Days had passed since the last training session that shook Ian and Gerude to their core. The memory of the power that almost broke their control still lingered, but now they felt more at ease. Today, they gathered once again beneath the towering trees, and the atmosphere felt different—lighter and warmer.
Gerude, with her mischievous smile, broke the silence. "So... after lightning and fire, are we playing with ice and darkness this time?"
Ian shook his head, though a hint of concern lingered. "I think we'll make it... this time," he replied with a chuckle, though there was doubt in his tone.
Elara smiled. "You two are funny. I hope you both still have the courage after this training."
Gerude grinned widely. "If we survive, we'll have a story like no other."
Thalindra, who had been silent until then, stepped forward with a serious look. "Enough with the jokes. Are you two ready for a tougher training?"
Ian and Gerude exchanged glances. They knew this was part of their journey. There was no turning back.
Thalindra nodded. "This training will focus on the intermediate elements—lightning, ice, darkness, and light. To understand them, you must know their origins and compositions."
"Lightning is the result of the combination of fire and air, creating a thundering force. You've already felt it with fire. The wind carries sparks, creating lightning that can destroy. To summon lightning, you must harmonize both elements."
"Ice is a combination of water and cold air. Too much ice can trap you in emptiness. Balance is key."
Gerude pondered, wondering how they would control it. Thalindra continued.
"Darkness and light are two sides of the same coin. Darkness can protect, while light can harm. Both are tied to the balance of this world. To control them, you must be ready to accept both the good and the bad of each force."
Elara added, "Controlling darkness or light is not just about power. It's about balance within your hearts. These forces can harm if you're not prepared."
Thalindra took a deep breath. "Now, it's time for you to try. Begin with lightning and ice."
Gerude and Ian exchanged another look. They knew this would be a monumental challenge. But they were ready to face their fears and control the power within them. Cautiously, they began to chant their first spell.
**
An oppressive silence filled the air, and the wind stopped whispering. Thalindra stood tall, her eyes sharp as they locked onto Gerude and Ian. "Remember, lightning is not just a power. It is a manifestation of the heavens and the earth in turmoil. This power can destroy or bless, depending on how you understand it."
Gerude and Ian exchanged glances. Their hands felt stiff, their hearts racing faster. They knew this was more than just a typical training. Lightning was an unpredictable force of nature, capable of both great destruction and unmeasurable blessings. They had to be prepared, yet fear lingered in their hearts.
Thalindra signaled, and with a deep breath, Gerude raised her hand, her eyes closing for a moment. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar," she uttered slowly, her voice trembling slightly. A small flame appeared in the palm of her hand, and the wind began to swirl gently around her body, but it was barely noticeable. No lightning, just fading winds.
Ian followed suit, his eyes filled with hope as he repeated the same incantation. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar."
However, nothing happened. Only silence enveloped them for a moment before the wind began to pick up, roaring around them. The flames surrounding Gerude grew larger, twisting into rings of orange and yellow. Yet the lightning they had hoped for never came.
Gerude looked at Ian, confused but trying to stay calm. "Why isn't it working?" she muttered, her voice low with frustration. Tension hung in the air, and a sense of frustration began to weigh on her chest. The wind grew stronger, nearly pulling her away, but still, no lightning appeared.
Thalindra stood still, watching them with a serious expression. "Try again!" she called out firmly, her voice full of resolve. "Control your feelings! Don't let fear take over! This chant is not just about words. The power of lightning does not come merely because you call it. You must understand it, feel it, and flow with it."
Gerude nodded, her breath tight. She could feel the air around her growing heavier, the heat starting to burn her skin. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, focusing all her thoughts. With more conviction, she repeated the chant. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar!"
As the words left her mouth, an explosion of energy seemed to split the air. The sky, which had been clear moments before, began to darken. Black clouds roiled with terrifying speed, moving toward the center of their group. The wind spun faster, and Gerude felt the flames surrounding her body intensify. The wind howled with deadly force.
As Gerude repeated the chant, her body felt both hot and cold at the same time. Her eyes opened wide, seeing the black clouds closing in. The wind danced wildly, as if following her will. With every word spoken, her body trembled violently.
Ian felt the same way. Flames surrounded him, and the wind grew wilder. His heart raced as if he were in the eye of an endless storm. He repeated the chant with more confidence. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar!"
Then, as the final chant was uttered, the dark sky above them erupted. The black clouds swelled and spun with an incredible velocity, as if ready to explode. The sound of thunder rumbled in the distance before a massive bolt of lightning struck with a deafening roar, splitting the silence and hitting the ground around them. The terrifying rumble made the earth tremble beneath their feet.
Gerude gasped, her body shaking. The first bolt had come so fast, shooting from the sky to the earth in a matter of seconds, almost striking her. The intense heat made it hard to breathe. The lightning had come so close, it almost consumed everything around her.
But they did not retreat. Ian and Gerude repeated their chant, now with more conviction. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar!" they said in unison, their voices filled with determination.
Suddenly, the dark sky exploded with an even more powerful bolt of lightning, striking without warning. Each strike of lightning created a rumbling sound that rattled their bones. Each flash of light split the air at an incredible speed, almost invisible, like an uncontrolled surge of energy.
Every strike felt like a wave of energy hitting everything, splitting the earth, shaking their souls. The flames surrounding them grew bigger, accompanying each flash of lightning.
Gerude and Ian felt the intense heat, their bodies barely able to withstand the force of nature. Yet, they did not stop. They fought on, calling for more lightning, merging the powers of fire and wind even deeper. The lightning grew wilder, more powerful, like an unstoppable storm.
Elara, standing beside them, jumped back with a shriek as a bolt of lightning nearly struck her. "Ahhh!" she yelled. "Be careful! I might become fuel here!"
Gerude and Ian remained undeterred. They struggled to control the lightning that was becoming more erratic. Each strike was an explosion of uncontrollable energy. After a moment, the lightning finally subsided, though the wind still howled around them.
Thalindra stood quietly, her eyes filled with satisfaction. "You called upon lightning with great power, even though it is still not fully under control. This is a force you must understand more deeply."
Gerude and Ian exchanged glances, their bodies trembling. "Lightning... it was really lightning," Ian said in disbelief.
Elara, though shaken, smiled. "You really did it... even though you almost made me a lightning casualty!"
**
The training resumed. This time, it was not fire or wind they called upon, but ice—the element that brings a deadly calm.
Gerude and Ian stood tall, their eyes fixed on Thalindra, who stood in front of them with an undeniable aura of authority. Elara stood beside them, her eyes filled with curiosity and anxiety.
"Ice," Thalindra's voice was like a whisper of the wind—soft yet full of power. "This is the most honest element, the one that will reveal who you truly are. It's not about strength, but about revelation—strength that comes from the depths of the heart, and can freeze the soul."
Gerude and Ian nodded, the tension still palpable. Thalindra continued, "Ice never lies. It will show your deepest side—hidden power, suppressed suffering."
Gerude and Ian absorbed these words in silence. Suddenly, the air around them grew colder. The ground beneath them trembled, and ice began to form—smooth and glittering like frozen mist.
"Aeros… Aquos… Glacium," Gerude recited the incantation firmly, followed by Ian, his voice softer. "Aeros… Aquos… Glacium."
Silence enveloped them for a moment before ice particles began to shape into beautiful structures, shimmering in the air. The once calm atmosphere shifted into something magical—the ice mist radiated, creating a mesmerizing blue glow.
But this ice was more than just beauty. Slowly, its form changed, becoming clearer, heavier. Gerude felt her body connect with the ice—the cold seeping into her bones, as though the ice was a forgotten part of herself.
Ian felt it too. The ice was heavier than expected, as if each shard was freezing his soul, sinking into his heart full of regret.
Thalindra watched closely, while Elara beside her looked worried. "Look," Thalindra whispered, "The ice… it speaks of them."
Suddenly, Gerude and Ian saw shadows within the ice forming. Gerude saw herself trapped in a crumbling palace, filled with anger and confusion. The ice depicted the darkness within her—wounds and suffering kept hidden.
Ian saw a quieter image—himself drowning in solitude and regret. His face, once full of hope, was now empty, filled with the shadows of unspoken wounds.
The ice continued to grow, more solid, more dark. The pale blue shifted to a deep, oppressive shade of blue.
"Look!" Thalindra said, her eyes shining with understanding. "The ice is showing you who you are, even though you may not fully realize it yet."
Gerude and Ian remained silent, feeling the growing power. This ice was not just an external element, but a reflection of every layer of their hearts. They felt a depth that had never been revealed before.
Thalindra gestured for them to calm themselves. "Ice does not forgive insincerity. If you cannot control it, you will freeze yourselves."
Gerude and Ian nodded, still confused. The ice they had summoned was now growing larger, forming shapes they did not understand—structures that blended beauty and horror.
Ian saw an elf figure within the ice—delicate and fragile. Its wings were made of clear ice, as if they could shatter in an instant. Around the elf, a small dragon appeared, its scales sharp and icy, ready to unleash a frozen breath.
Each shard of ice told a story. Gerude and Ian felt the weight pressing on their hearts. They knew what was forming before them was a reflection of their innermost selves.
"You have called for more than just ice," Thalindra said, her voice heavy. "You have opened the door to a greater power—from an older, deeper world."
Elara looked on in awe and fear. "Do they know what they've called?" she asked.
Thalindra paused for a moment, her eyes full of understanding. "Not yet… but they will soon enough."
Gerude and Ian remained silent, their eyes wide. They gazed at the ice before them, merging beauty and terror in a way they had never imagined. The ice seemed to stare back at them, calling, testing who they truly were.
"Thalindra!" Gerude called out, her voice tense. "What does this mean? Why does it take this form?"
Ian stared in confusion. "This is not just ice, is it? It feels like part of us… a bigger part."
Thalindra nodded slowly. "The ice reflects your essence and unites the broken parts of you. Angel wings, dragon claws, a demon's face—all these are symbols of your journey, full of conflict and hope. You are filled with power from many dimensions, from this world and older ones." Elara added softly, "You carry a strong heritage—complex. This power is a manifestation of the destiny you will face. Accept it all—light and dark—and you will find balance."
Gerude and Ian exchanged looks, confusion and fear enveloping them. Many questions still hung in the air, but one thing they knew for sure— their fate had begun.
**
Under the increasingly darkening sky, Gerude and Ian stood before Thalindra, ready to continue their training despite the confusion still evident on their faces.
"Light and Darkness are more than just forces," Thalindra said firmly. "They are inseparable dualities. Darkness provides the space for Light to shine, and Light gives purpose to Darkness. They are both needed by each other."
Ian and Gerude exchanged curious glances.
"Famulus?" Ian asked, puzzled.
Gerude nodded. Thalindra smiled softly, and then Elara stepped forward with graceful steps.
"Famulus is the embodiment of your inner soul," Elara explained in a calm voice. "It is a being of pure magical energy, reflecting who you are—your beliefs, your fears, even the things you haven't realized about yourself."
Ian and Gerude stared at her, still in awe.
"Like a living mirror?" Ian asked, trying to understand.
"More than that," Elara replied with a small smile. "A Famulus doesn't just reflect you. It is a partner in your power. The closer the bond between you, the stronger your magic becomes."
Thalindra moved forward. With graceful motion, she raised her hand. Invisible energy flowed around her, creating an aura that was both strong and gentle. From the creeping shadows, a dark figure emerged—Nyxaris, her Famulus. It was a shape of black mist with glowing blue eyes, emanating a presence that was both intimidating and profound.
"Nyxaris is my Famulus," Thalindra said, her voice filled with respect. "It is a creature of Darkness, a guardian between the worlds of light and dark. Though it comes from Darkness, it is not evil. It guards the secrets hidden in the shadows."
Gerude and Ian fell silent, feeling the chilling aura that surrounded them. They looked at the creature—dark, mysterious, and fearsome.
Then, Elara stepped forward with a bright smile. Her hand raised, and suddenly, a very different being appeared. Luxira, her Famulus, glowed with a golden-white light. Its wings shimmered, like light cutting through the darkness, radiating peace and power.
"Luxira is my Famulus," Elara said proudly. "It is the guardian of Light, bringing truth and clarity. Luxira reveals the truths hidden in the darkness."
Gerude and Ian felt the deep contrast between the two Famulus—one dark and intimidating, the other bright and peaceful. They knew their own Famulus would later reflect the elements within them.
"Famulus are not just a source of power," Elara continued, her voice firm. "They are a part of who we are. They will show who we truly are—both in light and darkness."
Thalindra and Elara stood next to their Famulus, now radiating powerful energy. "To summon your Famulus, you must truly know yourself. Darkness and Light exist within everyone. Only when you embrace these elements, will your Famulus appear."
Gerude and Ian felt an immense pressure. They understood that this training was the first step toward discovering the hidden power within them.
Thalindra spoke calmly, "Now, summon your Famulus. Do not be afraid. Let the power of Darkness and Light flow."
**
Thalindra stood tall before her students, Gerude and Ian, her eyes filled with intense focus. The atmosphere around them was charged with tension, the air heavy with an invisible weight. In the stillness of the night, only the whispers of the wind and the soft sound of breath could be heard, blending with the growing energy that filled the space.
"Summoning a Famulus is not a decision to be taken lightly," Thalindra said, her voice low but firm. "You will not only call upon the forces of nature but also invite the duality within yourselves—Light and Darkness. Both will reveal who you truly are."
Gerude locked eyes with Thalindra, her gaze filled with determination, though her heart raced in her chest. She felt each of Thalindra's words penetrate deep within her. On the other hand, Ian appeared calmer, though an underlying unease flickered in his eyes. He had long felt surrounded by shadows he could not understand, and now, it was time to face what lay hidden.
Thalindra continued, her voice growing deeper and more mysterious. "You must be ready. Each Famulus is a manifestation of the deepest part of your soul. Light will guide you to the truth that shines, while Darkness will teach you to embrace the hidden aspects within. You will call upon them with words that come not just from your lips, but from the very depths of your hearts."
Gerude felt anxiety creeping into her being, yet there was also a strange pull, something drawing her toward something greater, something stronger. Ian, despite his outward calm, felt an undeniable urge he could not avoid. He knew this was the moment. Light and Darkness would reveal who they truly were.
Thalindra raised her hand, and with that, the air around them seemed to vibrate. She gathered energy from every direction, drawing it inward with a calm, controlled focus.
"Remember, to summon the Famulus of Light, your heart must be pure, filled with the desire to serve the good. On the other hand, the Famulus of Darkness requires sincere acceptance of the dark sides within you, and the courage to face them."
Taking a deep breath, her eyes fixed on her two students, who now began to feel the energy flowing through them. With slow, deliberate movements, Thalindra began to chant an ancient incantation. Her words flowed like a song from a faraway world, echoing in the silence of the night.
"Lux et Umbra, anima mea resonet..."
The words escaped her lips, and Thalindra's voice seemed to flow through the earth and air itself.
Gerude closed her eyes, attempting to feel each word spoken. Thalindra's voice seemed to call to her from within, touching every layer of her soul. She began to feel an extraordinary warmth, as though light were flooding her body. But this light was unlike any ordinary light—it seeped deep within her, forcing her to open up, to accept what she had long hidden. There was a powerful sensation within her—a calling she could not resist. The light spun around her, dancing like waves emanating from the center of the universe.
On the other side, Ian felt something different. The Darkness arrived quietly, enveloping him gently. But it was not a frightening darkness; rather, it felt familiar, something that had always been a part of him. The darkness was like a shadow that always followed, filling the empty spaces in his soul. It was as if something he had tried to hide had now come forward to be embraced, not resisted. The darkness grew denser, surrounding him in a grip that was not frightening, but soothing. In the midst of the shadows, a deep, heavy voice began to echo in his mind.
Light and Darkness began to clash, spinning faster and faster. The atmosphere grew even more tense. The air vibrated, and the ground seemed ready to split apart under the unleashed forces. Thalindra and Elara gasped, astonished by the potential emanating from their two students.
"Stop! You must stop!" Thalindra cried, her voice filled with urgency. But the released power could not be stopped so easily. Light and Darkness spun faster, more wildly, as if the world would shatter if they did not cease.
Gerude felt the power intensify. She could not stop it, but she did not want it to completely overtake her. The light enveloping her grew brighter, and with each flash, she felt something greater, more divine than herself. It was as if a voice was calling her to reveal herself, to show who she truly was.
With a whisper from deep within her heart, Gerude spoke a name, a name she felt came from a faraway world, higher than anything she could comprehend.
"Helel ben Shachar..."
The words escaped her lips with certainty, and as the name left her mouth, the light erupted in a brilliant explosion. The light surrounded her body, forming an elegant and mesmerizing figure, hovering in the air with movements so graceful. Helel ben Shachar appeared before her, the Famulus of Light, shining like a star born from darkness. The young man radiated an immeasurable power, and Gerude felt that power flow through her—an infinite light that guided her, protected her.
"Helel ben Shachar," Thalindra and Elara whispered in unison, recognizing this Famulus as a manifestation of the courage and truth within Gerude. "Accept him, and let him guide you."
Gerude felt connected to something vast, greater than just the elements of nature—she felt as though she had touched the core of the truth and bravery she had long sought.
On the other side, Ian stood still, his eyes wide open. The Darkness grew deeper, denser, but this time, he did not feel fear. It felt like sinking into a vast ocean, but instead of drowning, he felt himself becoming one with the darkness. The whispers from within him grew louder, clearer.
"Ereshkigal..."
The name escaped Ian's lips, and instantly, the world around him stopped. The Darkness that surrounded him grew thicker, more tangible, until it began to form a figure slowly emerging from the shadows. The figure was tall and slender, surrounded by moving shadows of its own. An aura of immeasurable power radiated from it, as though all the darkness in the world had been absorbed into it. From the depths of the darkness, the figure emerged with an indescribable majesty.
Ereshkigal, the Famulus of Darkness, appeared before Ian. The young man's face emanated an aura of captivating strength. His skin was black like obsidian, shimmering with a mysterious light, while his long hair flowed like water trapped in an endless night. His eyes, glowing with a deep red light, locked onto Ian with a gaze that seemed to pierce his soul, carrying with it the depth of an untold mystery.
"Ian," Ereshkigal's voice resonated deep, as if echoing from the depths of the universe itself. "I am Ereshkigal, the eternal guardian of darkness. I have come to guide you through the darkness within you and in this world."
The Darkness surrounding Ereshkigal was not something to fear. Instead, it brought a profound peace. Around Ereshkigal, the world seemed to halt, acknowledging his awe-inspiring presence. Ian felt an immense tranquility, as if he had been reunited with a part of himself he had long ignored. The Darkness now felt like an ally, one that would guide him.
Thalindra and Elara stood motionless, unable to speak. They witnessed Gerude and Ian's journey, which had led them to a deeper understanding of themselves. They had not only summoned the elements of nature—they had called upon the true power that came from the depths of their hearts, a power that would guide them toward a greater destiny.
Finally, Thalindra spoke in a calm voice, "Ereshkigal... the eternal Darkness, the guardian of shadows, comes to show the way in the silence. This is the Famulus born from a soul that has embraced both light and darkness within."
With these words, Thalindra knew that her two students had just entered a deeper phase of their journey. They had touched something far greater than their understanding of the world—they had called upon a power that would lead them toward a destiny far greater than they had ever imagined.
**
Ian and Gerude stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the two Famulus standing before them—Helel ben Shachar and Ereshkigal, embodiments of light and darkness.
Gerude trembled. "Thalindra," her voice barely a whisper, "what... what is this? Who are they?"
Ian stood rigid, his body tense. "I don't know how to face this," he muttered, his eyes searching for answers in Thalindra's calm expression.
Thalindra stepped forward, gently clapping her hands. "Gerude, Ian, they are manifestations of what lies within you—Light and Darkness that complement each other. Helel and Ereshkigal are primordial forces, not just beings you have summoned, but a part of you."
Gerude stared at her, confused. "But why are they so powerful and terrifying?"
"Because they are a part of your destiny," Thalindra replied softly. "Helel is the Healing Light, Ereshkigal is the Darkness that brings wisdom."
Ian lowered his head, trying to absorb her words. "But why do they... know us more deeply than we know ourselves?"
Thalindra gazed at them with a look full of understanding. "They are reflections of the power within you. You have summoned them with sincerity—your soul's energy."
Gerude bit her lip, still afraid, although Thalindra's words offered some comfort. "What should we do?"
"What you need is understanding," Thalindra answered. "Your strength will lead to a greater destiny."
Elara stepped forward. "Courage does not mean the absence of fear. Courage is facing that fear."
Ian lowered his head again, trying to calm his mind. "What should we do next?"
Thalindra nodded with a faint smile. "Rest. A long journey still awaits."
With that, Thalindra and Elara gave them time to reflect. Gerude and Ian stood in silence, captivated by the power they had just summoned. The night grew deeper, but within their hearts, a small light began to shine—hope, slowly blossoming.