"Okay, so Emily is in the castle now. We have the money, so you two can get a master," Thalia reminded the two men, who sat in deep contemplation.
"What are they doing to her in the castle?" Eric muttered, trying to understand their goals.
"I don't think we should dwell on that," Thalia sighed. She stood near the door, already dressed in her uniform with a bag slung over her shoulder.
Lucas sighed as well, deciding not to respond. His mind was filled with worrying thoughts about Emily and Trevon.
As Thalia reached for the doorknob, a soft knock echoed through the room. She paused, then opened the door to reveal Sarah standing there, her expression gentle but with an air of urgency, her usually bright eyes held a seriousness that caught everyone's attention.
"May I come in?" Sarah asked, her voice calm but purposeful. Thalia stepped aside; curiosity piqued by the unexpected visit.
Sarah entered the room and glanced around, her gaze lingering on Lucas, who stared back at her with a blank expression, waiting for her to speak.
"Haven't seen you in a while," Eric commented, his expression curious.
"Well, I'm aware that Emily is staying at the castle for the time being," Sarah said gently, stepping further into the room as Thalia moved closer.
"I see that you all are worried about her, but there's no need to. Emily will be writing letters to you from the castle, which I will personally deliver," Sarah assured them, causing everyone to relax slightly at the news.
"When will the first letter be delivered?" Lucas asked, standing up from his seat.
"I have one with me," Sarah replied, opening her bag gently to reveal the letter.
Sarah handed the letter to Lucas, who accepted it with a soft smile and a breath of relief.
"Goodbye," Sarah said promptly, closing the door behind her.
Eric and Thalia watched as Lucas gently opened the letter, both waiting anxiously for him to share its contents. Lucas scanned the familiar handwriting, his mind growing calmer with each word. He let out a sigh of relief as he finished reading.
"What does it say?" Thalia asked, glancing at the clock. "I need to get to school."
"They're treating her well. The King has given her access to the castle library to study her Northerner powers," Lucas said.
"Well, that's a relief," Eric said, visibly relaxing.
"We should go find the master we need, Eric," Lucas suggested calmly, noticing Thalia hurrying out the door, closing it quickly behind her.
"Oh," Eric replied, standing up. "Lead the way, I guess."
✨🌙✨
"Why is that surprising to you?" Eric asked, his voice tinged with annoyance as he and Lucas stood before the elderly man.
The room around them was lined with tall, narrow windows, letting in streams of sunlight that danced off the dust motes in the air. The walls were adorned with ancient tapestries depicting the Goddess Hecate and the moon, and shelves lined with scrolls, books and relics were decorated around them. The room was fairly empty providing a large space for battle.
"It's quite simple," the elderly man replied calmly. "People don't usually try to master their powers."
"Yet here we are," Lucas said, maintaining his composure. "We just want to learn the ways of our ancestors, Gabriel. Do we really need ulterior motives for that?"
Gabriel, the elderly man, eyed them thoughtfully. "The guards of these islands are the only ones permitted to perfect their powers, and that's for military purposes. Lady Lucinda enforces this policy to ensure the guards are prepared for any situation."
"So, you're saying you won't train us?" Eric asked, a hint of irony in his voice as he tried to suppress a smile, glancing at Lucas.
"Well, damn, Lucas. I guess this was a waste of time," Eric added his tone faking disappointment but unable to hide the playful glint in his eyes.
Lucas shot him a baffled look, unimpressed by his theatrics. "Eric, really?" he muttered, not falling for the act.
"Fortunately," Gabriel began, drawing their attention once more. "I disagree with the council's rules. No one should be prevented from learning to control their powers. These powers are a part of who you are, and if you wish to master them, you should be allowed to do so."
"So, what does this mean?" Lucas asked, his voice gentle but filled with curiosity.
"It means I will train you, young men," Gabriel replied with a firm nod. "You may not feel the need to explain why you want to learn, but that's your business. My task is to help you."
A smile spread across Lucas's face at Gabriel's words, while Eric let out a sigh at the unexpected support.
"Lucas, right?" Gabriel called out, directing his attention to Lucas. Lucas responded with a nod.
"Your fingers are darkening," Gabriel observed, noting the blackening of Lucas's fingertips. "We'll focus on that first."
"And Eric?" Gabriel said, turning to face Eric.
"I've never used my abilities," Eric replied flatly.
"Hmm, okay then," Gabriel said, contemplating the situation. "We'll start from the basics with you."
✨🌙✨
Lucas and Eric sat on the soft grass outside the training studio, nestled in a serene garden. Tall trees and lush plants surrounded them, and a gently running fountain added a soothing sound to the tranquil setting.
Gabriel, standing before them, focused his attention on Lucas while Eric appeared blank and disinterested.
"Your darkening hands could be caused by two things," Gabriel began, his gaze steady on Lucas. "Either you're not embracing your darkness, or you're letting it define you."
He turned to Lucas, his expression intent. "So, which is it?"
Eric, growing impatient, interjected with a hint of annoyance, "Sorry, but how does this relate to me?"
Gabriel, ignoring Eric's question, maintained his focus on Lucas.
Lucas hesitated, his brow furrowing. "I... I don't know."
Gabriel's lips curled into a knowing smile. "I doubt that you're letting your darkness define or consume you," he said. "It seems more likely that you've rejected it. You're ashamed of it.
He continued; his tone thoughtful. "I know the darkness may seem like a source of fear, shame, and pain, but it is not merely that. It is an integral part of your whole self."
Lucas glanced down at his hands, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "Emily did say something like that," he said softly.
Gabriel nodded in agreement. "She's right. Our strength and powers are not solely derived from positive attributes but from the balance of light and shadow. The shadows provide a space for self-awareness and transformation."
Gabriel's expression grew more earnest. "Meditation will help lessen the darkening of your hands. You need time to reflect on yourself. Your fears and pain should be acknowledged, not suppressed."
"I understand," Lucas replied with a smile, feeling a sense of clarity.
Eric, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of curiosity and impatience, rolled his eyes at the scene, but there was a hint of reluctant respect in his expression.
"Why haven't you used your abilities yet?" Gabriel addressed Eric calmly.
"Huh?" Eric responded, caught off guard.
Gabriel maintained his steady gaze. "Okay, we will start simple. First, you need to embrace your shadows."
Eric hesitated, a flicker of discomfort crossing his face. "No," he said firmly, crossing his arms. "I don't want to."
Gabriel's expression softened slightly, understanding the reluctance. "It's important to face your fears and accept every part of yourself, including your shadows. Embracing them is the first step towards mastering your abilities."
Eric's gaze shifted to the ground, grappling with the idea. "I don't see the point. I never used them before, why not just leave them alone?"
Gabriel sighed, but his tone remained patient. "Avoiding them won't make them go away. Your abilities are a part of you. Embracing them will allow you to understand and control them better."
"Control them better to attack and terrorize a whole village, right?!" Eric snapped, his anger boiling over. Gabriel's expression shifted to one of realization, though he quickly masked it.
"Why should I embrace these stupid powers that caused my family pain, that fought my sisters and friends?" Eric stood, his body trembling with fury and grief. His voice was a mix of rage and sorrow. Gabriel remained calm, listening intently to Eric's outburst.
"You people attack me—I was defenceless. I almost died that night!" Eric's eyes welled with tears as he continued to rant, his pain raw and palpable. "But no one noticed. No one saw what I went through! I was left to deal with my own shit and come to these stupid islands!"
"And now my sister isn't here," Eric muttered, his face downcast as he tried to shield his tear-streaked face.
Lucas stood up, his expression filled with guilt and regret. "Eric, I... I—" Lucas struggled to find the right words, reaching out a hand in an attempt to comfort him.
"I need some air," Eric said sharply, his voice cracking. He dodged Lucas's touch and ran from the scene, his face hidden behind a veil of pain and frustration. The weight of his emotions drove him away, leaving Lucas and Gabriel to watch his retreat with a mix of concern and sorrow.
Lucas stood with his hands at his sides, his thoughts a whirlwind of regret and guilt. His mind replayed the events leading up to Eric's outburst, focusing on their failure to capture the attackers in the forest. 'We should have captured them,' Lucas thought, burdened by the weight of what could have been.
Gabriel's voice cut through Lucas's worrying thoughts. "We should give him some space," he suggested, his tone gentle.
Lucas nodded absently; his gaze still fixed on the spot where Eric had disappeared. Gabriel's next words carried a sympathetic undertone. "It seems you two have been through a lot."
"We have," Lucas replied quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Gabriel's face grew thoughtful as he processed the information. "His sister is not alive?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Lucas's response was direct but heavy with emotion. "No, she's alive. She's in the castle. They said they need her." His face was marked by a deep sorrow.
At the mention of the castle, Gabriel's expression shifted. His face showed a flicker of shock before he quickly masked it, his features settling into a contemplative and guarded expression, ensuring Lucas would not notice the change.
Gabriel cleared his throat and looked at Lucas with a measured gaze. "We'll need to ensure that Eric has the support he needs."
Lucas nodded, feeling a renewed sense of responsibility. "Of course."
"He will be back. Meanwhile, let's chat a bit." Gabriel suggested, with a small smile.
✨🌙✨
Eric wiped his tear-streaked face as he walked away from the training grounds, his mind still swirling with anger and sadness. The bustling streets, filled with shops and carriages laden with various goods, seemed distant and foreign to him.
He wandered aimlessly, his mind replaying the scene. 'Way to go, Eric. You just made a scene,' he thought, cringing at the intensity of his outburst. He hoped to find some space away from the crowded streets, away from the eyes of the people he feared.
He finally stumbled upon a serene park, its silence a sharp contrast to the chaos of his earlier thoughts. The park was peaceful, its benches inviting tired souls to rest.
Eric walked into the park and found a bench beneath a canopy of trees. He sank onto the seat, his posture slumped as he stared blankly at the peaceful surroundings.
'I didn't want to be surrounded by them anyway,' he thought bitterly, his mind replaying the hurtful memories and his recent confrontation.
'All they've ever done is cause me pain,' he reflected, feeling the sting of those words even as he tried to find a moment of peace.
Eric closed his eyes and leaned back on the bench. He felt a shift beside him and opened his eyes to see a young pregnant woman sitting next to him. She was absorbed in her knitting, her hands working with the wool and needles. Noticing Eric's gaze, she looked up and offered him a small, warm smile, her eyes conveying a quiet understanding.
Despite the unfamiliarity, her demeanour had a soothing effect. Eric found himself momentarily distracted from his own troubles.
"Hi there," she said softly, her voice warm and inviting. "It's a lovely day, isn't it?" Her tone was gentle, and her smile had a calming quality.
Eric hesitated, unsure of how to respond. However, he managed a small nod, appreciating the unexpected kindness. "Yeah, it is," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue.
As he watched her hands move gracefully with the knitting needles, his mind drifted from his troubles. The pregnant woman noticed his interest and smiled warmly.
"Have you ever knitted before?" she asked, attempting to strike up a conversation.
"N... no," Eric admitted, not quite meeting her gaze.
"I can teach you," she offered, her smile inviting. "You seem interested."
Eric shook his head gently. "Oh no, thanks. I don't want to interrupt you."
She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I come to this park every day. I've never seen you here before."
"Yes, this is my first time here," Eric said with an awkward smile.
The woman continued her knitting, her gaze thoughtful. "Knitting has a lot of benefits. It calms me down, especially when I have unwanted thoughts in my head."
Eric tilted his head, intrigued. "What unwanted thought do you have?"
"Well, pregnancy has made me quite emotional lately," she began. "But mostly, it's about my husband and I. We moved to these islands a few months ago, and for the first time in my life, I feel safe. Back where we were, my life was constantly under threat."
Her hand gently caressed her swollen belly as she continued, her smile warm and reassuring. "Now, I can bring a child into this world without that constant fear. It's a comforting thought, knowing that this new life will have a chance to grow up without the same dangers I faced."
Eric listened, his own worries momentarily overshadowed by her hopeful perspective. "It sounds like this place has brought you a lot of peace."
"It has," she said with a soft smile. "These islands have helped so many people. Though, it's unfortunate that some souls were lost along the way."
Eric nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the comfort in her words. "So, which region are you from?" she asked, her eyes brightening with curiosity.
Eric paused, then replied, "I'm from the East."
"Me too," she said with a laugh, her eyes crinkling with genuine delight. The shared connection seemed to lighten the mood.
Eric's smile grew softer. "Thank you, Miss."
She turned to him, a look of surprise crossing her face. "For what?"
"I really needed this talk," Eric said sincerely, standing up from the bench. He offered a grateful smile before turning to leave, feeling a sense of calm and connection that he hadn't expected. The woman watched him go, her own smile reflecting a quiet satisfaction.
✨🌙✨
Eric entered the training studio, his eyes catching sight of Lucas skillfully manipulating shadows, shaping them into various forms and patterns. Gabriel, observing from the side, noticed Eric's entrance and greeted him calmly.
"Hello, Eric," Gabriel said, his tone steady and reassuring.
Lucas, catching sight of Eric, immediately halted his training and rushed towards him. The urgency in his movements reflected his concern and regret.
"Hey. I'm sorry for my—" Eric began, but he was interrupted when Lucas enveloped him in a sudden, tight hug.
Eric stood momentarily frozen, surprised by the unexpected display of affection. He patted Lucas's back gently, a small, awkward smile playing on his lips.
Lucas finally pulled away, his expression filled with genuine remorse. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were feeling this way."
Eric's smile softened, touched by Lucas's sincerity. "It's fine. A lot was happening, so I understand."
"No," Lucas said earnestly, his eyes meeting Eric's with unwavering resolve. "As the head guard, I should be more aware of changes in your demeanour. I promise you, I'll do better from now on."
Eric's eyes softened at Lucas's words, the weight of his recent frustration beginning to lift. The sincerity in Lucas's promise, coupled with his earnest concern, offered Eric a sense of reassurance and understanding.
Gabriel, observing the exchange with a faint smile, took the opportunity to step in. "Well, I think this is a good time to get back to training. Eric."
Eric nodded, a renewed sense of determination and responsibility filling him. He stood a bit taller, his earlier frustrations set aside as he focused on the task ahead. 'I need to create a safe land for future generations,' he thought, his resolve strengthening with each step.