"Okay, our first lesson is finished after lunch, you will proceed to the training hall, where we will put all the theories we learned today into practice." The room buzzed with anticipation as Natalia's lecture came to an end. The initiates eagerly gathered their notes and books, the earlier tension dissipating with the conclusion of the lesson. Isolde, however, remained rooted to her spot, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She knew she couldn't leave the classroom without addressing the Prince's warning and the whispers of her peers. Isolde waited until the room was clear, and then she awkwardly approached Mage Natalia, her footsteps nearly silent on the tile floor, the silver-haired woman looked up, a surprised look in her eyes, "Isolde? Is everything alright?" Isolde fidgeted with the hem of her robes, her words spilling out in a nervous rush.
"Mistress Natalia, I... I need to speak with you about what happened earlier....with his Royal Highness, the Crown prince...."
Natalia's eyebrows rose slightly, her hands folding together as she leaned against the lectern. "Ah. I was wondering when we might address that." Her tone was measured, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity that made Isolde even more nervous she eyed Isolde emboldening her to continue.
"I...I was seeing my grandmother off, and well, unfortunately, it was simply a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time...I meant no harm by it, really I-" Isolde rushed through her words, consciously she knew her demeanor was not befitting of a thirty-year-old woman, but she couldn't reign in words spilling out.
Natalia held up a slender hand, silencing Isolde's nervous rambling, her eyes, sharp and assessing, studied Isolde's face intently. "Peace, Isolde. I understand your concern, but there is no need for such agitation." She paused, her voice softening slightly. "The Prince's words were not meant as a reprimand, but rather a warning. The castle is a complex place, with many hidden dangers." Natalia's gaze softened as she regarded Isolde, her voice taking on a gentler tone.
"Don't worry, the prince will forget all about it. He may appear to be rigid and devout, but....his true character is much more shallow, believe me, I-" Natalia paused, waving her hands up she stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Isolde's shoulder.
"I don't want to divulge too much. He is like a son to me so I watched him grow into the man he is today, but enough of him. I know this is all new and overwhelming for you. But remember, you are here because of your immense talent and potential."
Natalia's words washed over Isolde like a soothing balm, her nerves beginning to settle. The mage's reassurance was a welcome relief, and Isolde felt a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Thank you, Mistress Natalia. I... I appreciate your understanding." She hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly. "I just want to do well here. I don't want to make any more mistakes." Natalia smiled, "Mistakes are unavoidable, Isolde. Embrace them a little, okay?" She gently patted Isolde on the shoulder before turning back to her lectern to gather her things.
The classroom was now empty except for the two of them, the silence broken only by the faint rustling of parchment as Natalia packed her notes. Isolde's attention was drawn to the windows, where the morning sun cast long shadows across the stone floor.
"I'll see you after lunch, dear. Take your time in here if you'd like." Natalia left quietly, leaving Isolde alone with her thoughts. Once the room was empty, Isolde flopped down in a nearby seat, "Fuck. Way to blow it, Isolde!" She rubbed her face in frustration hunching over, squeezing her eyes shut trying to desperately forget the last twenty- four hours.
"So, it was you." Isolde flinched as a familiar voice cut through her thoughts. She looked up to see Elias leaning against the doorframe, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. " When I heard about the commotion earlier and I just knew it had to be you." He stepped into the classroom, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Isolde groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Oh, great. Just what I need. More witnesses to my humiliation."
Elias sauntered in taking a seat next to her, "Did you see how he was looking at you? It sent chills down my spine." Elias quivered dramatically, Isolde's face paled aghast, "Is this the real you Elias?"
She sighed taking in the glimmer in his eyes winking at, "That doesn't make me feel any better!" she pinched his arm harshly.
Elias chuckled, rubbing his arm where Isolde had pinched him. "Come now, don't be so down. It's not like you actually did anything wrong." He leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Besides, I bet the Prince was more impressed than he let on. I mean, you did make quite an impression, didn't you?"
Isolde groaned, burying her face in her hands again. " Please let's just stop-- that's the whole point; I'm not here to make an impression," grumbling into her palms she wanted to dig a hole and never come out, "Oh, Isolde enough with that," Elias replied, pulling her hands away from her face, "I would love to make an impression on the prince, in fact, I'm a bit jealous of you. "
Isolde looked at him, incredulous. "Jealous? Of that? I just want to focus on my studies and prove myself."
Elias rolled his eyes dramatically. "And you did just that. You impressed him with your... audacity, I suppose."
"Audacity? Is that the impression I gave off?" Isolde asked, panic rising in her voice, "Oh stop, I can't bare to hear this any longer come, let's get some food I'm starving." Elias grabbed her shoulders and dragged her from her spot, "We don't want you growing roots now."
"Wait, Elias!" Isolde protested, struggling to keep up with his brisk pace as he pulled her towards the dining hall. "I still haven't processed everything that happened."
Elias shot her a reassuring smile over his shoulder, "And you won't, not on an empty stomach. Trust me, food always makes things seem better."
Isolde hesitated, Elias's words striking a chord within her. She knew he was right, she needed to eat, but her mind was still a tumultuous storm of thoughts and emotions. Once they arrived in the dining hall, the smell of food eased Isolde's mind. They were just about to sit when a hand touched her shoulder, "Isolde?"
Isolde turned to see Rose, her deep brown eyes peering into Isolde's green ones, Isolde felt her stomach drop why was someone like Rose speaking to her? Isolde's heart began to race, and not in a pleasant way. She swallowed nervously, unsure of what the woman's intentions were. Elias gave her an encouraging nod as if to say, 'go ahead, face this head on'.
Isolde turned fully to face the beauty before her, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes? May I help you with something, Rose?" she asked, trying to keep the unease out of her voice.
Rose's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I just wanted to welcome you to the castle, Isolde. I heard about your... encounter with the Prince this morning." Her words dripped with a sugary sweetness that made Isolde's skin prickle. "I do hope you'll be more careful in the future. The castle can be such a dangerous place for someone who's not... used to its ways."
Isolde smiled back as best she could, hoping it seemed sincere, "Yes, of course, It won't happen again."
"If you should ever have any questions or need someone to rely on, let me know. I will gladly help you out, okay?" Isolde's stomach churned uneasily at Rose's words, but she nodded anyway.
"Thank you, Rose. That's... very kind of you." Rose's smile widened, but her eyes remained cold.
"Oh, and don't worry about the Prince. I'm sure he's already forgotten all about it. He prefers to spend his time pondering over very different things." She patted Isolde's shoulder in a mock gesture of comfort before turning and walking away, her heels clicking on the stone floor.
Isolde quickly turned away despondently, "Let's just eat now I don't want to speak about this anymore. " She sat down roughly next to Elias shoving a spoonful of soup in her mouth, forgotten? yes. She should be glad she'll be forgotten so then, why then did it sting?
Isolde sighed heavily, her spoon clattering against the bowl as she set it down. Her gaze remained fixed on her plate, avoiding Elias's concerned looks. The rich aroma of the castle's finest food was lost on her as her mind whirled with thoughts of her morning's events and Rose's ominous warning.
"Isolde," Elias gently placed his hand on hers, his thumb lightly rubbing her knuckles in a soothing motion. "What did Rose want?" Elias asked, his brows furrowed in concern as he studied Isolde's sullen expression.
"She was just welcoming me to the castle, I guess" Isolde muttered, pushing her food around her plate.
Elias snorted, "Is that what you call it? It sounded more like a veiled threat to me." Isolde glanced up at him, her green eyes filled with unease. "You think so?"
"Of course, as far as she's concerned any woman remotely close to the Crown Prince is a threat. " As Elias spoke, Isolde's unease deepened, her fingers tightening around her spoon.
The dining hall, with its high ceilings and grand tapestries, suddenly felt oppressive, the noise of chattering initiates and clattering cutlery a dull roar in her ears. "But why would she even care about me?" Isolde whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the room.
Elias's face hardened, and he leaned in closer. "Because she's afraid, Isolde. Afraid that someone might take what she thinks belongs to her - the Prince's attention, his... favor." He spoke with quiet intensity. "Don't let her intimidate you. You're here because of your talent, not because of any... other reason."
Isolde's hands quivered slightly as she gripped the spoon tighter. "Exactly, now let's hurry I don't want to be late for our next session." Isolde and Elias quickly finished their meal, the unease from Rose's encounter still heavy in the air. As they hurried through the castle corridors, Isolde's mind wandered to the morning's events and Rose's ominous warning. The stone walls seemed to close in around her, and the ornate tapestries that once captivated her now felt suffocating. Elias noticed her distraction and gently pulled her aside as they reached a quiet alcove.
"Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. "You're white as a ghost, and you haven't said much since we left the dining hall." Isolde took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous churning in her stomach. "I'm just... processing everything, I guess. This is all so overwhelming."
Her green eyes met his, and she managed a weak smile. "But don't worry about me." Elias nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "I know this isn't easy, Isolde. I can only imagine how you feel right now, thrust into this world of magic and mystery, with expectations weighing down on you at every turn."
He hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before he pressed on. "I'm here for you, in whatever way you need me to be. Friend, confidant, or something more, should you so desire."
Isolde paused in her tracks, her eyes flickering to his, they seemed so clear and undiluted like she could really trust his words. Isolde's breath hitched, his words hanging heavy in the air between them. The alcove, bathed in the soft glow of nearby torches, seemed to close in around them, their shadows dancing in the flickering light. Her heart pounded in her chest, a fierce rhythm that echoed the turmoil of her thoughts.
"Your friendship is more than enough for me, Elias I...I want to focus on my studies, nothing more." She replied quickly, Elias's expression softened, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.
"Of course, I understand," he said, a hint of disappointment in his tone. "Your dedication to your craft is admirable, Isolde. I won't distract you from that." He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his touch light and reassuring. "But if you ever need someone to lean on, I'm here."
Isolde nodded, appreciating Elias's understanding and support. "Come in everyone!" Natalia ushered the students into the vast training ground, stretching out before Isolde like a green and gold sea. At the far end stood Natalia, her dark robes fluttering in the breeze, and a small group of mages, their robes in the royal colors of crimson and gold. The initiates shuffled in, some looking nervous, others excited, while a few tried to maintain an air of cool confidence. The rich green grass seeming to stretch endlessly in all directions. The late afternoon sun cast everything in a warm, golden light, and the faint scent of wildflowers carried on the breeze.
Natalia's commanding voice broke through the soft murmuring of the students. "Today, we'll be covering the basics of defensive magic." Natalia's eyes swept over the assembled group, her gaze lingering briefly on Isolde before continuing.
"Defensive magic is a crucial skill for any mage to master," Natalia began, her voice carrying easily across the open space. "First, I will go over how to summon a ward against elemental attacks. The most effective one is an earth barrier it protects the caster from most elements, and it is the most reliable considering the earth is all around us." As Natalia spoke, she began to weave her hands through the air, her fingers tracing intricate patterns that seemed to leave trails of shimmering light behind them. "To summon an earth barrier, focus your magic on the ground beneath you. Feel the connection, the pulsating heartbeat of the earth."
The initiates watched, captivated, as the earth beneath Natalia's feet began to rumble softly. "You are making a connection to an earth spirit; each spirit is different you don't choose them, they choose you." As Natalia spoke, the ground beneath her feet began to shift and groan, as if awakening from a long slumber. The earth rose and fell in rhythmic waves, like the ebb and flow of a gentle tide. The initiates watched in awe as Natalia's hands continued to weave through the air, her fingers leaving trails of light, earth-toned magic.
"Once you've established a connection, you will make a pact. This pact will follow you to the end of your days. Honor it and abide by your spirit's request, and they shall grant you your power. "
Natalia's voice took on a solemn quality as she continued, "To begin the pact, say these words: 'Earth spirit, heed my call. I offer my life and blood to bind us all. In darkness and in light, we shall stand as one, until my days on this earth have come.'"
As Natalia spoke the final words, the earth beneath her feet burst into life. The students lurched back, as the earth sent waves of dust and wind flying in their direction, Isolde stood tall her eyes gleaming with awe she felt as though she were witnessing god coming down from heaven right before her. As the dust settled, a towering wall of stone now stood where once was just grass. The massive barrier stretched high into the sky, its surface marked with swirling patterns that caught the sunlight, casting an otherworldly glow.
Natalia turned back to the students, pride evident on her face as she addressed them. "This is what a properly formed earth barrier should look like. Now, your turn." She gestured to the remaining open space. "It won't be as large, but it is still essential to know should you ever need to summon it, find a quiet space you are drawn to, and attempt the connection. "
Isolde found a quiet corner of the training ground, away from the other students. She knelt, placing her hands on the cool, damp earth. Eagerly She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the feeling of the earth beneath her palms. After a few slow minutes, she began to sense a faint vibration, like a heartbeat, pulsing through the ground. She pulled her arms back quickly as if snapping shut a book, she wasn't sure why but the sensation frighted her. She rubbed her sweaty palms on her dress before, attempting again as she concentrated, the vibration grew stronger, and a tingling feeling spread up her arms. Excitement boiled in her belly but that tinge of fear from earlier continued to creep up on her latching to the sweat on her back, she trembled as she recited the words.
"Earth spirit, heed my call." Isolde felt a sudden rush of power surge through her body as she spoke the final words.
The earth beneath her hands began to tremble, and a soft glow emanated from her fingertips, spreading outwards in a shimmering web. She barely had time to process what was unfolding before her, if she hesitated she knew she would loose the connection. The glow intensified, pulsing in time with the earth's heartbeat, and then, with a sudden whoosh, a wall of stone burst forth from the ground, rising high into the air.
Isolde's heart raced as she watched the stone wall rise, the power of the earth's spirit flowing through her. She felt a rush of blood rise to her head, her green eyes sparkling with the thrill of her newfound magic. The wall stood tall and proud, its surface glistening with the same otherworldly glow that had illuminated Natalia's barrier.
She felt a hot tug on her fingertips, "Child...." Isolde's breath hitched as she heard the voice, a whisper on the wind, yet powerful enough to shake her to her core. She felt a chill run down her spine as the earth spirit's words echoed in her mind, their weight pressing down on her like a physical force. The stone wall began to tremble, the glow flickering as the spirit's voice grew louder, more insistent.
Isolde's heart raced as the earth spirit's voice filled her mind, its words echoing with an ancient power that both thrilled and terrified her. She gripped the earth, her fingers sinking into the cool, damp soil as she tried to steady herself she wouldn't be scared she had come this far. The stone wall before her continued to tremble, the glow pulsing in time with the spirit's voice.
"You have called upon me, child," the spirit's voice rumbled, deep and resonant. "And I have answered." Isolde's breath caught in her throat as she felt the spirit's presence, its ancient power filling the air around her.
The stone wall before her began to shift and change, its surface rippling like water as the spirit's energy surged through it. She felt a strange connection forming between herself and the earth, as if threads of energy were weaving themselves into her very being.
The voice continued, now sounding both closer and more distant, as if it were coming from everywhere at once. "What is your name, Child?" The earth spirit's voice reverberated through Isolde, its words tingling on her skin. She felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through her veins, and the stone wall before her shimmered with an otherworldly glow.
"I-Isolde," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "My name is Isolde."
"Isolde," the spirit repeated, savoring each syllable. "A name of power, of strength."
"You have the traces of the old ones burning within you. What is that you desire from me? "
Isolde's breath caught in her throat as she felt the ancient presence of the earth spirit envelop her. The stone wall before her glowed with steadily, its surface rippling like liquid metal. Her fingers still buried in the cool, damp soil. "I... I seek to learn, to grow stronger in my magic," she managed to say, her voice quivering slightly. "I want to....protect those that I care about and...."
"And?" The earth spirit's voice seemed to echo from everywhere at once, its tone laced with ancient wisdom and an unspoken challenge. Isolde swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to gather her thoughts. The stone wall before her pulsed with an eerie glow, the spirit's energy surging through the earth and into her very being.
"To know the truth."
"Truth is a double-edged sword, Isolde."
"I-I know, but still.... I'll take it no matter how much it hurts."
"Say the words child, and we shall become one." In the hushed silence that followed, the earth beneath Isolde's hands seemed to tremble with anticipation, the heartbeat she had felt earlier now echoing like a drumbeat in her soul.
She took a deep breath, her green eyes reflecting the otherworldly glow of the stone wall before her. "Earth spirit," she began, her voice steady and clear, "I, Isolde, offer you my life and blood to bind us all."
Natalia watched as Isolde successfully summoned the earth barrier, its surface pulsing in time with Isolde's heartbeat. A proud smile crossed the mage's face. Natalia walked over to the initiate, her crimson and gold robes billowing around her.
"Well done, Isolde," she said warmly. "You've clearly taken to this magic quickly." She placed a gentle hand on Isolde's shoulder. "Now, shall we test the strength of your barrier?"
Natalia's hand glowed with a faint golden light as she began to weave a complex pattern in the air. The earth beneath Isolde's feet trembled, and the stone wall before her began to pulse with an even brighter, more intense glow.
"Remember, Isolde," Natalia said, her voice steady and firm, "This is not just a test of your magic but of your will." Isolde pulled her attention back to her body, this was a test, she needed to pass.
Natalia's magic, golden and powerful, began to swirl around them, the air crackling with energy. "Earth spirit," Isolde murmured, "lend me your strength." As she spoke, the wall before her surged with newfound power, the ancient connection between her and the spirit intensifying.
She felt a rush of energy flow through her body, and for a moment, she stood as one with the earth itself it felt as though she were sinking deeper into the earth's core.
Natalia's spell, a complex weave of golden light, slammed into the barrier with a thunderous crash. Isolde flinched she screamed, the sound felt like a thunder clap in her ears, sending a jolt of energy through her. Despite the impact, the stone wall held firm, its surface rippling with cracks but not giving way. Natalia's face flashed with approval as she stepped back, her spell dissipating into the air.
"Excellent, Isolde," she said, her voice carrying respect. "You've proven your connection to the earth. Now, let's see how long you can maintain this barrier."
"What?"