“You’re a certified jackass Kaelum!” I rolled my eyes.
Lyra gathered her torn robes, Master Magnus had instructed us to spare this morning for our training. I was paired with Lyra, swearing up and down that the elders had sick jokes to pair me with her. Why would I be a friend to the daughter of the King who executed my entire family?
Before she huffed off I could see the damage, my blades may have nicked her but the magick I infused into the blade burns like the depths of hell. She winced while trying to grab the shredded fabric. A pang hit my heart.
I shook it off, regaining my cold mask, “Well if you had any magick then you wouldn’t be on the other end of the blade.” I stalked off before I could drop the act.
When Lyra first came to Blackwater, I found out who she really was. The daughter of the Cynical King Levian, I despised her. Because of her father, I had no family left. Since then I had vowed that she was the enemy just as much as Levian. Until one day, we were ten years old,
I spy her under the tree, sitting with her knees bent to her chest. I planned on sneaking an attack on Lyra. She made me angry this morning during our sparring lessons. She beat me. How could she?! So I wanted a rematch, I’d have the upper hand.
I crept through the bushes, inching closer to Lyra. I heard a soft crying from her direction, then I heard Master Warin,
“Lyra, child, why are you crying?”
“I miss her Warin.”
Closer I crept and I could see her small body shaking, her the broken breathes in between the sobs,
“I hate him, Warin, I hate Levian for what he did to my mother.” her sob broke out into a cry, I saw Master Warin inch closer and pulled her into his lap and hugged her.
“I miss her too, Lyra.” He cupped her small face in his calloused hands, “You’ll make her proud. I know it.”
Then I started to cry too. Wiping the tears away, Fyre raged through me. I started feeling something that I didn’t understand.
Since then, I realized that I may actually love her. All these years I felt like it was a sick joke. A cruel joke by the fates that I would actually have any feelings for someone associated with Levian. Seeing Lyra back then, shaken and just as vengeful, it made me question my own motives.
Today was no different, I know the damage I caused and how deeply it burns her. I felt regret and I don’t know how to feel about it.
“Kaelum, don’t you think you over did it today?” Aveus pulled me from my thoughts, “I know you don't like her, but with that Pyroc infusion, you know there’s deeper internal damage.”
“Maybe she shouldn’t have pissed me off,” cracking my neck, I squat down to put my blades safely away in their sheaths, I stopped for a moment, “It doesn't matter, she’s not my problem.”
“Yes it will be.”
“Master Warin, good morning.” Aveus and I both bow deeply, when raising I notice the harsh glare Master Warin was giving me, like I just hurt his little girl.
“Punishment for a week Kaelum, you are to provide assistance to Lyra. You carry her bag, you open the door, you feed her grapes off a silver platter for all I care, but you will never go against acolyte regulations to intentionally harm another student, personal vendetta or not. Do I make myself clear?” Those silver eyes pierced right through me.
“Yes Master Warin.” I say quietly.
“You’ll start today, now go to your next lesson.” Warin eyed Aveus and Ezin before parting, briefly talking with Master Magnus, then heading towards the villager huts.
“You have to remember that Master Warin has the duty to protect Lyra until her magick awakens.” Ezin muttered as we headed over to Enchantment Lessons.
“She doesn’t need protection, she knows she has him wrapped around her finger. It sickens me.” I scowled.
Aveus laughs and claps my back, “Whatever you say Kael. Come on, your week is going to be long enough. Your first duty as a lapdog is to carry her bag. I can’t wait to see how this goes.”
“Shut up before I give you a taste of what Lyra is feeling.” Once those words left my mouth my heart dropped into my stomach, “Let’s just get this over with.”
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Enchantment Lessons drug on and on. I couldn’t help but stare at her, even though Lyra makes my blood boil, I could still see the pain I put her through. Once Master Elwin excused the acolytes, I briefly glanced at Avenus. His smirk turned into a shit-eating grin, I waved him off.
Standing above her I noticed the bandages that peeked out from her robes, I stood strong. I cross my arms and wait,
“What do you want Kaelum?” her voice was tired and it made me feel worse.
“I’m here to take your bag.” I bent down to scoop it up, her tiny hand latched onto my arm.
“I beg your pardon?!”
I didn't miss the wince when she moved, I noticed the dizziness she felt when she stood too quickly. I pull my hand away,
“Master Warin has instructed me that I tend to you for the damage I did. Carry your bag, help you with training. Ridiculous.” I was growing anxious. Deep down I wanted to sweep her up and take her back to my hut. Lay her down in my bed and tend to her, kiss every lash mark, to soothe her pain. I had to shake these feelings off. So I replaced the asshole mask back onto my face and continued to stare at her.
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” She was furious, and a part of me wanted to keep pushing it. I liked seeing that spark in her deep crimson eyes. I was weak for it.
“For a week.”
“Absolutely not!” She was up too quick, I wished I could have caught her. She shook it off, “You’re not doing anything for me.”
“Believe me, you’re not doing anything for me either.” I reached down and grabbed her bag shouldering it, “Just shut up and come on. I don’t have all day.” I hoped she didn’t see the crack in the mask as I turned on my heels and left.
She rushes after me, out of breath, “Give me my bag, I don’t care what Master Warin has instructed you to do.”
I internally flinched at the sight of her, I could see how much pain she was going through, “Just shut up.” Turning, I head towards our afternoon training class.
The hour passed painfully, I kept glancing at Lyra. I could tell she was hurting and tried hiding it, but she falters once more. This in turn makes me lose focus on my sparing partner, Ezin hits the wooden sword out of my hands and points the blunt end of his sword, poking my ribs hard,
“Kaelum? Damn it man! Focus!” Ezin sighs as he shakes his head, his eyes following my gaze, “You feeling pretty stupid after doing that this morning?” He gulps down water from his canteen. I only nodded in response. Clapping me on the shoulder, “Maybe try doing something to make up for it, maybe try to actually be nice to her for once?”
I glared at him, sending a flare of heat his way, “Don’t ever suggest something so stupid again.” I ignite the flame as Ezin nods his head quickly, sighing relief after the heat is off him.
“I’m just saying Kael-” he raised his hands signaling truce, “I’m just saying, she never has really done anything to prove to you that she is anything like Levain. Why couldn’t you give her a chance?”
“I won’t talk about this anymore. I’ve got to go. Like a damn servant.” I huffed to go find Lyra. I see her sitting on a stone bench pulling away her robes to reveal her bandages bleeding heavily. I winced and my heart ached. I walked up to her and in a quiet voice,
“I should probably go see Mistress Zena.” she never looked up at me.
I said nothing, grabbed her bag and turned to walk to the Healing Temple.
Once inside I sat on the cedar bench in the foyer, I followed Lyra as she spoke to one of the Mistresses of the temple. She’s ushered back to see Mistress Zena. While I waited I produced a small Fyre orb in my palm, I focused my Magick into the orb. It glowed brightly, I saw Lyra in the center. Her features light up brightly as she smiles and dances around me. In the orb, I grab her waist and embrace her. Ezin’s words played in my mind over again. Maybe he’s right, I should do something to return the favor.
Not long after, Lyra emerged from the exam room looking better. The color was back in her skin, she glowed from the inside out. Life seemed to spring back into her eyes, even her hair caught the light and shined brightly. Both her and Mistress Zena walked over to me, I stood grabbing Lyra’s bag strap. I caught Mistress Zena’s stare,
“You do well to heed Master Warin’s instructions.”
I lowered my head, “Yes Mistress.”
We left the temple and with some more pep in her step, Lyra was paces ahead of me until we reached her hut. Spinning around, she grabbed her bag,
“There you did your job,” Opening her door and glancing back, “now go away.” Slamming the door in my face,
“You’re welcome.” I muttered.
I headed back to my hut, still thinking about my conversation with Ezin. I passed Laris and a group of other young acolytes, the boys were teasing Laris about how he should be a man. He’s so large that planting flowers and learning girls' studies isn’t manly at all. I took a moment to observe them, Laris simply did nothing and continued on his work until he disappeared into the shrubs to the greenhouse. The young acolytes still laughing, I sent a ring of fire around them, making them jump and scream like school girls. I laughed before releasing the flames. They all scattered, not daring to say a word.
I thought about Laris on my way home. I know that he’s powerful in both Magick and pure strength. He stands at least 6’5”, his hands are as large as a cast iron skillet, I’ve seen him in sparring and he’s no joke. He’s given me some pretty good beatings in our early days. But he’s so gentle otherwise, he won’t fight without good reason. Like with those kids, Laris doesn’t care what they say. But I do know he’d be livid to see plants being burnt to a crisp.
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The next morning I met Ezin and Aveus for our morning workout. While we warm up, I spot Laris walking past, carrying some potted Firmis. I make my way over to him, I didn’t even think,
“Laris! Care for some sparring?”
“Not this morning Kaelum, but thanks.” He smiled before proceeding ahead, I stepped in front of him.
“Oh come on, I need a good challenge! I beat everyone here, I need something!” I laughed.
“Perhaps you should ask Lyra, she would have beat you yesterday if you didn’t infuse your blades."
I was caught off guard and then found myself legitimately angry, “You don’t know anything.”
“I know you-”
Before he could finish and before I could realize what I did, I set his plants ablaze. Then my face hit the ground. Laris grabbed me by the scruff of my neck, his fist wrapped around my throat, I grabbed his wrist to try and relieve pressure. He slammed me into the ground and planted his foot onto my ribs, I felt the crack of one and then another.
“Why did you do that?” His voice brimming with anger, his foot pressing further, I heard a third crack.
“I-” I rasped out, he let his foot up slightly, “regret hurting her.” I blacked out.
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When I came too, Mistress Zena hovered over me. Relief spread across her face before anger set in, I knew a lecture was coming.
“My dear boy, why in Mother Terbius’ good name would you go and get yourself beaten to a pulp?” her hands on her hips, she gives me a stern look.
“I- don’t want to talk about it.” I croaked out before turning my head and closing my eyes.
I heard motion outside the door, then heard Lyra’s voice echo through the room. Keeping my eyes closed, she told Mistress Zena that Laris gave her Fermis leaves to ease any internal pain. I wanted to smirk, I had a feeling Laris understood that my pestering was really my own doing. I knew I really couldn’t make up for yesterday, so maybe if she saw me roughed up she’d feel a little better. I peeked my eyes open just to see if it worked. To my surprise when I met her eyes, she looked…worried.
Lyra may have looked away, but I kept my stare. I followed her walk out of the recovery room, she looked less victorious than I hoped.
After two days in the recovery wing, I was released under certain conditions. No combat or heavy lifting, Lyra is going to think I got out of Master Warin’s punishment. I know she’s going to be pissed.
Avenus helped carry my bag while we met with Ezin and some other boys, as I told them about recovery I spotted Laris walking past us. I nodded and he did the same in return, a silent apology as well as thanks. As I turned back to my friends, I could feel Lyra’s gaze on me, I ignored it the best I could.
It was time for Enchantment Lessons and our finals, we all gathered and took our seats. Master Elwin gestures to the tables filled with all sorts of herbs and tonics. He called acolytes up one by one. My eyes wander and find Lyra, she whispers with Cyrene. Catching my gaze, her cheeks blushed. Smirking, I cast small tendrils of flames her way, I caress her arm, and down her sides.
She was called up next, I kept the tendrils close. I imagined her in my hut, robes parted and our bodies sweaty. My flames lick up her salty and slick skin, making her beg for me. Praying how she wants to worship me. I must have gotten a little too in my head, when I noticed her falter during her demonstration. Tendrils backing off just enough, but the ache and desire I could feel building in me started to become unbearable.
Master Elwin pulled me out of my fantasy, Lyra was finished and she walked back to her seat. She was flushed, I prayed she was just as much of a wreck as I was. The rest of the hour was excruciating. Once we all were dismissed, I booked it as quickly as I could. I realized I was making a mistake. I need to cool off before I do something that causes any more damage.
I took the long route to my next class, not surprisingly I saw Lyra and Cyrene walking arm in arm. I decided to intervene,
“I’m sure you’re disappointed that I’m not your lapdog this week.” I looked down studying her crimson eyes. She said nothing, I was expecting some sort of response. Some sort of banter, or remark. But I still got nothing so I continued, “I know you’ll want to gloat so just do it. I got my ass kicked.”
When she finally responded, it wasn’t what I had expected at all. Lyra looked up at me, “Even if I despise you Kaelum, I’d never wish for you to take a beating like that,” before turning she continued, “Don’t try to sway me with your Fyre.” My mouth dropped and I felt embarrassment tingling up my spine, I gained composure.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I turned on my heels and hurried off in the opposite direction.
Throughout my history lesson I had thought about what I could give Lyra as an apology. Then I kept going back to why I originally did infuse my blades. Why I never liked her. All these emotions ripped through me, like I was at the stake and the fires consumed all around me. I barely made it out of history lessons before the day had come to an end. Taking the small trail that lines the river, I sat under the large oak tree as I watched the sunset.
Hearing the water running, the trees whispering their sweet songs as the wind crept through. The light slowly fading, the sky turning to bright pinks and golds. The grass was soft under me, as I took a deep breath in and smelled the floral aroma.
Then an idea came to me, I dug through my bag to find an empty jar. I scoop up the fresh river water and grab my things. Going back to my hut I get to work.
It was well after midnight by the time I perfected my project, a small Dew orb. It’s all Aquara magick. Myself being one of Fyre, I had to really be careful with this, and luckily I pay attention to Ezin when he produces his aqua orbs. I crafted a version of my flame orb I made earlier this week. I had made sure though the figures in the image were vague, that there was no trace of me in here at all.
I change into a simple black tunic and pants, slipping on my boots, I tuck the orb onto a small box. I made my way through the village to Lyra’s hut, I knew hardly anyone would be out but I still made myself discreet. Her hut coming into view, I could see she was still awake. I crept under her bedroom window to hear her humming softly. Perhaps she was getting ready for bed.
I took the orb out of the box and swiftly placed it on the window sill. Dashing into the small grove of trees I hid behind the largest one. I sent small pellets flying across the yard hitting her window,
Tink, tink, tink.
Lyra’s shadow casted along the wall of her bedroom until I saw her peering out the window. Her face lit up like she had gotten the best gift in the world. I couldn’t help but smile too. She poked the orb, it sprung to life. Marveling at the images, she ran out of the room. I tracked her coming around the back of the house, I stayed still.
“Thank you, it’s beautiful.” Her smile warm, slipping back into her hut, I take my chance to leave.
Back home, I laid down feeling sleep taking over me. I rolled over facing my window, and a shooting star flashed across the sky.
I wished that I could have taken it all back. I wish I wasn’t such a coward.
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End
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