"Damn it, Kyla!" Zane expressed, as I tripped over my own feet (again) while transporting wood and water on my shoulder along the winding road that was specifically crafted by the god of fire for my training.
A few days passed since my tutelage under the deity of wind ended. Well, "ended" was an excessively severe term. He asserted that my training would never reach its conclusion, but in order to facilitate the activation of my abilities, he would need to grant me permission to progress. I perceived my success in first grade to be a result of my active engagement rather than only based on my academic achievements.
Zane's excitement and intensity came to life when it was his turn to train me, leaving him thrilled. Although he had a charming way with words, his instruction was more rigorous than the fundamental zen teachings of Niam. Regarding fundamental skills, I was engaging in endurance training and had significant discomfort. The deity refused to let me start anything unless my body was strong enough to support my legs and the weight of the raging fire. I had no idea that fire weighed anything.
Zane pushed me to the limits of my frail body. He made me jump, climb, carry, crawl, run and almost pushed me off a cliff.
I sensed an inner turmoil as the wind I awakened seemed to strive for escape, yet there was also a latent surge of potential yearning to be freed. Still, despite my persistent efforts, I had never been able to access it. Though training diligently every night to wow my stunning instructor, I failed to produce even a single spark of fire. I was an inept and ungainly young woman, perpetually stumbling over her own feet and inadvertently causing objects to fall down. In the beginning, the fire deity found it entertaining, but now he was simply irritated. He saw the clumsiness and lack of control in my movements and doubted that I would ever be able to harness the power of fire.
"Enough. Look at this. Your clothes are all wet. You'll get sick," Zane bolstered me up and glanced at the empty buckets and wood sticks laying on the ground. "Am I that gorgeous that you can't seem to focus properly? I am holding back to help you. You need physical and mental strength to tame fire. Otherwise, it will control you. Or worst, incinerate your body from within."
The sun was descending below the horizon, illuminating the verdant fields with a radiant, amber glow that filtered into my room via the window. Indoors, I executed squats surrounded by a collection of books and an assortment of incense candles. However, it was challenging to educate my mind and body to harness the dormant fire within me during the silent hours of the night.
I gathered my hair into a disheveled bun, with individual strands of hair escaping as I concentrated on the current task. With closed eyes, I inhaled deeply, attempting to access the elusive magic that was believed to dwell within.
Experiencing exasperation, I reluctantly opened my eyes and scanned the room, startled by the intermittent movements of the shadows on the wall. At this hour, I believed that no one was awake. Did immortal deities need sleep?
Determined to move forward, I stood up and began pacing around the room, my bare feet sliding into the plush rug beneath me. I remembered Zane's words, "Fire is a powerful element, it requires patience and control. You must be one with the flames, let them flow through you." Again, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, directing all my concentration on the form of fire.
Instantaneously, a burst of flames erupted from my hands, eliciting a startled shriek and disrupting my balance. I tripped and collapsed onto the ground, my eyes filled with astonishment. I did it. I had ultimately ignited a dormant spark within me. But my little feeling of victory was quickly extinguished as I came to the realization that I had no authority or influence over the situation. The fire persisted, consuming both the rug and the furnishings in close proximity.
In a state of distress, I hastily rose to an upright position and vigorously gestured with my hands in an attempt to extinguish the blazing fire. Still, the fire intensified, extending upwards towards the ceiling and filling the space with smoke. Sensations of warmth penetrated my skin, forcing me to take immediate action to prevent the fire from engulfing everything in sight.
Exerting my utmost effort, I concentrated on Zane's words and strove to mentally command the flames to diminish. I could feel the energy within me, throbbing and roaring like a wild beast. It wasn't easy.
Exhausted and out of breath, I collapsed to the ground. A knock on my door brought me back to my feet. Jace didn't wait for a reply. He ran in and summoned a torrent to extinguish the blazing fire. "Kyla?" the water god asked as Zane, Niam and Brod dashed in my room after him. An alarmed expression covered Zane's face.
"Damn. I don't know if I should hug you or spank you for causing this mess," Zane said, looking at the burnt state of my room.
"I don't think you'll have time for either," Niam said. His body stiffened.The other three gods turned their attention to him. "Something just entered the woods."
"Stay here," Jace ordered me with a menacing finger.
"I want to help," I replied, throwing my arms in front of me to make a statement.
"You can barely control one element," Niam reminded me. "With the strength of your powers, you could end up hurting us and even yourself."
"And we don't know what just came in. Friend or foe?" Brod asked Niam.
"Neither," Niam paused to listen to the breeze. We better investigate."
"Don't play with fire while I am gone. Understood?" Zane waved a finger in my direction, suppressing the urge to smile.