In the vast room, two pairs of Famulus sat facing each other, their eyes filled with tension. Helel ben Shachar, Gerude's Famulus, sat calmly, gazing out the window. On the other side, Ereshkigal, Ian's Famulus, sat with arms folded, his gaze sharp and calculating. The silence filled the room, adding to the awkwardness building between them.
Gerude looked at Ian with uncertainty, trying to break the tension. "We'll face more than just healing magic in these woods," she said. "The balance of the world will be tested. Be ready."
Ian nodded, though unease clouded his mind. "We're ready."
But Ereshkigal remained silent, his eyes locked on Helel. The tension was palpable in the air. "Are we just going to sit here?" Ereshkigal sneered, his voice condescending. "Perhaps we should move faster."
Helel turned his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You can go ahead on your own if that makes you more comfortable," he replied, his tone hiding strength.
Gerude looked at Helel with concern. "We're here to learn together," she said, trying to ease the situation.
Ereshkigal laughed cynically. "I don't need lessons from someone like him," he said, pointing at Helel.
Thalindra, who had been silently observing, broke the tension. "If you're both done glaring at each other, we'll set off," she said, her voice sharp but commanding.
Gerude tried to calm both of them, though the tension had not yet dissipated. "We need to focus on the goal, not continue fighting."
Ereshkigal stood up and walked toward the door. "Let's go," he said flatly, hiding his anger.
Helel merely nodded, not saying a word. He knew the tension was far from over.
**
The morning mist slowly lifted from the forest, leaving dew on the leaves. Sunlight filtered through the trees, creating a scene both beautiful and threatening. Ian and Gerude stood there, each bearing the weight of responsibility. Behind them, their Famulus, Ereshkigal and Helel, followed silently, as if trapped in an inevitable competition.
Ereshkigal shot a cold glance at Helel, as if unwilling to cooperate. Helel, calmer, tried to avoid direct confrontation. But the tension between them lingered.
Thalindra broke the silence. "If you're done glaring at each other, let's continue our journey," she said, her authority unquestionable.
Ereshkigal sighed but followed nonetheless. "I hope this tension doesn't hinder our journey," Gerude murmured softly.
Ian looked at Gerude and spoke hesitantly, "I fear it already has."
Thalindra stepped forward, leading them deeper into the forest. Towering trees loomed overhead, their leaves glistening like crystals, creating a world that felt ancient and powerful. Each step took them closer to hidden secrets.
"What lies ahead?" Ian asked, curiosity filling his voice.
"There is much for you to learn here," Thalindra replied, her tone low and meaningful. "About your strength, and the balance of the world that will determine the future."
Ahead of them, an ancient tree appeared, its trunk naturally carved and roots sprawling. Thalindra stopped and raised her hand. "This is Yvrethil, the healing tree. It offers its leaves to heal wounds if you call it by its ancient name: Orithan Nahlithar."
Ian and Gerude approached cautiously, awed by the grandeur of the tree. Ian raised his hand and softly spoke, "Orithan Nahlithar."
The tree's leaves began to stir, and one floated down, landing in Ian's hand. A soft green light emanated from it.
Gerude quickly followed, feeling the tree's power as a leaf fell into her hand, healing a small wound instantly. They felt as if they had unlocked a key to their journey.
However, Ereshkigal, who stood behind, dismissed them. "That little light won't protect them," he mocked, pointing at the newly acquired leaf.
Helel glanced at Ereshkigal, a faint smile on his lips. "The power of this tree is greater than you think, Ereshkigal. But if you prefer to walk in the shadows, that's your choice."
Ereshkigal snorted, a mocking smile spreading across his face. "The shadows make me strong. Without them, this world would be a blinding light."
Ian and Gerude exchanged a look, realizing that the tension between their Famulus could destroy their mission. They would need to find a way to overcome their differences—or their journey would end before reaching its goal.
**
After a moment, Thalindra stepped forward, noticing that the tension behind them was disrupting their progress. She led them to a small stream, its clear waters sparkling as though it carried life from the earth's depths. Medicinal plants grew along its banks, with glowing white flowers and green leaves edged in gold greeting them.
"Here we will learn healing magic," Thalindra said firmly. She pointed to a small glowing flower.
"This is Lunarieth. With this stream's water, and the ancient incantation, Elarith Thaelinor, it can heal wounds from moderate elemental magic."
Gerude and Ian nodded, intrigued. Gerude carefully picked the Lunarieth flower, while Helel stood beside her.
"Be careful, Gerude," Helel advised. "Healing magic requires calm."
Ereshkigal, standing beside Ian, sneered. "Calm? This world isn't that simple."
Ian held his breath, focusing as Gerude mixed the flower with the water. When she spoke the incantation, a soft blue light appeared, bringing peace.
Ian was astonished. "Incredible."
However, when it was Ian's turn, Ereshkigal roughly moved his hand, knocking Ian's flower into the water.
"Sorry," Ereshkigal said, his tone flat.
Helel stepped forward, glaring at Ereshkigal. "Was that really unintentional?"
Ereshkigal sneered at him. "I was just making sure they didn't make a mistake."
"Enough!" Gerude sighed, frustrated. "We won't reach our goal if we keep fighting."
Ian nodded in agreement. "We must work together."
Calmly, Ian took another Lunarieth flower, mixed it with the water, and recited the incantation without interruption. A brighter blue light appeared, and Ian felt the healing power flow through him.
Thalindra smiled. "You've learned the basics of healing magic. But this journey is just beginning. The key to success lies in harmony—between you, and with your Famulus."
Ian and Gerude exchanged looks. They knew this journey was more than just magic—it was a test of cooperation, trust, and sacrifice. And they would need more than magic to face it.
**
Night had fallen when they finally returned to Thalindra's house after their long journey to the forest. A gentle breeze sneaked through the cracks in the door, carrying the calming scent of the woods. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Ian and Gerude sat at the dining table, enjoying the aroma of hot soup and freshly baked bread straight from the oven. Thalindra sat at the end of the table, with Elara beside her, smiling faintly as she observed her two new apprentices, who appeared exhausted.
Meanwhile, standing quietly behind them were Helel bin Shachar and Ereshkigal. Though their postures were graceful, their sharp gazes and subtle gestures told a different story.
Ian, having just tasted his soup, glanced at Ereshkigal. "You're really not hungry?" he asked, this time more seriously.
Ereshkigal turned slowly, his eyes showing the typical indifference he was known for. "I've already told you, I don't need food like you do. We draw energy from our contracts."
Ian furrowed his brow, trying to understand. "So... you feed off our energy? Like a parasite?"
Ereshkigal rolled his eyes. "Parasite? That's an exaggeration. We only take what's necessary to survive."
Gerude, having finished her toast, leaned back in her chair. "So, you and Helel are like energy vampires?"
Helel looked up, his expression one of wounded pride. "I am a noble being of light. Vampires are crude creatures who know nothing of etiquette."
Ereshkigal smirked, not missing the opportunity. "Noble, huh? But you still take energy from Gerude without her consent. Sounds like a vampire to me."
"I don't take without permission!" Helel retorted, the light around him dimming slightly from his frustration. "And I take far less than you, who seems to enjoy Ian's energy like an appetizer, main course, and dessert all at once."
Ereshkigal straightened up. "What are you trying to say? I'm far more efficient. Not like you, wasting energy just to appear glowing."
"That glow is a manifestation of power!" Helel crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "It's not something that a shadow, who only knows how to hide, can understand."
"Hiding is smarter than announcing your presence to every enemy within a ten-kilometer radius," Ereshkigal retorted, his cold smile widening.
Ian raised his hand. "Hey, hey! Can you two stop for a moment? I just found out you feed off our energy, and now you're making me feel like roasted meat."
Elara, who had been watching with wide eyes, decided to chime in. "Oh, Ian, don't worry too much. If you're roasted meat, Helel will surely coat you with golden spices, and Ereshkigal will eat you in the dark without anyone knowing."
Ian choked on his soup, while Gerude nearly spilled her drink from laughing. "That... was very specific, Elara," she said, trying to catch her breath.
Elara merely shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I'm just trying to liven up the atmosphere."
Thalindra, usually the serious one, finally spoke up. "Enough. This is dinner, not a debate arena. If you keep arguing, I'll have Ian and Gerude shut down your energy."
"Shut down?" Helel asked, his voice full of surprise.
"You're going to starve us??" Ereshkigal asked, offended.
Ian glanced at Gerude, trying to hold back his laughter. "Punishment without food for the famulus. That's a good idea."
"Then make sure I get more time to eat than he does before you shut off your power, Ian," Ereshkigal said firmly, casting a glance at Helel.
"I don't need more time," Helel replied with an elegant but sharp tone. "Because I know how to manage my energy perfectly."
"Oh, really? That's why you always look like a walking lantern?" Ereshkigal teased, his small smile almost unnoticeable but enough to irritate Helel.
"A lantern?" Helel repeated, his expression one of disbelief. "The light I emit is a symbol of purity and strength."
Elara, who nearly fell off her chair from holding back her laughter, spoke up again. "But, Helel, you have to admit, you're a little too flashy. I'm sure some of our enemies would think we're carrying around a walking lantern."
Ian and Gerude couldn't hold back their laughter any longer. Their laughter filled the room, easing the previously tense atmosphere and making it warmer and more relaxed.
Ereshkigal slowly approached Ian, tilting his head slightly. "If I were as flashy as him, I'm sure you'd faint from energy depletion."
"So you're saying you're better than me?" Helel stepped closer to Ereshkigal, his gaze full of challenge.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Ereshkigal replied, folding his arms.
"Enough!" Thalindra tapped the table softly, but the sound was enough to make everyone stop. "You two are acting like children. This dinner should be a time to rest, not a place for arguments."
Helel and Ereshkigal exchanged glances, their expressions half holding back smiles, though neither was willing to admit it.
"I think they need group therapy," Elara said with a grin. "Maybe we could make them play a cooperative game."
"A cooperative game?" Ian repeated, looking at Elara suspiciously.
"Yeah, something like… who can talk the least for an entire day," Elara said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Challenge accepted," Helel said firmly.
"Everyone knows I'll win," Ereshkigal replied, stepping back with confidence.
The mood that evening turned lighter, and though their journey to the forest and healing magic training had brought challenges, this dinner gave them the moment of levity they so desperately needed.
**
After dinner was finished, a calm atmosphere enveloped the table. Thalindra leaned back in her chair, looking at Ian, Gerude, and their Famuli with a contemplative expression.
"Tomorrow," she said firmly, "we will finalize your contracts with the Famuli."
Ian, who had just taken a sip of water, nearly choked. "Finalize the contract? Isn't our contract already complete?"
Thalindra nodded. "The contract at the time of summoning is just a foundation. It's enough to start the relationship, but not enough to protect you."
Gerude immediately sat up straighter. "Protect us? What kind of danger are you talking about?"
Elara, who had been silent until now, smiled widely. "An imperfect contract leaves a gap. If you're not careful, the Famuli could betray you or attack."
Ian looked at Ereshkigal with concern. "You… you won't attack me, right?"
Ereshkigal scoffed. "If I wanted to attack, you wouldn't have the chance to ask."
Helel, who was standing behind Gerude, chuckled softly. "That sounds like a threat, Ereshkigal."
Ereshkigal glared at Helel. "And you seem more interested in teaching manners than taking action."
Elara giggled. "I'll miss these debates if the contract ends up making you all get along better."
Ereshkigal responded firmly. "Nothing will change."
"Agreed," Helel replied.
Thalindra refocused their attention. "A perfect contract will ensure a safer relationship and maximize the Famuli's strength. Without it, you'll be limited."
"So, we can be stronger?" Gerude asked.
"Exactly," Thalindra nodded. "You and the Famuli will be more connected, their power will be more palpable."
Ian looked at Ereshkigal uncertainly. "And that means we have to trust each other completely?"
Ereshkigal looked at him coldly. "I'm only loyal if you don't bore me."
Ian sighed. "Bore you?"
Helel gave a thin smile. "Famuli like us aren't easily flattered. But Gerude… she's not bad."
Ereshkigal chuckled softly. "You sound like you're praising a pet."
Helel merely smiled. "I have higher standards."
Elara smiled at the exchange. "You two are entertaining. But if this contract makes you more at ease, I'll be disappointed."
Ereshkigal reaffirmed, "Nothing will change."
"Agreed, again" Helel replied.
Thalindra stood, ending the conversation. "Rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a long day. Your contracts—Gerude and Helel, Ian and Ereshkigal—will be finalized."
Ian and Gerude exchanged a glance, the tension and a newfound sense of purpose palpable in the air.
As they stood from the table, Ereshkigal moved closer to Ian. "Remember, Ian. This contract means I'll know every foolish decision you make."
Helel added from the other side, "And I'll make sure Gerude doesn't make any foolish decisions."
Ian looked at Gerude wearily. "We'll never have peace, will we?"
Gerude chuckled softly. "I think we'll get used to it. They do like to tease, but at least they're on our side."
The night ended with lighthearted banter, while Ian and Gerude both pondered what their relationships with the Famuli would be like once the contract was finalized. One thing was certain—life with them would never be boring.