried to catch a glimpse of anyone she might know outside of the classroom. Sometimes she would see Dahlia and Sionia in the square but they never noticed her. It was like they didn't even miss her.
Who was she trying to fool? She'd only spent a few hours with them, after all. No, distractions only got her in trouble. Better she focused on lessons. It was difficult. She came to realize how her heart skipped a beat whenever she laid eyes on one of the silver guards and then noticed how it sank every time she noticed it wasn't him.
However, one night when she was sitting in her bed, practicing her light spell, there was a knock on the door. It was odd. More security had been stationed around her room ever since she got attacked that day. Who could possibly knock unannounced?
She approached the door, "Sir Rakus? Is that you?"
"Even better." A voice answered. She recognized it.
Upon opening the door she was met with a pair of golden eyes looking down at her. He was still huge, despite the fact that he wasn't wearing his silver armor. Instead he wore a loosely fitted shirt, leather gauntlets and pants with simple boots on his feet.
He smiled, "Hi."
All emotions rushed through her at once, "You!" She grabbed his shirt and pulled him inside with a strong tug, closing the door behind her. He stumbled forward. Not the response he'd been expecting. He looked around the room. Compared to his own wooden abode, this place was big. White walls with elven engravings on the ledges and a big window with a view of the forest. He turned to look at Trisphyra. She was glaring at him, clearly upset. He couldn't help but find it kind of cute. He bowed and brought out a handful of flowers.
"Flowers for my lady?"
"Is that it?" She asked.
He looked at the bouquet, "It was all I could pick on my last patrol."
"No! I mean-" She took a deep breath, "It's been weeks! Where…?"
"Hey…" He walked up to her, "I'm flattered but… you shouldn't have to worry about me."
"I was afraid they'd thrown you out."
He laughed, "On the contrary. The General has been busting my ass during training." He grabbed her cheek, "I'm glad you missed me though."
She pulled away from him, "You could've at least said something." Walking over to her seat by the window. He looked up at the roof, thinking of a way to make this better.
"I'm sorry, Trisphyra. I haven't been allowed back up here until now. That's why I went here straight away. To see you."
He walked over to her. She was hugging her legs, gazing out on the forest. The moonlight luminated her blueish hair, making it glow in the dark room.
"You look well though."
"I thought that if they'd thrown you out, it would have been because of me. It's why he never lets me see anyone, why he doesn't let me go to other classes."
He sat down beside her, "But I'm here now, you don't have to worry. I'll visit every time I'm up here from now on."
"What if I get you in trouble again?"
"Not going to happen. I'm a good boy now. We'll be careful." He smiled, "Besides, I'm used to getting into trouble. There's nothing I can't handle. What do you say?"
His confidence rubbed off on her and his expression sent a warm stream through her body. She had to look away from him, "I guess."
He felt relieved, "So… This is your room? Very fancy." Curiosity took over and he began looking around. Trisphyra followed him with her eyes, "It's okay."
"Do you all have rooms this big in the upper levels?" He asked, skirmishing through her bookcase.
She shrugged, "I wouldn't know. I've never been to anyone else's."
"Really? So what do you do all day?"
"I study with Master Lombard and… I read." She tried to come up with something else but found that that was about it.
Helon scoffed, "Sounds like you need to get out more."
"You think they'd let me after what happened last time?"
"I'm just saying." He noticed the large chest by the foot of her bed, "There are ways to get past them." As he laid his hands on the chest, he was stopped by Trisphyra putting herself on top of it, making it very clear he wasn't allowed to open it. He backed away, holding his hands up.
"What did you do to get in here?" She asked.
Helon leaned in closer, "You pulled me in."
"There were no guards outside. What did you do?"
"You forget that I'm a silver knight, my lady. I have authority over the guards."
She began to punch him lightly, "You said you were gonna be careful!"
"Relax, they're not gonna tell the General." He grabbed her wrist, caressing his thumb over her soft skin, "Besides, whatever they're protecting you from, they won't be doing a better job than me."
She sighed and sat down on her bed, "They're not protecting me, they're guarding me."
"I think I'm doing better in that regard too." He smirked and knelt down in front of her so he leveled with her eyes, "You're not gonna run away from me, are you?"
He was charming in a strange sort of way. Trisphyra wasn't sure what it was but she felt drawn to him, despite his upfront manners. It was like he was the only one who truly saw her as a person. She smiled, "As long as you keep being nice and don't give me a heart attack again."
"I promise I'll only do nice things to your heart from now on, Trisphyra."
They held each other's eyes for a moment. In his head, Helon tried to decipher what made this girl so special. To him it was obvious, but why the big deal from all the Masters?
Meanwhile, Trisphyra tried to understand why he was so interested in her, not that she disapproved of his company. She was afraid that if he ever found out who she was, he'd start treating her just like everyone else.
"You have very pretty eyes." She felt like she had to say it. His golden glow was unlike anything she'd ever seen before. He flicked his hair out of the way, "Family trademark, wanna look closer?"
Holding his hair back with one hand, he leaned forward. Trisphyra did the same, not minding how close they were. Noses almost touching. To her, his eyes almost looked like rings of gold, speckled with stardust.
"What do you mean by family trademark?"
He stood up, "Almost everyone of the Krisric bloodline has them. Dark-elves' eyes are usually… well, dark, but my family, my father and two brothers, we all have them."
Her eyes grew wider in excitement, "You have a family?"
He raised an eyebrow, "Yeah… don't you?"
"I… uh…" She fumbled at her. Helon couldn't help but let out a chuckle, shaking his head, "I understand. It's complicated."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. It's okay." He reassured her.
"Could you tell me a bit… about them?" A part of her longed to hear what it was like to have one.
He sighed and stood up, "It's not that much really. Go to the library and you can find out pretty much all there is to know about 'great Krisric's'."
As he leaned on the wall, arms crossed and eyes lowered, Trisphyra realized she'd been the one to strike a nerve this time. She recalled him telling her that he knew what it was like to have expectations pushed upon you. She knew nothing of his family name, but the way he was talking about them made it clear that they were well known, but that wasn't the part she was interested in.
She stood up from the chest and put herself on her bedside instead, legs crossed, "I don't want to hear about them from some dusty old book. I want to hear it from you. What are your brothers like?" She leaned forward.
Helon was baffled. He couldn't recall a single time anyone had ever asked him these questions about his family. They were difficult to answer, however.
He took a deep breath, "I haven't seen any of them since I was 16. We write to each other every now and then but-"
"Then… tell me what you remember." She urged.
The look on her face made him laugh, "Alright. Well, I'm the eldest, naturally. Then there's Sharrar who was born three years after me and five years after that, last came Amadar."
Already taken by his story, Trisphyra rested her head in her hands, fully focused.
"Sharrar and I are alot alike. We both dreamed of becoming great warriors as kids. No surprise there. It's almost expected of every Krisric to pursue that goal, hence why little Amadar became a bit of a loner. He was always more of a diplomat. Calm and collected. We loved to tease him about it."
"That wasn't very nice of you." Trisphyra smiled.
Helon shrugged, "We're brothers, it's what we do. He was never a bad sport about it, and it always came from a good place. He loved to judge Sharrar and I when we trained. We had fun together."
"Do they study here too?"
"No, only I was accepted. They're better off. Sharrar's getting married next year."
"That's exciting to hear!"
"It is!" He smiled widely but soon after his face dropped, "I'm just not sure I'll get to attend. There's no sign I'll get out of here anytime soon."
He dared to look up at Trisphyra. Her face was filled with concern, something he hadn't been given in a long time. A lump grew in his throat. He turned his head away, trying to force it away. She walked up to him and grabbed his arm, "I'm sure your brother would understand. If he's anywhere near as kind as you are to me, you don't have to worry."
He laughed, trying to hide his gaze, "Look at me complaining about being trapped, to you. At least I can walk around as I please around here."
"It's not that bad." She looked around her room, "I'm kind of used to it. I've had people looking after me my whole life. First Matilda and now Master Lombard. I believe, despite how harsh he can be, it's because he cares."
"I know I'm not one to judge, but seeing what he did to you, I find that hard to believe. You seemed done with him back then."
"Our relationship is… difficult, but he's the closest to a father I've ever had. He has taught me so much. Look!" She reached out her hand and lit a small ball of blue light in her palm, "I can do spells like this much easier now."
"My father taught me a lot as well but he never hurt me. Ever."
"Stop it." She lowered her arm, "You don't know what this means to him."
"Him? I don't think you give yourself enough credit, Trisphyra. What do all these magical powers mean to you? What do you wanna use them for?"
"I-" She didn't know what to answer. She'd been so focused on accessing her magic that she had no idea what she would do with it. Master Lombard had never told her either.
"I haven't figured that out yet. I'm not even sure what I can do."
Helon grabbed her hand, "I know your healing magic is pretty strong. Has he taught you any of that?"
"Not yet."
"Tell you what." He intertwined his fingers with hers, "If I help you with your training, you'll help me with mine."
"What?" Her brows furrowed.
"I'm gonna be sparring with some of the mages tomorrow and thought you might have some insight to help me, and if you improve maybe Lombard will get off your back. It's a win for the both of us!"
She let go of his hand, "I don't know. I haven't been taught any attacking spells yet. I've just begun to learn how to control it." The thought of doing something behind Guprix's back made her uncomfortable. She also felt guilty that the idea had thrilled her at first. As she placed herself by the giant window, her eyes gazed out on the forest, "I don't want to ruin everything."
"I don't see how you can ruin anything, Trisphyra." He stepped to the opposite end, "You're so gentle and quiet. It's clear most people enjoy your company."
"How do you know?"
"Well, for one, Duncan won't stop asking about you."
She smiled at that, "What about you?"
"I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't. I hope my manners haven't stopped you from enjoying mine."
She shook her head and smiled, "It hasn't. I like your honesty. It's charming."
"Charming, huh?" He knew she wouldn't still think so if she knew all of his honest thoughts and opinions. Especially the ones about her. Right now. The way her hair draped over shoulders and almost blended with her dress. It made him feel things he'd never felt before. It made him want to do things inappropriate to a kind woman like her. He hadn't earned that privilege yet.
"I suppose, even though I'm not the perfect person to teach you these things, I could tell you about my experience with magic, at least."
"I'd love to."
"It would be nice to discuss it with someone other than the Masters for a change."
She sat down on the floor and Helon joined her. They talked about her magic for hours. She tried her best to explain what it felt like for her whenever she used it, both good and bad. To her surprise, Helon was very attentive. He grasped the concept quickly and began asking her questions of how certain areas affected her more or less. He understood that a spellcaster's mindset was important to properly execute magic, otherwise it could become extremely unbalanced.
"Does this mean anyone can use magic?" He asked.
"I think so. We all have the essence of it inside of us. Some are just more powerful than others. Then there's spell scrolls of course. Anyone can use those."
"No one in my family has ever used magic before. Unless I count grandmother Quazora of course, but she's no Krisric."
"Maybe you'll be the first?" Trisphyra smiled.
"Not sure how my family will look at me if I do."
"They don't like magic?"
"They do, it's just that they think a warrior should know melee combat first and foremost."
"Hm, you'll have to show me some of your skills sometime then."
He stared at her for a second, "You serious?"
She nodded as if it was nothing, "I don't want them to dislike me."
There was a sudden knock on the door.
"Trisphyra!"
"It's Master Lombard. Hide!" She whispered and ushered herself and Helon up from the floor.
"Where?" He looked around the room.
"I don't know! My closet!" She pointed to two doors by the bed. Helon quickly snuck inside and closed the doors.
Trisphyra calmed herself down before opening. Guprix seemed concerned.
"Where are all the guards?" He asked.
"I- I heard them talking through my door so I asked them to leave. I couldn't concentrate."
"You know we have them here for a reason. We don't want another attack."
"I know, Master. It's just that we've been doing so well and I wanted to practice."
"Okay then. Show me. What spell were you practicing?"
She placed her hand across her chest and took a deep breath. Light took form around her, creating the shape of a chestplate around her torso.
Guprix nodded, "I see. The armor spell, but the question is how strong is it?"
He placed his hand above the plate. She felt the head coming from it but stood her ground. Like Helon had said, it was time she gave herself some credit to her own abilities. The heat got more and more intense but it wasn't enough to shatter the armor around her. Guprix let go, "Very good, but you have to learn to practice spells with people around you. We can't risk it. We don't want the shadows to return."
"Yes, Master."
"Good. Now get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow."
As he was about to leave, an idea came to her mind, "Master, if I may."
He stopped and looked at her.
"Would it be alright if… perhaps I could join the sparring lesson with the soldiers tomorrow?"
"We haven't even started your evocation training yet, child."
"If I could just sit and watch? I feel like I could learn more if I watched others use their magic."
Guprix rolled his eyes, "Ever since your lesson with Vehéres you keep asking me about that."
"But it worked, Master. I want to become a worthy student of yours."
"You are a worthy student, Trisphyra. More worthy than most. I guess, if it means that much to you, I'll take you there."
A wide open smile spread across her face. She ran up to him and threw her arms around his neck, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Only to watch and observe." He hugged her back awkwardly and let go.
"Yes, of course. I understand."
"I'll come get you in the morning. Get some sleep now. I'll go get those guards back to their posts."
"Good night, Master." She closed the door as he went out. her face turned towards the closet. Helon's head peeked out, "Guess I'll see more of you in the morning."
Trisphyra's face was glowing with excitement, "Maybe after, we can talk more about what we learned?"
"Maybe you get to practice a healing spell or two on me." He smiled.
"I guess we'll see about that."
"I hope I'll get to show you all of it." He walked up closer to her. She stood still, not sure what he was going to do. He took out the bouquet of flowers he brought. She took them in her hands, "I'm looking forward to it."
Before she let him pass her, she grabbed his shoulder and hoisted herself up, giving him a peck on the cheek. He looked at her all confused but then his expression softened and he smiled.
"Good night, Trisphyra."