Azure returned to the tower, were he fill asleep again but this, he slept for days and only now final woke up.
Azure slept like the dead, plagued only by fitful dreams of flames he could not control. When awareness seeped back into his consciousness, afternoon light now filtered golden through the arrowslits to bathe the tower's interior. For a disoriented moment, he lay blinking in confusion - where was he, what had happened?
Then memory returned in a rush. The fire, his flight, finding refuge in Faen's strange aerie nestled high in the oak. Surely it could not be real, some last fever dream before death claimed him in the forest. But no, as he pushed himself up on shaky arms, the slender figure perching on the windowsill was still very much present, pale eyes thoughtful as they watched the treetops sway far below.
"You awak at last, witchling," Faen greeted without turning. "How fare your wounds this new day?"
His voice was soft but carried, reminding Azure vaguely of wind chimes or rain on leaves. Shifting gingerly, he took quick stock - aches and complaints, but nothing life threatening still. A small mercy amongst many that had been denied him.
"Sore, but mending," he croaked past a sandpaper throat. "My thanks...for your care and shelter."
Faen nodded absently, concern melting into something warmer as he faced Azure fully. "There is water, if you've strength to take it. And more yet beneath the stars comes, in time."
Bemused by the elliptical way of speaking but too parched to question, Azure dragged himself to the offered skin and drank deeply. Revived, he took stock of his unusual host once more. Faen seemed neither man nor beast, yet possessed traits of both. Long nimble fingers ended in curved nails more claw than human, and bronzed skin was stretched taut over fine bones in an almost avian way.
Most disconcerting of all were the antiquated clothes - roughspun leggings and tunic that would not have looked out of place in an illuminated manuscript from centuries past. Despite curiosity burning, Azure held his tongue, still waiting for answers that had not yet been freely given.
Finishing his assessment with a dip of his head in thanks, he asked "Might I aid you in some small way, as repayment for your kindness?"
Faen tilted his head, seeming to turn the offer over in his mind. "Your fire still rages wild, untouched. Together we'll tame its fury, if willing you be."
Azure suppressed a grimace, fingers twisting in the blanket as doubt assailed him anew. How could he ever hope to master this curse? But what choice had he, alone and reviled as demon-spawn wherever he went? At least here was guidance, and shelter, for however long it might last.
Steeling himself, he nodded. "I am willing. Teach me."
And so began Azure's second lessons in magic. Where Galen had instructed meditation and philosophies, Faen emphasized practical application - summoning and banishing flames in controlled bursts, feeling the ebb and flow of elemental power within.
At first Azure struggled, frustration mounting as fiery wisps danced out of reach like will o'wisps in the night. But Faen exhibited endless patience, coaching him through breathing techniques and visualization until finger-flick sparks became cupped balls of warmth, then controlled streamers that danced to his command.
It was exhausting work, feeling his inner tides swell and recede with each spell. By dusk Azure sweated and trembled, wrung out but triumphant - he had summoned an orb large as his fist and maintained it steady for nearly a minute before dismissing it safely. Progress, however small.
That evening Faen gifted him dried meat and fruit as reward, watched deeply approving as the witchling fell upon the simple fare ravenously. "You learn swiftly when determined. Your inner fire will serve, not scorch, in time."
Flushing slightly under the pale praise, Azure swallowed a mouthful and asked softly "How long have you dwelled here alone, master Faen? These woods seem little frequented by others of your kind."
A shadow passed behind dark eyes, there and gone too swiftly to decipher. "Long have I called this place refuge, as it does for you. But that is past - the present finds us in this charge we've accepted, to nurture your gift."
Seeing closed doors where curiosity wished to pry would gain him nothing, so Azure let the subject lie for now, finishing his meal in companionable silence as twilight deepened around them. When done he bowed respectfully. "I thank you again for your teachings today. If there is naught else, might I explore the tower awhile undisturbed before sleep?"
Faen waved languid permission, attention already turned back to the night-cloaked woods below. Azure settled near the arched windows with his finds from the day - smoothed stones, dried mosses, tiny crystals embedded in stone. Simple treasures, but they kept eager hands busy as his whirling thoughts began to still.
This strange existence was beginning to feel almost...peaceful. He had purpose, safety, guidance once more. Dare he hope it might last? Only time would tell, as all things did, but for now - refuge.