21. Self Training
A few days passed with Eryndor and Thalor getting used to the huge cottage that stayed at the peak of an unbelievably snowy mountain. There was always a blizzard blowing outside making it impossible to even survive a second outside. Somehow Thalvarin was able to go out and come back with ease, eventually taking long hours before returning with the meat from whatever creature he had hunted.
During these days all Eryndor could do to escape the boredom was to explore the cottage since his uncle did not even show any interest in teaching him anything in regards to magic training or anything remotely related. He would usually throw him off with poorly composed excuses and say he was not ready yet but Eryndor had fully recovered so he was unable to comprehend what his uncle truly meant.
Just like any other day, after having his breakfast his uncle would venture outside and eventually return sometime later in the afternoon, sometimes even staying till evening time before returning. Thalor would spend his time resting and recovering his health. Eryndor who was being tortured by boredom made his way back to his room and tried to train for the first time.
"If that crazy uncle of mine won't teach me a damn thing, I'll just have to teach myself." He grumbled as he threw himself on the bed and felt his body crying from the boredom. "In the end it's all down to me anyway."
His left eye spoke a moment later breaking the frustrating silence he felt.
["He must have his reasons. Besides with your aptitude and despicable frame you will have to work to the bone before you can see any promise of result.
You must exercise patience."]
The words his master spoke thoigh seemed comforting the manner in which it was articulated was quite that of contempt than comfort.
Unfortunately for him, patience was not one of Eryndor's most charming virtues. He sat cross-legged on the bed and placed his palms on his knees, with his eyes sealed shut he took in a deep breath and tried to control the mana flowing through his body. Moments passed before he could feel a refreshing wind blow the hair on his arms.
"The mana here is hard to control." He said after a while, his breathing heavy and unstable.
The familiar voice of his master called his attention yet again:
["It would take a while to get used to the mana flow in this area since it's not as abundant as the one you are familiar with but you got the hang of it quite quickly.
Your mana control really is something of great marvel."]
Usually Eryndor would always be pleased to be praised every now and then but this time he did not seem interested in any way. "I've been here for a couple of days so it's rather slow. But I can't even absorb any of the mana in the air, it's frustrating."
["Your element affinity is air right?"]
Eryndor noticed the sudden interest and was hesitant to respond at first but eventually gave in. "Yes, it's wind magic but it's only basic. Don't get your hopes up." He only had himself to blame for his poor growth anyway.
The left eye persisted:
["Apparently when mages are in an area that is flooded by new climate conditions that go against their elemental affinity it affects their mana control. Due to the strong wind attribute here, you would still maintain some form of control here"]
Eryndor raised an eyebrow and said. "If that is supposed to make sense to me, then you already lost me."
The eye went silent again leaving him to ponder on its words. Their student-mentor relationship was greatly strained as there was usually very little context between them. There was also no teaching and learning of any sort.
Eryndor did not have time to dwell on his bad luck, he was already cursed to begin with. An advantage of his degenerate personality was how quickly he was able to move past his shortcomings.
He got down from his bed and widened his stance, with his arms extended, he tried to feel the flow of the air around his fingertips and stayed that way for minutes. Doing nothing but inhaling and exhaling in slow successive turns. After a while he could start to feel a gentle breeze coiling up his arms like a small funnel of wind, he brushed his hands through the air very gently causing the rush of wind to spread and move around the room.
He went through the forms of wind magic, it's most basic forms. Barely manipulating the wind around his fingertips was the best he could muster at his level, it was nothing to write home about. Still he wished he was much better. Even once he would love to surpass his own expectations.
His eyes flashed open with determination as he exhaled causing a huge gust of wind to rush forward. It did not last long but it was enough to drain the young prince's mana reserve. He clutched tight to his chest and started to breath heavily, it was like he had the air sucked out from his chest.
The loud throaty voice of his uncle broke his train of thought. "Not bad, also not good." Thalvarin was indeed standing by the doorway his gaze soft on the boy, he observed him for a while before saying. "Come with me."
Not saying a word more he turned and started to walk away. Not left with much of a choice Eryndor followed him quietly thinking they would be going to the living room or perhaps the kitchen but his uncle simply went to the exit and reached for the door.
Eryndor froze and said. "Um if we're going outside why don't I go grab my coat."
Thalvarin looked at him and chuckled. "You don't need that when you've got me around. Now don't be a pussy and step forward."
Eryndor gulped down and cursed under his breath. "Shit, I have a feeling I am going to regret this."
He walked closer to his uncle who casually opened the door allowing a rush of cold air to fill the warm cozy room. Not even stepping out of their home dwelling Eryndor was starting to feel the bone chilling air already seeping into his skin.
Thalvarin first went out leaving him to follow after. The outside was bathed in white fluffy coating. The trees could hardly be seen in the billowing blizzard. The sight outside took his breath away, he could hardly speak.
A few seconds passed before Eryndor realized that he actually could not breath, cold hair had rushed into his lungs and flooded his senses causing his body to go into a temporary shut down.
"Shit, I am going to die here." He thought to himself just before his face met with the snow covered ground.
Thalvarin walked over to him and asked in a serious tone. "Why did you not use flame magic?"
As he felt his body getting scooped up by his uncle and being carried into the welcoming warmth of the huge cottage he thought to himself. "Flame magic huh? I wish I could learn that."