Being violently awoken by a deep bassy horn was not something I would recommend, especially when you're having the best sleep of your life.
I peeked over the side of the bed and saw the girl getting ready, but also now there was another person in the room.
They pointedly weren't making eye contact and were ignoring each other.
The boy glanced up and smiled, "Oh! You're awake! The horn means that it's time for breakfast. My name's Zephyr, by the way."
"Rave. Hey, I like your hair. I've never seen anything like it before."
The boy slightly shook his head back and forth, "Thank you, they're something unique to my family. We call them dreads, and we dye them blond."
I heard the girl scoff, "You guys are going to be late." She muttered as she exited the cabin.
Zephyr's smiling face quickly soured. "You should get ready; we don't want to get there and have no food left."
I nodded and hopped down.
"Oh yes, your uniform is on the dresser. I'll give you some privacy." Zephyr said as he left.
The uniform was a dark brown leather breastplate with arm guards, leg guards, and boots. There was also a plain black shirt and pants. Putting it on was a little difficult. I never had to put on straps before, so it took a while, but once I finished, I felt like a new person. There was even a belt that had an empty sheathe on it as well. The shirt and pants were so soft!
I was glad for the new footwear, the boots I had weren't going to last much longer. It was also a higher quality than anything I would've gotten on my own.
I went to put my old shoes in the satchel, and as I did my hand brushed the lily inside. Taking it out, I grabbed a cup and realized I had no way to fill it with water.
"Hey, what's taking so long.?"
Zephyr was standing in the doorway.
"Sorry, just…"
"Don't worry about it." He must've seen the cup because he chuckled and guided me over to the basin, "This may be some backwater camp, but they still have running water."
"Running water?"
He looked at me weirdly before turning the knob of the thing hanging over the basin. "We should really be going now though."
"Yeah. Could- Could you just give me a second?"
He nodded and left again.
I turned the knob on and off several times in awe. I looked at the Assadia Lily in my hand. Vy and I had to fill up a bucket every other day for water, and Hewg just conjured it using myst. I had never seen it come from a mechanism before. Shaking my intrigue away, I filled the cup and placed it on the dresser with the lily inside.
I met Zephyr outside.
"You have some-" He gestured vaguely to my face.
I was crying, I realized, and quickly wiped the tears away.
"Thank you," I replied as I followed him.
"Of course, now the dining hall is on the green path and-"
"Yeah, Vayne told me that each place has its own color path that correlates to it."
"Ah, you met Vayne! I love that guy! He's like a big puppy."
"You know him too?"
"Of course, he's our senior."
How long have you been here...?"
"Only a couple of weeks now. Serenia and I arrived together."
"Serenia?"
"Our… female roommate."
We had arrived at the dining hall by now and waited in line to get our food.
"She's very, well um, how do I put this?" Zephyr questioned as he tapped his chin.
"Quiet?" I supplied.
"A recluse, who hates people in general."
"Oh."
"We have a lot of history and she- she is blinded by it."
"What happened?" I asked as we had now made it to the front and received a plate of food.
"I don't think I should-."
I cut him off, "I understand, you don't gotta tell me."
We walked over to an empty table. The room was full of chatter and the sounds of silverware.
"Bacon, egg, and cheese on a bagel."
"What?"
"It's what's for breakfast, you were looking at it weird." He picked his own up and took a bite, "You eat it like that."
I nodded and followed what he did. "This is delicious!"
"Yes, it's pretty good. Back at the palace, the bacon is much crispier. I think I like it more there."
I froze with my mouth full, "You've been to the palace?"
"Yes, I have"
"That's so cool! So have I!"
"Really... I've never seen you there before."
"Well, I've only been there once, and it was for... something I'd prefer not to talk about either."
Zephyr hummed and we ate in silence. I randomly scanned the room at one point and found Serenia sitting alone. I wanted to go over, but I wasn't sure what I'd say, so I quickly dismissed the idea. I wanted to get to know her though, if we were going to be living together.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Vayne with a wide grin, "How's it going Rave? Sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. It's the first time I slept on a bed that comfy."
Vayne frowned for a second before smiling, "That's great to hear." He looked past me, and his face lit up as he plopped down beside me "Oh, how's it going Zephyr!"
Zephyr nodded in response, "As usual, Vayne."
"Awesome, awesome. So Rave, today I'll be showing you the beginning of your regiment and introducing you to your trainers."
"Sounds exciting."
Vayne's smile widened even further somehow, "Oh it is, I'm sure you'll have a grand time."
Zephyr chuckled and held his hands up in a placating manner as he rose from his seat, "Sorry my comrades, but this is my cue to leave, I'll see you two later."
"See ya!" Vayne's volume outmatched my own meager "Bye".
Vayne clapped his hands together in excitement, "Now, let's get started."
He brought me to what he called the "Barracks".
It was a building that housed the weapons and armor. I wasn't allowed inside as I'm 'newly initiated', but it was important for me to know where it was in case there was an emergency.
After that, he brought me to what he called, "The Chamber".
It was an oval dome where the recruits would focus on the more physical parts of their training. It included weapon training and body enhancement.
Next was the Informatory, this was the space where intelligence would be honed and knowledge bestowed.
Lastly, we were heading to the far end of Camp Aeschylusa. My curiosity was piqued as we approached it, and various loud noises began to be heard. The path we were on led to a short rampart with a door. Vayne approached it and reached his hand out. The air in front of his hand began to move slightly like it was vibrating. Then with a light blue glow that emanated outward in ripples, the door unlocked and opened.
I was greeted with what I could only call absolute chaos.
"Welcome to the Mystic Grounds."
I couldn't say anything. The various mystics that were being cast and the duels that were occurring… I could only take it all in.
Vayne chuckled and slapped me on the back, "Everyone reacts like this! And soon, you'll be doing everything they are." He gestured to the various people spread across the open field.
Just at that moment, one of the combatants had conjured a wall made completely of the ground around him.
"Will you ever stop?"
There was a girl now standing beside Vayne. She was darker and had dreads like Zephyr, but they weren't blond, instead, they were a combination of red and brown.
"Stop what?" He questioned.
"Taking these newbies for info dumps. Let 'em learn like we did. They only ever really learn through trial by fire."
Vayne frowned, "You know why I don't agree with that, Z"
The girl smirked, "We've come out fine, haven't we?"
Vayne took me by the shoulder and turned me around, pushing me back toward the camp, "See ya, Z"
My last look at the girl left me with one question, why was she blindfolded?
"That's Zamadra, umm, don't take anything she says to heart, she's very cynical."
"Oh. Okay." I could tell he didn't want to talk about her, so I kept the questions I had to myself.
We passed a man with an entourage of people who seemed to be relentlessly assaulting him with information and ideas.
¨That's the Camp Director, Ser Denure. You´ll meet him when you become a Third class unless he has time to wander the camp, but he never does. Poor dude never gets a break." Vayne waited until we had passed them before explaining who it was.
"Ser, like sir?"
Vayne chuckled, "Once you become a second-class herald you will gain the honorific Ser, it's pronounced like stare but without the 't'
"I've just been calling them sir…"
"A common mistake amongst those who haven't had much familiarity with us, but never mind that, once I introduce you to your trainers, I'll have to get going. You won't see me for a bit, but I'll be excited to see your progress."
I nodded, "Where will you be?"
"I'm being sent on a mission. I'm supposed to be out doing it now, but I wanted to help you settle in a bit."
"I'm sorry." I felt bad, I don't want him to get in trouble because of me.
"No. it's ok. I wanted to do this, plus I have some perks- benefits¨ He corrected, ¨of being who I am."
"And who are you exactly?"
"You know all that already silly!" Vayne patted my head. I was much shorter than him, "Oh, you make a good elbow rest."
"Hey! Stop that!"
Vayne laughed and messed up my hair.
"Vayne! Where have you been!?"
It was Clive, the guy who did the weird hand motions with Vayne yesterday.
"What's up, Clive? Where's the rest of his trainers?"
Clive crossed his arms, "They left because you were taking too long."
Vayne scratched the back of his head, "My bad. But um hey, is it okay if I leave Rave with you? I really have to get going."
Clive nodded, "Yeah, of course. I'm one of his trainers anyway, so you completed a third of your assignment at least."
"Ah shove it, Clive." Vayne shot back. He waved to me as he jogged away.
"He's something isn't he?" Clive asked with a chuckle.
"Yeah, but I like him." Vayne was someone that I felt like I could become close to.
Clive nodded, "I haven't met a person who doesn't, other than Zamadra maybe." He gestured toward two stumps and sat on one of them. I followed.
"Alright, what do you know about Mystics?"
"Not much. They can be formed through the manipulation of Myst and people have an element in which they are strongest, but there are no limits to what can be cast."
Clive hummed, "You know the very basics, what about the main elements?"
I listed them off, using my fingers to keep count, "Fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, ice, light, and darkness are the main eight, but there are plenty of subcategories that mix the elements."
Clive chuckled, "That is good, I won't have to start at the very beginning. Have you ever felt it?"
"Felt what?"
He gestured around us, "The Myst."
"I don't think so. What does it feel like?"
Clive stood, "Here, follow me."
He led me to the cave that led to the main road to Naminas.
"Sit down and close your eyes."
I plopped down.
"What do you feel?"
I sat there, waiting. Shaking my head, I groaned, "I don't feel anything."
"That is normal. Now I want you to focus on the rock you are sitting on, the air that you're breathing… imagine all the colors you can think of just slowly floating through your mind."
I did what he said. The colors sprung naturally to the blackness of what I could see. I realized it was almost like a mist of colors, floating languidly across the void. I've never seen something so beautiful.
"I-I see it," I whispered.
"Good." Clive's voice was soft now. "Project it outward. Take the colors and feel them."
I did not know what he meant by feeling them, but as soon as he said it, I felt a tingle spread throughout my body and suddenly I felt full for some reason, but that feeling quickly disappeared as it felt like there was void within me now instead.
I opened my eyes and looked at Clive. He was standing with his mouth agape.
"Did I do it?"
He nodded, "You… you did."
"It doesn't feel any different, honestly I feel emptier if anything."
He helped me up, "Yes, that… I'm not sure. You did it rather smoothly so maybe that's why?"
We began walking back to the camp,
"It's not normally that quick and easy?"
"Not that I've ever heard. You said you've never interacted with it before, correct?"
"This is the first time I've done anything with it."
"Strange."
"Does everyone do it this way?"
"Well, most Heralds do. The nobility don't. They have their own, unorthodox ways, up in their gilded oasis." He sounded angry.
"Do you not like nobles?"
"They-" He sighed, "Most aren't good people. They do things differently than us."
"Like what?"
"Let's just say those unorthodox ways are extremely dangerous. "
"Oh."
We arrived back at the stumps.
"I'll be your trainer in anything related to Mystics for the next two weeks so if-"
"Wait, really?"
"Well, yeah. What did you think I was doing this whole time?"
"Oh, I thought you were just helping me until my trainers came because Vayne was late... You look pretty young to be a trainer?"
"As Third-class Heralds stationed here, we have to train three newbies before we are eligible for the Corimmor Test. You are my last."
"So, the other Heralds are trainers too?"
"Mhm."
"I was expecting…older."
Clive chuckled, "Most do."
I was relieved I could repay him in some way though, "I'm glad I can help you too."
Clive waved it off, "Ah, don't worry about it. I don't mind sharing knowledge with newbies, one of you may have my back in battle in the future. I'd rather it be someone I helped, than someone I didn't."
It was a good reason. It made sense what he was saying.
"I'll be going now; I contacted your weapons trainer, and they should be here soon."
"How? You were with me the whole time."
Clive smirked, "It's a secret. Don't worry, you'll learn eventually."
I sat on the stump and watched him leave. As he disappeared, my vision wandered to other people going about their day. Many were in groups and chatting as they went wherever they were going.
I was surprised. I didn't realize how busy Camp Aeschylusa truly was. I can't believe the whole time I've been here; I didn't realize how many different things were happening at the same time.
I wonder what Zephyr's doing right now. Or Serenia.
Suddenly, something flew past me and dug into the edge of the stump I was sitting on.
Jumping in surprise, I whirled around, and embedded in the stump was a massive sword.
The person holding it had a maniacal grin, "Name's Maeve, I'll be your physical combat and survival instructor." The grin faded and she turned thoughtful, "Good reflexes and identification of danger. Need to keep the guard up at all times though, not bad for a newbie, hopefully, this one will be better." She rambled on.
I stood there in shock. My heart was racing. She just swung her sword at me!?
"What was that for??" I yelled.
Maeve pouted, "What was what for?"
"You almost killed me!" I stressed.
She tilted her head slightly to the right. "But I didn't. On the topic of death actually-" She yanked her sword from the stump and strapped it to her back, "You'll wish you were."
I was suddenly lifted by the arms and thrown over her shoulder. I didn't even try to escape. What was the point? I wouldn't be able to.
Maeve sprinted through the camp and brought me down a brown path, we eventually approached the building that Vayne had called The Chamber. It looked different from the other buildings that were in the camp. The area was covered by a large oval roof and various pillars lined up evenly, holding the roof up. Because of the placement of these pillars, there were circular spaces free of obstructions. Two of these spaces were currently being used by people who were sparring. Beyond the building was an open area where there were dummies that had slashes and tears.
Maeve dropped me outside and entered. I quickly got up and followed her.
"This is the Chamber. The indoor portion is used for hand-to-hand training and working out; outside is where you can do your weapon drills." She wove her way through the circles and brought me to the other side. Handing me a wooden sword she leaned against the wooden fence that lined the outside portion. "Take a couple of swings, newbie."
I decided to not stay quiet and approached the dummy. I fell into a stance that felt comfortable and began. Swinging the sword felt good. I missed how the hilt felt, how cleanly it glided through the air.
I kept swinging until Maeve stopped me, "That stick seems natural in your hands. I'm glad they gave me someone that has potential."
"Thank you," I replied as I looked down at the training sword in my hand.
"Here, let's try something more realistic."
I suddenly had an actual sword thrust into my hands.
"Let's see how you handle this."
It was significantly heavier than the wooden sword. My arms shook while trying to just hold it up.
Maeve laughed, "Looks like we'll have to build up those puny muscles!"
I felt my face heating as I returned the sword. "I've had a little training so far, but not much."
Maeve accepted the sword and placed it back on the rack, "Whoever you learned from was skilled. They taught you exactly what we teach all newbies." She smiled devilishly and leaned in, "Who was it?"
She was extremely close, far too close for me to feel comfortable.
"It was… um."
"Come on, you can say it."
"Old man Hewg taught me."
Maeve put her finger to her chin, "Old man Hewg, old man... Hewg..? Hewg." She twitched, and she seemed to come to a realization. "HEWG!" She yelled, "Like Hewg Vagram? The Ash Wolf! Master Axman and inventor of the barehanded bamwrung! That Hewg?!"
"I think...?"
"What the fu- Did he teach you it?"
"What?"
"The barehanded bamwrung!"
"No. What's that?"
"He didn't teach you it?! The old codger's cheap isn't he! Aghhh! I want to learn it so badly!!" She reached her hand out and seemed to grasp the air in front of her. "He was infamous for being able to grasp anything by its neck and choke it to death! I've heard stories of him wrestling Saurians and winning! Do you think you could ask him for me?"
"...I can't."
"What do you mean?!"
"No one can."
"That's bullshit! He'd have to pass on his legacy at some point!" Maeve countered.
"Or he could just not want to pass it on to some sociopathic blacksmith."
We turned around and standing in the doorway that led back into The Chamber was a black-robed figure with their hood up.
"Solofius." Maeve hissed.
"The one and only." They bowed, "I believe your time with the new recruit has passed and mine shall begin."
Maeve recoiled, "You're taking a newbie?!"
"I believe it's time I pass on what I've learned. Also, I'm sick of staying in this orphanage."
Maeve growled, but ultimately let out a breath and stalked away.
I studied Solofius, "You were who I met first."
"Indeed."
"Why didn't you answer me before?"
"There was no need to."
"But there is now?"
Solofius chuckled, "I would hope I was on friendly terms with someone I was to teach." They approached me and grabbed my shoulder. My vision wavered for several seconds until it all evened out.
"What did you do?"
"Look around."
We were standing on a branch. WE WERE STANDING ON A BRANCH?! I lost my footing, but Solofius grabbed me in time and stood me in front of them facing outward.
"Like the view?"
From where we were situated, we could see the entirety of the camp and even beyond.
The spaces in between the dark green treetops were the pointed roofs of camp structures. Various birds flew leisurely through the air and there was a croaking sound from below us.
"The frogs are excited," Solofius stated.
Looking past the camp was a sight I'd only ever read about.
"The Sea… I never realized how close we were this whole time?" I questioned.
Just past the end of the Mystic Grounds was a stretch of sand and then there was water.
"Mhm."
"It's beautiful."
The sun reflected off the water making it shine brightly. I couldn't look at it for long before my eyes started to water.
"It is. I come here often. A good place to destress and rest."
"Wait, how'd we get here?"
Solofius turned me around, so I faced them, "…Do you place your trust in me?"
I was confused, "Should I?"
"It is your first decision when meeting someone. A very important one."
I felt that my answer was one of significance to them, so I decided to just answer with my gut, "I do trust you." They are a Herald after all, and in charge of training me.
Solofius hummed and pulled back the hood that was covering their face. Vibrant orange hair pulled back in a bun was what my eyes were drawn to first. Then the dark green eyes seemed to round into a smile of their own. Lastly and most surprisingly, was the number of scars and cuts that engraved their face.
"What do you think?" The voice that came from Solofius was no longer monotone and featureless, but now softer.
"What do you mean what do I think?" Was I missing something? I am grateful that she showed me her true identity, but-
"Do I scare you?"
"No! Y-"
"Good. Then I shall take you under my wing, newbie. I am known as Solofius Cross, and I will be teaching you on matters of the World for these two weeks. Prepare to be taught."
…Why did that sound like a threat?