⊱ ─ 𝕱𝖔𝖊𝖘 тσ 𝕱𝖑𝖆𝖒𝖊𝖘 ─ ⊰ [ ᴘᴏɴᴛɪғғ x ᴋɪᴛᴛᴇɴ ]

[Kitten]

I'ᴍ ᴀʟʀɪɢʜᴛ
Oᴜᴛ ʜᴇʀᴇ ɪɴ ᴀ ʟᴏsᴛ ʟᴀɴᴅ
Hᴇᴀʀᴛʙᴇᴀᴛ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴀ ᴛᴀᴍʙᴏᴜʀɪɴᴇ
Tʜᴇsᴇ ғᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍs ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ʟᴇᴛ ᴍᴇ sʟᴇᴇᴘ
Sᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟ ᴄʟᴏsᴇ
Iғ ᴏɴʟʏ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ
I ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪᴛ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ
Aɴᴅ sʜᴏᴡ ᴍᴇ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴ
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺

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The corridor stretched seemingly beyond its usual length, Lumi mused restlessly in her mind, the heels of her armored boots resonating with each snap against the marbled flooring. Her sapphire tresses swayed in a rhythmic dance against her back as she advanced towards the Magi Hall of Wisdom, her teeth clenching as she stared ahead. Despite her facial features projecting an air of dullness, her heart vehemently disagreed. It throbbed with such an intensity that she could discern the chaotic beats resonating within her eardrums.

Mastering composure under pressure had always come effortlessly, a skill she wielded even during the relentless year-round final examinations. Yet, today's narrative unfolded with a distinctive tone. Her hands trembled with an intensity that led her to clench her fingers into a fist, a desperate attempt to quell the unease. What was this profound sense of distress? Was it the unexpected nature of the meeting, perhaps hinting at expulsion for an event she couldn't even recollect? Or was it the commencement of a perilous quest, one where the looming dangers would compel her to stake her life to provide solace to others? While the latter option seemed more appealing, the prospect of willingly placing her life on the line - despite her adept training - remained a daunting reality. For once, she found herself powerless in a situation. This unfamiliar vulnerability posed a formidable challenge, and she grappled with the complexity of coping with it.

The entrance to the chamber loomed ahead, and Lumi drew in a breath as profound as her lungs allowed, releasing it slowly from her mouth while closing the distance to the door. With caution, she reached out, her hand finding a secure hold on the intricately detailed golden knob. A gentle twist to the right brought forth the satisfying click of approval, signaling her granted access. As she entered, four members of the Defense Ministry occupied their designated seats in the majestic room, each acknowledging her presence with a nod. In response, Lumi offered a respectful curtsy, expressing gratitude for the time they willingly set aside from their hectic schedules to escort her into this significant space.

"Greetings, Lumi. We're grateful that you've taken the time to join us today," spoke a much more mature woman, her generous smile beaming as she seemed to be the leading role in the meeting. "It's no surprise that you stand out as an excellent student, among a select few. Your extraordinary gift has the potential to reshape the world as we know it." A soft rosy blush adorned the elven girl's cheeks as she felt honored to receive such praise from the ministry.

"I truly appreciate your kind words and want to assure you that I'm committed to meeting your expectations," Lumi replied with a coy smile, delicately folding her hands atop her thighs as she contained her excitement. She offered the woman her undivided attention, at least until the creaking sounds of an opening door echoed in the seemingly already occupied room. Her head swiveled to catch a glimpse of the commotion, diverting her attention away from the madam as her curiosity bested her. To her astonishment, another classmate had made a grand entrance, his shoes clicking rhythmically as he advanced toward the center where she stood. This student, however, was not just any classmate; he was a well-known and prestigious gentleman.

But above all, he was her rival.​

Lumi wouldn't be honest if she claimed this man lacked any form of potential; she knew well that he possessed a wealth of skill and talent capable of leaving any newcomer astonished and in awe. From as far back as she could recall, there was something about him that stirred her emotions. The catalyst for this? Their differences. Originating from opposing kingdoms that harbored a fiery hatred surpassing Hell's, their interactions always left her with the nagging feeling that he perceived himself as superior, not only to her but to everyone else. This dynamic fueled her determination, pushing her to practice and evolve into the person she always knew she could become. Lumi begrudgingly acknowledged his role in shaping her into who she was today, fueled by spite, but he would never derive the satisfaction of hearing such recognition from her lips.

"Ah, thank you for joining us as well," a male voice expressed delight, hands clasped together as he observed the meeting unfolding according to plan. "Typically, these meetings are conducted individually. However, given that both of you are exceptional students sharing a similar approach to diverse circumstances, we've opted for a joint discussion." The man adjusted his glasses, pushing them up to a more comfortable position on the bridge of his nose. After clearing his throat, he continued, "We believe that if you two form a duo, significant accomplishments can be made within the Arcane Ministry of the Highest Order. That's why we've brought you in today—to see if you would graciously accept this new position."

Externally, Lumi appeared unfazed by her classmate's arrival, her focus returning to the four figures in front of her as she absorbed every detail of the information they presented. Internally, however, her heart raced faster than before, and her ears warmed with rising blood pressure. How could she be compared to someone like him? What did this collaboration mean for both of them? Did they truly have to work together? Disapproving of the ministry's wishes would be unwise, and Lumi dared not imagine the consequences. They were all-knowing, steeped in wisdom—qualities she aspired to acquire one day, hoping to stand on a pedestal like theirs.

"I respect and trust your decision, and I would be honored to work with my classmate," the elven girl chimed in, showcasing a broad smile that conveyed her gratitude for being considered in this meeting, despite her true feelings as her hands trembled with rage as they continued to rest idly atop of her lap.

 

[Pontiff]

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Black and silver robes fluttered behind the brisk pace the man walked. The silvery and bronze detailed trinkets that adorned his regal robes clinked together softly as the click of his shoes echoed off the marbled flooring. Wrynn’s face was stern, bordering on the edge of annoyance, as his stormy gray eyes flicked to the grand ornate doors that led to the Magi Hall of Wisdom. His mind wracked to why he was called here today. Perhaps it was something careless he had said to another classmate regarding their efforts in the magical arts. He held a reputation for being cold and distant, withholding a superiority complex over his peers. Those who sought to reach the pinnacle of magi would be scrutinized under his judgment. Lofty ideals and goals were quickly returned to reality when they realized the disparity in their talents with those more deserving.

Muffled words were spoken from the opposite side of the door as he hesitated momentarily and thought that perhaps he had arrived too early. The voices were too muffled and distant, non-distinctive that he could eavesdrop and make out just who was inside of the room until he grabbed onto the golden knob and clicked it to the right as it popped open and he stepped inside. Shoes clicked off the marbled flooring as he recognized a fellow classmate standing in the center of the room with four members of the Defense Ministry seated elegantly at the front of the room.

"Thank you for having me today." Placing a hand just onto his chest, over his heart, he gave a half bow to the members of the Defense Ministry before glancing to his left where his classmate stood. She was a well-known mage among their peers, and many in the school would compare her to him regarding final examinations and how they stood above the rest in an elite group handpicked by the Arcane Ministry Instructors. They didn’t see eye to eye on many matters, and his background naturally did not put either of them on the best terms to start with. Son of an esteemed Noble House, hailing from the Kingdom Nilheim who sought every opportunity to expand its borders through military might, magick, and politics. His Father held one of Nilheim’s Eight Seats and was in charge of the Northern Realm of Nilheim.

"We believe that if you two form a duo, significant accomplishments can be made within the Arcane Ministry of the Highest Order. That's why we've brought you in today—to see if you would graciously accept this new position."

It was not unheard of that the Ministry would look to pair students together to accomplish complex tasks or use the partnership as a measure of testing in the final examinations. Testing to see how well the Magi would work with others and if they were genuinely worthy of climbing the ranks to heights only few would see.

She quickly accepted this offer, and it would only fall upon him to make a fool of himself for rejecting it. Opportunities such as these were rare; to turn one down because of petty rivalry and bitterness would be foolish. His face was stoic. Unphased on the reaction of his classmate or the request of the Defense Ministry as he placed his hand on his chest once more and gave another small bow in the form of a nod.

“I would be honored to accept this request, and I look forward to striving together to find new experiences with my classmate.” He spoke properly and rehearsed. He did not smile about the situation even if the fit was beneficial to him, nor did he frown as he kept a proper impartial look upon his stormy gaze.

“That is wonderful both of you can set aside your differences for the betterment of the Ministry.” Another male member of the Ministry spoke now that both parties had accepted the proposal. “As you are aware—you have been tested many times during your stay here within these historic and gilded halls. With this request, the testing does not stop; it is just beginning.” He would stop to let the lead of the conversation take back over to discuss the details of what this new partnership would be tasked with momentarily.

This pairing was expected to be another test, another examination of their skills and decision-making. Wrynn would welcome this challenge, for he had no other choice, not if he wanted to return home and be accepted. He had no choice but to keep reaching for the top and ascending to a proper Archmagus status.

“Of course, whatever it is you seek to test us on. I have full confidence in our capabilities in seeing it through.” He spoke confidently of himself and his new partner, even if he wished to do this alone. He must keep up appearances like his days back in court with backstabbing scoundrels and fake smiles

 

[Kitten]

Hah. Amusing. This moment seemed like the singular instance she'd ever hear him utter kind words about her. Was it genuinely an esteemed experience to embark on an adventure with her? The man's words appeared to be dripping with insincerity; how could the Ministry be oblivious to the palpable hostility between them? It had to be intentional; there was no conceivable way they overlooked such a significant issue.

"I'm sure you're curious about what lies ahead, so allow me to fill you in," the final female speaker said, adjusting herself in her seat before addressing them. She peered over a neatly laid-out scroll on her desk, skimming over it to help guide her. "We are sending both of you on a quest to help restore the enchanted forest from potential doom." The uneasiness in the room intensified, indicating that the harm to the forest must have been substantial. "We suspect a dark sorcerer may have amassed enough power to steal the source that enchants the forest. We acknowledge the enormity of this task, but we believe your combined skills and backgrounds, considering where you come from, will assist us in putting an end to this threat." Significant expectations loomed over the duo, beads of sweat forming at the top of Lumi's brow as her gaze remained fixed on the woman. "There are four forest spirits possessing ancient knowledge crucial for countering this dark force. Your task is to persuade these spirits to share their knowledge, but the method of doing so remains uncertain."

Regretfully, the first man chimed in, acknowledging the unease displayed on each student's face. "We wish we could provide more information, but unfortunately, we're lacking details. Each spirit resides in its own realm—one in the snowy region, another in the desert lands, one near the sea, and the last within the forest itself. They each hold unique characteristics, and we believe that you both are best suited for this since one resides in Wrynn's territory and the other in Lumi's. The remaining two are scattered."

Lumi hailed from the frosty expanses of the snowy tundra, while Wrynn's roots were entwined with endless bodies of salty water. Ironically, both called lands abundant in water home, though in distinct forms. "So, you think it might be a bit easier to gain favor with the sea spirit and snowy spirit since we reside in those areas?" Lumi mused, attempting to piece together the puzzle.

"We're optimistic about that," the first woman chimed in, affirming Lumi's line of thought. "We understand that it will take some time for the sorcerer to amass enough power to undertake such a task. However, we aim to address the issue before it escalates to that point. As for how we learned of this potential sorcerer, high mages across the realm have been encountering vivid and unsettling dreams centered around a common theme—the emergence of a faceless, malevolent sorcerer. Admittedly, we're taking a shot in the dark, but the prevalence of these dreams among our ranks is too significant to ignore."

It felt disconcerting to be entrusted with such a monumental task with minimal guidance. Yet, as always, she had been instilled with the belief that the Defense Ministry wielded powers beyond her understanding, and questioning them was not in her nature. However, this particular situation pushed her to consider challenging that doctrine. "I must admit, I harbor some concerns about this quest, but I won't question your judgment. I wholeheartedly accept the challenge," Lumi voiced, aware that the quest involved more than just seeking out the four spirit guardians. It entailed battling monsters, enduring days of travel, camping in the wilderness, and remaining vigilant against threats such as bandits and unpredictable weather. And she had to do it all with him.

 

[Pontiff]

While he would be more than happy to hear out the Ministry without his classmate here, he would gladly do such a thing. Yet it wasn’t his decision; they had decided that they would be working together to embark on a treacherous journey. They had full knowledge and information on both students and had come to the conclusion that the reward outweighed the risk of the two killing each other out in the field.

The gravitas of the situation was recognized by all in the room, and the severity of this issue would require both students to put their differences aside. From Wrynn’s understanding, the Enchanted Forest held the Tree of Life, an old and ancient gift to the land many centuries ago from the Earth Goddess Gaea. Its magic was ancient and deep and if someone were able to truly access such ancient magic and twist it to their control. No telling what they would be capable of.

“Will there be others tasked with the same mission or are we expected to be alone entirely to our devices?” Wrynn asked. This was quite the serious task they were being given. One that held implications it could change the world and Wrynn did not believe that they would only put this on the shoulders of two unproven individuals.

“The Ministry has its agents already in the field. Gathering reports and evidence regarding this malevolent sorcerer. We will need more than the aid of the spirits and you will have fellow students in their own pairs vying to prove themselves.” The elven man spoke once more while the weight was coming to the forefront. How important this was to not only the realm but to the future success of Wrynn’s aspirations.

“Then it is best we do not linger or waste time. The sooner we get to these spirits the faster we can get to the bottom of this and stop it before it begins.” Wrynn bowed his head, accepting this role and the weight that would be on his shoulders. While he could sleep at night knowing that if he was to fail, perhaps someone else may succeed – but that is the least of his concerns. This was everything that could propel him forward. He would not be slowed down by her. Yet he would need to work with her.

“You are indeed correct. The Ministries stockroom will be open to you before you leave. Be sure to grab what you need, and make sure you are fully supplied before venturing forth. Say your goodbyes to friends and write to your family if you wish.” With both Lumi and Wrynn accepting this honor they would be formally charged with the task with the seal of approval of the Ministry stamped onto the parchment. Magical copies flitter before the two to take and show to the quartermaster who would make sure they get their supplies and any other requests they may have.

Turning on his heels he stepped out of the room as the grand doors closed behind him, feeling the presence of Lumi right on his heels. “We should go ahead and get our supplies. Unless you have other matters to tend to.” He kept his face forward, addressing her behind him as he was looking to leave as soon as possible and not linger any longer than he needed to. While they weren’t given instruction not to talk about the task they had been given it was all but implied they should keep the details to a minimum about this task.

 

[Kitten]

Knowing that many were collaborating on the case was comforting, yet ultimately, Wrynn and Lumi bore the majority of the burden. Mixed emotions surged within her—a blend of pride and delight for being entrusted with such a delicate quest, yet a tinge of frustration and anger at being paired with him. Her first Ministry quest exceeded expectations in its challenge and terror, surpassing her anticipation of the severity she would face, though she was confident in her ability to handle it.

"We value your time and the trust you've placed in us to manage your request," Lumi expressed. Without looking at the clock, she'd approximate that 3:30PM was reading on the clock, meaning that there was still daylight to utilize. This would allow the new formed duo enough time to collect their belongings, explore the stockroom, and attend to any remaining business matters. Following Wrynn's example, Lumi executed a formal bow, pivoted on the heels of her boots, and gracefully exited the Magi Hall of Wisdom.

"Drop the formalities, Wrynn. There's no need to act so fake around me." Lumi retorted, her brows furrowing in disdain as she observed his back during their shared walk. Despite being a foot shorter, she felt no intimidation, only a heightened desire to provoke him further. "Since we're heading in the same direction, we might as well hit the stockroom first to gather necessities before retrieving our belongings from our rooms." Her words dripped with agitation, a tone that made no effort to conceal her disgust for every moment of their interaction. Lumi recognized her own behavior resembling that of a spoiled child, yet it seemed almost involuntary.

Fortunately, the Hall to the stockroom was a brief journey, minimizing opportunities for additional conversation as they approached the closed door. Intentionally positioning herself in front, she took hold of the knob, asserting control over granting them access, turning it to the right until the familiar click echoed. Lumi had half-expected a room veiled in cobwebs and dust, but to her astonishment, as she pulled the dangling rope to allow light to spill in, everything was pristine and clean.

"Alright, we'll need a tent, tools for a fire in case our mana is spent, and rations…" she mumbled to herself, practically ignoring the mage in the room. Keeping her focus on scavenging through the inventory, she selected the tools she deemed fit for their adventure, standing with arms wrapped around her newfound supplies. Whirling around to look at Wrynn, she'd adjust her loot within her grasp. "I'll gather my personal belongings in my room, should take about an hour. We can meet by the entrance and head out—unless you've got a better plan," she suggested, aiming for a collective tone as she sought to expedite their departure. After he had given her his opinion on the matter, she'd exit from the storage space and head towards her room, leaving him to himself.

 

[Pontiff]

If Wrynn were to be asked what caused such a rift to form between the two, he would not be able to answer that question or remember the past that caused such a ripple. His best guess would be that he wasn’t impressed with her upon initial meeting years ago when both arrived to the gilded halls of the Ministry, and he openly commented on it and probably would say she should give up. Ever since he could remember, she has held venom towards him, and he returned it in kind happily. “There it is. The venom that you spit, how the Ministry couldn’t see you aren’t grown up enough for such a task is beyond me.” He would respond in kind to her agitated, spoiled tone towards him as they made their way to the stockroom.

If he could choose to venture on his own. Even if the journey was perilous and surely a death sentence for going alone. He would prefer those chances over traveling with her. He had made a brief attempt to be amicable with her. She had shown her immaturity and slapped down his offer of putting aside their differences to work together.

He had been striding in front of her in the brief walk as the pair would arrive at the door. Just for her to muscle her way to stand in front of the door, intentionally blocking him off from access until she had entered first. Like a petulant child. Stormy gray eyes looking down at her, brooding with annoyance. “After you, Snow Elf.” He called her by the ‘common’ tongue name for her people. A name that was common across human tongue to be an insult towards the fey folk. While the many elven races shared similarities, they were indeed different from one another and to just be called a simple 'snow' version of a standard elf was meant to be an insult.

Stepping inside, he would grab a sack and open the top as he started to grab an assortment of supplies ranging from potions, survival tools, a bedroll and anything else miscellaneous one would need inside of their pack on a travel.

“An hour works; we will be traveling to the snowy region first.” He was making the decision to go to her homeland first for their spirit. A choice of choosing one that may be more friendly towards a regent of the land before going to any of the other regions – silently not wanting to go home to the stormlands and avoiding the unavoidable return to his home, to his family. He didn’t wish to return until he became an Archmage and was accomplished as he made his promise on that night in blood.

Parting ways once they decided on a time to meet up. He would return to his room and gather the few belongings he would want to bring with him on this journey. He did not need the full hour as he waited by the school gates for Lumi to arrive, counting down the time, expecting her to be on time as she suggested.

Silently leaning against the stone wall. Flames flickered and danced, casting soft shadows over the warm halls. Students mumbled and whispered as they passed by. Heading back to their rooms or their next class. Many avoid his gaze and presence, even with many taking note of the pack lying on the floor by his foot, ready to leave.

 

[Kitten]

Upon returning to her chambers, she immediately headed to her closet, sifting through the array of garments. Sorting what she deemed suitable from the rest, she tossed the selected pieces onto her bed for later folding and packing. Taking a seat at her desk, she reached for a pencil and a nearby sheet of paper, tapping the eraser-end of the pencil thoughtfully on her cheek. With careful consideration, she began penning letters to her mother, father, and brother, a precautionary measure in case of unforeseen circumstances. After neatly folding and placing them in envelopes, she secured the letters in the top drawer of her desk, closing it and patting it thrice, as if symbolizing a hopeful wish that they would never have to be dispersed. With her luggage in tow, she exited her room, locking the door for an added layer of security.

"Seems like you're on the verge of leaving. Is it true that you got expelled?" Elysia's eyes widened in surprise as she observed Lumi leaving her room, suitcase in hand. The brunette elven girl was on her way to enter her own room adjacent to Lumi's, and the sudden departure caught her off guard. There had been no prior indication from Lumi about any plans to leave, so expulsion seemed to be the only plausible reason.

"Elysia, you tend to jump to conclusions too quickly." She rolled her eyes initially, but then softened her expression, locking her blue eyes with Elysia's cerise orbs. "I haven't been expelled; I've been assigned to an unexpectedly lengthy quest. That's why I'm loaded up like this." To emphasize her point, she raised her arms, revealing the array of items she was carrying. "And do you honestly believe I'd leave without saying goodbye? We've been dorm neighbors for quite some time, and we've grown close." Placing her luggage beside her, she approached Elysia and enveloped her in a firm and reassuring hug. Despite the uncertainty of their future encounters, she held Elysia with a mixture of warmth and apprehension, unsure if they would cross paths again. "You know how unpredictable these journeys can be. I might return, or I might not, but if I don't, consider my stuff all yours," she said with a hint of humor, injecting a light note into a potentially somber moment. Elysia joined in with laughter, reciprocating the hug and tightening her embrace even more.

"I'll remember that, though there's no way you won't return. You're resilient, and I believe in you, my friend." After a final mutual squeeze, they stepped back, exchanging a glance that hinted at the desire for another heartfelt hug. However, they restrained themselves. "Until we meet again," she said, waving with a graceful flick of her wrist before turning to retreat to her chambers.

Approaching the designated meeting spot with Wrynn, she found him already there, his nonchalant demeanor unchanged as he awaited her arrival. "I honestly thought you wouldn't bother waiting for me. What a shame." Eager to counter his earlier insult, where he labeled her a Snow Elf, she made a conscious effort to subtly address any lingering verbal wounds whenever the opportunity arose. Glancing around at the other students, she noticed curious eyes fixated on the duo, forming their own speculations about why they were together and what might be transpiring.

"Let's move on; we're unintentionally attracting attention," she suggested, adjusting her luggage and heading out the doorway without concern for whether he followed. "So, you propose starting with my region. Any particular reason?" she inquired, genuinely curious about his rationale for choosing her home, especially considering his apparent disdain for her and her kind.

 

[Pontiff]

Fingers drummed rhythmically off his bicep, arms crossed and folded tightly against his chest. Head slightly drooped down, face parallel with the floor as he kept his eyes shut despite the soft bustle of the hall. He was ignoring the whispers and patter. The inflictions and tones that begged the question of what he was doing there, with those bags and what was happening. He drowned out all the noise in silent meditation until broken by the sound of Lumi’s voice piercing his ears and bringing him out of his silence. Cocking his head upward with a flutter of his eyes, focusing in with just a few blinks and taking note of her presence near him. Questioning his decision actually to be waiting for her. Of course, she thought he would just leave. Unlike her, he respected the decision of the Ministry – but her incessant passive-aggressive attitude and underlying tones of whining were already grating on his nerves.

His jaw clenched as muscles flexed and settled. A deep, unsettled breath steamed from his flared nostrils. Posturing to stand up and tall over the snow elf. “Your passive-aggressive attacks are what draw attention. I’ve kept my interactions short and curt with you, yet you cannot let a moment pass by without your intentions dripping from your voice.” He responded to her in a low tone without regard to who actually could hear him.

“I’ve chosen the snow region because the Ministry made good mention that the spirits of our respective realms may be more willing to aid – as well as our own people and families being able to restock our supplies or provide means of travel once we arrive.” His logic was conclusive and sound-proof. Heading to a region they had no connections to, no family or people to rely on other than the good graces of a stranger, or finding a sanctioned mage of the Ministry could be more of a challenge and sidetrack their goals.

“This time of year is also when your region doesn’t have a torrent of blizzards, is it not?” He questioned her knowledge about her own home. While she would only be blinded by her hate for him and ignore his soundproof logic, she would without a doubt attack him and decide all in her head that he only chose her region first to get it out of the way because of some unconfounded baseless rumor that he hated her or her kind. He simply did not see her as of Archmage status, and her race had no basis in his reasoning for believing such a thing. Their people were at odds with territorial disputes and political mishaps. He was not part of Nilheim's political plots or plays.

He also did not want to return home. He had his own issues that were none of her concern, and he would send a raven to his family once they actually traveled to the stormy seas of Nilheim.

“Now, let us go. We will stop by Ravenmaster Hellitar before we leave so you can send word to your family about our arrival and what we may need to reach the Spirits Grove.” Pushing completely off the wall and snatching his pack up off the ground. He would sling the pack over his shoulder and begin to walk out the gilded doors of the Academy and outside, where they could meet with the Ravenmaster before leaving for their journey.

 

[Kitten]

"Of course. I grasp the fundamentals of our destinations and the purpose behind our journey, but why prioritize my realm over yours?" It felt as though he was breaking things down for her in a simplistic manner, almost as if she couldn't comprehend the broader perspective. In truth, she was assessing his opinion on why he thought her realm would be a more manageable starting point than his own. Pausing abruptly before leaving, she pivoted to elaborate, "While my territory can still be unpredictable, the severity of blizzards is currently less than usual. See, was that so bad? I just wanted your opinion but instead you had to get all sensitive. I guess we're two peas in a pod." With an indifferent shrug, she continued towards the door, with Wrynn either taking the lead, trailing behind, or walking alongside her.

Raven Master Hellitar resided near the Academy's exit, situated along a well-trodden path within the secure embrace of the woods. Here, her avians enjoyed ample freedom, spreading their long black wings and perching on branches during moments of repose. The setting sun painted the Autumn sky with soft swirls of bright orange and pink before darkness would soon claim it. Lumi's breath formed wisps in the chilled air, dissipating swiftly as she stepped on the decaying leaves messily strewn beneath them. "Are you going to send something to your family since it won't be long until we travel there next?" Lumi inquired while they strolled along the gravel-laden trail, their shoes occasionally flicking tiny pebbles of debris in random directions.

In the distance, the haunting hoots of owls echoed, creating an illusion of their omnipresence. Soon, the resounding caws of ravens heralded their approach, indicating their proximity. A weathered brick building emerged, its chimney releasing smoke, suggesting a warm and inviting interior in stark contrast to the chilly surroundings. Entering the smaller building, with only a handful of offices accessible, the farthest door at the rear directed them to Mrs. Hellitar's domain. Connected to her space was a barn for the ravens, providing shelter without bringing an animal scent into the building. Lumi knocked discreetly on the partially open door as a courtesy, then pushed it wider to offer ample space for entry. "Mrs. Hellitar, we've arrived to dispatch messages before our departure."

In less than five seconds, a woman emerged from the barn, her jet-black hair resembling raven feathers, unmistakably the caretaker of these majestic birds. "Hello! The Ministry informed me of your imminent arrival. Just a moment, please." She stepped back into the barn, guiding a raven perched on her arm into her office. The bird glanced around with seemingly vacant eyes, though far from lacking intelligence. With a graceful wave, she cast an enchantment, enabling the bird to convey their words to the intended recipient. "So, where is this charming messenger headed?"

"Back to my homeland, Urreala," Lumi replied, her gaze fixed on the raven, appreciating the sleekness of its feathers in the softly lit room.

"In case the raven can't reach the cold region, I'll instruct it to relay the message to a snow fox in your area—that's your primary messaging channel, right?" Mrs. Hellitar sought clarification, and Lumi affirmed her understanding with a nod. "Excellent! Now, go ahead and convey your message in the raven's presence." Despite Lumi's experience, conversing with a bird still felt unusual each time.

Clearing her throat, she initiated, "Princess Lumi Valsatra reporting. We're departing the academy for your region and should arrive in a few days. We will be seeking supplies and shelter for our journey as we embark on a quest. Specifics are limited now, but I'll provide clarity once we're home. Looking forward to our reunion." Stepping back, she nodded to signal the end. Mrs. Hellitar concluded the enchantment with a final gesture, then returned with another raven perched comfortably on her arm.

"Any message to send, dear?" She turned to Wrynn, curious if he wished to notify his region of their impending arrival.

 

[Pontiff]

He held doubt in his heart to Lumi's response. She only wanted his opinion, something she has made very clear in the past that she wanted nothing from him. Especially his opinion. Now she asked him for such a thing once he laid it out in basic speech for her to understand why they would want to go to a snowy region known for its blizzards and harsh weather. They also didn’t know any portal magic – even if either was capable of such feats it would be unwise for either of them to let anyone know. While becoming a mage, and a sanctioned one by the Ministry, was an honor and held great power and titles. Portal mages were nearly second-class citizens to many nobles and even to the Ministry, though they would hide behind smiles and false promises that they were truly free. Rare and potent magic being able to move from country to country through portals, was paramount to powerful figures in all the realms, and anyone who showed the rare ability would be hunted by those who sought their power for the rest of their lives. Veiled smiles, outright threats, anything to get their hands on that magic.

“Oh, I am quite sure you suddenly wish to hear my opinion.” He simply responded dryly. Walking by her side without care if he was leading or if she had a superiority complex and had the need to walk ahead of him. Silent in his brooding nature, the pair approached the warm brick building of the raven master, who would be inside, tending to the birds and messages received for the Ministry.

“No. I will not be. Not until we are actually on our way.” He had no desire to let them know he may be coming home in an untold amount of days. He didn’t know how long this first spirit would take. How long is their journey before deciding to head to the lands of Nilheim and return home to his family? They wouldn’t be thrilled for his return either way.

Wrynn stood in the doorframe of the quaint brick building. Feeling the radiant warmth that emanates from the hearth. Smoke billowing out from the chimney. Arms folded over his chest, silvery glittered robes draped over his figure. His stormy eyes watched as Lumi prepared her message with the raven to send to her family. Giving her title and a brief notice of her return, though, she didn’t relay too much that would give away their task.

Once finished, Hellitar looked to him for his own message. “Any message to send, dear?” directed right at Wrynn, who didn’t move from his spot.

“No. Thank you, but I have nothing to send.” He gave his answer and turned his body at an angle towards the exit of the building so they could begin their journey.

“Of course, dear, I wish you two the best of luck on your journeys, and stay safe. Here. If something is to happen, use this.” Ravenmaster Hellitar had turned to Lumi with a soft smile and reached into her robes. She retrieved a small glass figurine of a raven. A magical raven, special magic that belonged to the master of ravens. Upon shattering it would summon a magical raven that would return to its master with a message.

“Keep this safe. Break it if you need to send a dire message. It will come right back to me.” She placed the figurine into Lumi's palm, wrapped her fingers around it for Lumi to take, and gave the girl a soft pat on her shoulder before letting her go on her way.

"Let's get going then. We can possibly make it to the Shadowhearth Inn before nightfall if you don't want to sleep in the woods." Wrynn nodded his head to the door and unfolded his arms to open the door and walking out ahead of her.

 

[Kitten]

"Here. If something is to happen, use this."​

Stretching her hand toward the woman, she sensed the cool touch of the glass raven settling into her palm. Her eyes swiftly surveyed the unique, antique-looking item before redirecting her focus to Hellitar. "This proves to be quite valuable. I'm grateful for your generosity," Lumi expressed, securely stowing it away in a pouch within her luggage and sealing it tightly to ensure its protection. "We'll take all the luck we can get. Thank you." Their interaction was brief and to the point, prompting the duo to hastily exit the building. Despite the brevity of their time with the Ravenmaster, the sun had further descended, cloaking the skies in darkness.

"Even if we end up sleeping in the woods, we're well-prepared for that," Lumi remarked, though she couldn't deny a preference for a comfortable bed over a bedroll on the hard ground. As she adjusted her luggage for a more comfortable carry, she followed Wrynn, who led the way. As the sun's warmth dissipated, the brisk air swiftly took its place, casting a subtle frost over the grass and leaves in their surroundings. Fortunately, Lumi was no stranger to this weather, having grown accustomed to it in her home realm. However, whether Wrynn shared the same resilience remained uncertain. Regardless, she refrained from inquiring about his adjustment to the changing conditions. The remainder of their journey unfolded in silence. Lumi made no effort to initiate conversation, and neither did Wrynn. The quietude hung heavily in the air, a stark contrast to the elven girl's naturally talkative demeanor. The silence proved both deafening and distressing for her, yet, paradoxically, she found it preferable to engaging with him.

An hour had elapsed since leaving the Ravenmaster's office, with the moon bathing the expansive darkness above in its glow. In the distance, the faintly illuminated windows of the Shadowhearth Inn signaled the approach to a small town, prompting a surge of joy within Lumi. Finally, a cozy bed awaits. I'm utterly exhausted she mused to herself, hastening her pace in eagerness. If her brisk stride inadvertently outpaced Wrynn's, it wasn't a deliberate competition on her part, but instead her excitement could barley be contained. Pushing open the inn door, a delicate bell chimed, prompting the innkeeper to pause in their tasks and assist any newly arrived guests.

"Good evening, how may I help you tonight?" the man inquired politely, standing behind the reception desk and casting a brief glance at both Lumi and Wrynn.

"Two rooms for the night, please," Lumi requested, reaching into a pocket in her backpack. She produced an identification card displaying her information and affiliations with the academy's, signaling to the innkeeper to charge the expenses accordingly.

"Ah, excellent. Thank you for providing that. Your room is ready; it's number 114. On this floor, go straight and take a right—it'll be on your left," he instructed. Kneeling momentarily, he retrieved a key from his inventory and slid it across the desk to Lumi before turning his attention to Wrynn. "And your identification, sir?"

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn had kept himself silent for most of their travels, knowing that the Snow Elf Princess would only have disdain and disgust for anything that came out of his mouth. Even if they were to be attacked by bandits, it would be overall better for him to just watch in silence and let her learn on her own than point it out as she would argue that she didn’t need his opinion or information and to just stick to himself. Even the weather didn’t bother the man with an aloof and bored expression. With his magic and ability, he could keep himself warm even in the harshest of blizzards, but he could only aid himself with his magic.

Without conversation, the time would drag on as he would have to keep himself occupied with nearby sights and the critter movement of the forest.

Thankfully, the peaking sight of the inn over the treeline came into view as the cobbled path led straight to the warm hearth. Lumi pushed ahead and entered the cozy little inn ahead of him. Already, she was at the front desk of the lobby where a man was waiting, and Lumi requested two rooms and flashed her Ministry badge to show this was the business of the Ministry, to which the man obliged almost immediately. Providing her a key and watching her on her way as Wrynn stepped up next.

Pulling his ID and his own Ministry badge, the man reached under the table and pulled out a key for room 115. “Thank you, sir; your room is 115, right across the hall for you two.” He said with a smile, and Wrynn nearly gave a frown as if it was meant to be suggestive of some nature. Grabbing the key, he didn’t even say thanks to the man after what it sounded like he was insinuating between him and Lumi. They had barely even walked in together – perhaps Wrynn was looking too deep into the smile the man gave.

With a heavy sigh, he stopped from turning away completely. “Thanks.” He mumbled loud enough to be heard as he put the key into his pocket and headed upstairs to his room number. Already seeing that Lumi was gone, she must be in her room. Good enough for him as he set down his luggage into the room and left, looking for something to eat down below in the bar portion of the inn where he could get something to drink and to eat for the night before turning in.

"Of course, crowded and without much room."

The bar was crowded, to be expected. A roaring hearth and several tables filled with patrons, the bar counter space crowded, but luckily for Wrynn, someone had given up their table, and he took a seat alone at it before snagging the attention of a barmaid and ordering whatever stew they had ready for the cold night. Shortly after, she came back with something to drink, ale, and a hearty bowl of stew with a chunk of bread laying slightly in it with utensils provided; thanking her with a short smile, he began to eat in peace and relative silence at his table compared to the rowdy atmosphere of the inn.

As he took a bite of the stew, it was still steaming hot, and he had to cool down his mouth with a quick drink. Needing for it to cool down, he would use some of this time to catch up on the spirits and realms they would be visiting and retrieve a book from his robes, thin and old. The backing was made of well-worn leather and leather strings, tying the pages together as he flipped open to the snow spirit.

 

[Kitten]

Lumi patiently waited, making sure Wrynn secured his own key. She stood to the side, glancing around the inn with a hint of curiosity. Despite their differences, she wasn't as heartless as she might appear. She chose to stay close, just in case something happened that could prevent him from obtaining a room.

“Thank you, sir; your room is 115, right across the hall for you two.”​

Without interpreting it inappropriately, Lumi grasped the innkeeper's intention for the two classmates to be in proximity, ready to assist each other if needed. However, Wrynn seemed to perceive it differently. His unease was evident, with his lips forming an unamused frown as he took his key and walked away with a murmured ‘thanks’. Respecting his privacy, Lumi decided it was her cue to leave. She entered her room without uttering another word to Wrynn, knowing he’d make it to his own without any problems.

Arranging her luggage next to the bed, she surveyed the room, acknowledging its compact size. However, she refrained from complaining, recognizing that it was a complimentary accommodation and only required for resting – not a permanent residence. The prospect of sleep was enticing, yet as she delved into her clothes to change into something more comfortable, her stomach emitted a fierce growl, demanding attention to the pressing matter of hunger. “Ugh, I guess I shouldn’t put this off.” Addressing her growing appetite, she grabbed her room key and made her way to the bar, anticipating a satisfying meal.

Wrynn appeared to share a similar idea, engrossed in a slender book that seemed fragile to the slightest touch. He seemed to be patiently waiting for his steaming meal to cool before consumption. Choosing not to disturb him, she left him to his reading, sensing his preoccupation and opting not to get in his way. Securing a seat appeared to be a daunting task in the vibrant and non-retiring atmosphere. Fortunately, luck was on her side as a group of inebriated friends decided to call it a night, freeing up a table for her. Not one to squander the ample opportunity, Lumi swiftly made her way to claim it, releasing a sigh of success.

“Good evening, what can I get for you?” inquired a lovely woman with a genuine smile, donning an apron that marked her as the barmaid. Returning the warmth, Lumi nodded with her own grin plastered on her features.

“Can I please get your beef stew and some water?”

“Of course, coming right up!” With that, the barmaid left the table, attending to other patrons before disappearing into the back to retrieve not only Lumi's order but also items for others, skillfully balancing everything on a large serving platter. Swift and precise, she made her rounds, delivering orders promptly. As Lumi poised her spoon to start eating, two males took it upon themselves to sit directly in front of her, their smiles lacking the same sincerity as the barmaid's.

“There was no other place to sit for me and my buddy, mind if we join ya?” The ginger-haired man gestured toward his friend sitting beside him with a pointed thumb. Lumi glanced at both of them briefly before nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders with indifference.

"Doesn't bother me as long as you don't bother me," she stated with honesty and upfront demeanor, particularly when dealing with two random men in the bar. It was packed after all, and it would be rude of her to decline them a seat, giving them the benefit of the doubt. The duo exchanged raised brows but chose to ignore her cold response.

"Wonderful, thanks for letting us sit here, then," the other man responded, flashing a showy smile that didn't carry any weight with Lumi.

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn had taken note that Lumi had joined him in the hall where the lively chatter was, but she didn’t even bother trying to sit down with him even though they were supposed to be working together as she had found her own seat that opened up. Not that it bothered him, but it showed deep down just how far apart they were, worlds apart from each other's views about each other and their talents, yet Wrynn had always been cordial as best he could while Lumi avoided him like the plague as she had currently been doing. Eyes averted back down to his book while slowly taking bites from his stew.

The medallion represented his status within the school, and that he was a sanctioned mage, of course, made many leave him alone as he had taken his time eating his meal at the table alone, many not wanting to bother him and his reading, figuring that he was doing some sort of research that was important even if he had chosen to be in a public space. The aura he gave off with his cold attitude didn’t help either, either, while Lumi had attracted two male visitors to come to take a seat with her, chatting her up.

What she did in her free time was no concern to him as he had pushed his empty bowl away from him towards the center of the table and stood up from his spot—closing his book and tucking it back into his robes into some hidden compartment as he silently left the hall to head back up to his room.

Secluding himself in his room, he had finished up his studies before falling asleep and waking up shortly after six in the morning. The sun was beginning to rise over the horizon as the orange hue broke over the land.

Wrynn had dressed in fresh robes, similar in design to the dirty ones piled into his bag, with intricate silver designs embroidered along the edges and mostly black. His items were already packed and ready to leave for the morning. Still, he kept them tucked inside of the room as he went downstairs to get himself breakfast, this time it was much quieter, and only a few patrons were even awake at this point; Wrynn found himself a secluded seat and ordered himself something to eat for the morning. Eggs, toast, and sausage piled onto his plate.

He should have woken Lumi up to discuss routes that would be best taken for the fastest travel. After all, this was her homeland; they were going to first, and she would be more familiar with the roads that would be less traveled but suitable for them to quickly get through and get to where they needed.

He just didn’t want to knock on her door and have to listen to her incessant complaints about how he woke her up or whatever she may have gotten herself up to last night with those two men.

“Are you enjoying your breakfast?” The barmaid asked, pulling Wrynn out of his thoughts while a map of Lumi’s homeland was splayed out in front of him and his breakfast barely touched.

“Yes, thank you. Just lost in thought.” He responded without a smile and decided to pick up the fork, beginning to actually eat instead of focusing on someone he didn’t care for.

 

[Kitten]

Lumi paid no attention to the duo seated across from her, engrossed in her meal as if they were invisible. The atmosphere grew tense, causing the gentleman to uncomfortably clear their throat, uncertain whether to initiate conversation. When Wrynn rose from his seat and left the table, the two men exchanged silent glances and silently decided to relocate.

The ginger-haired man finally broke their silence with a polite acknowledgment, "Excuse us, something just opened up. Thanks for letting us sit here for a moment." Lumi glanced up from her meal, offering a nod of understanding as the duo made their way to the vacant table. Her gaze then shifted to Wrynn, noting his enigmatic presence as he left the bar. With her meal finished, she settled her payment under her bowl before deciding to call it a night. As her head touched the pillow, a wave of exhaustion swept over her, plunging her into a deep slumber, completely unaware of her fatigue from the day's events.

In the crisp morning air, the chirping of birds nudged Lumi's eyes open. With a groan, the young woman shifted, rolling onto her side. "Ugh... I just want to sleeeeeeep," she mumbled beneath the pillow, briefly indulging in its comforting embrace before forcing herself out of bed. After a brisk shower and dressing for the day, she made her way to room 115, tapping on the door three times. With her hands clasped behind her back, she patiently waited for a response, but only silence greeted her. Whether he had already departed for the day or chose to ignore her, she simply shrugged and turned towards the bar for breakfast, where she spotted a familiar figure seated with a plate of morning fare.

"Ah, there you are," Lumi remarked, seating herself across from him, her gaze drifting over his meal and the map spread out before him—her homeland. "I knocked on your door to check if you were up, but no response. Found you here instead. You could've knocked on mine, y’know. I don't bite." Though unaware he had contemplated waking her, she still expressed her mild annoyance at his apparent disregard. "How was your reading last night?" she asked, subtly acknowledging his late-night study session. "I would've bid you goodnight, but you seemed preoccupied." Their conversation was momentarily interrupted as the barmaid approached to take Lumi's order, mirroring Wrynn's before departing to fetch her meal.

Resting her chin on her curled hand, supported by her right elbow on the table, Lumi scrutinized the map. With her free hand, she pointed towards a trail, making it easier for him to follow. "Here. This route is a bit longer but safer. Plus, there's an inn along the way where we can spend the night before continuing our journey tomorrow. We should arrive by sunset." Fortunately, the trail conveniently intersected with the roads they were nearing, simplifying their trip.

 

[Pontiff]

Glancing up from the map, he was going over to see that Lumi had woken just slightly after him. She sat across the table from him as she spoke about knocking on his door earlier and checking to see if he was up but was responded to with silence. Now, she had found herself here and saw that he was ahead of her. “My reading went well last night, and I didn’t want to bother you this morning. I saw you were rather preoccupied last night and didn’t know when you went to bed, so I was giving you your rest.” He answered honestly, as he always had before to her. She could, of course, take his response however she wanted to. Of course, she always assumed the worst of his intentions, after all.

He retrieved a piece of toast off of his platter and took a bite out of it. At the same time, Lumi pointed to the map of her homeland, speaking about a safer route that made the trip a little longer, but they would be safe. An inn would be nearby when night began to fall, so they wouldn’t need to make camp outdoors and instead find comfort inside of a structure once more for the night. “Mmm. It is your homeland, after all, so I will leave the travel-making decisions to you once we arrive at the border.”

Wrynn found himself in his own mind to be a prodigy of the magical arts and viewed those that were beneath him in his field as such, beneath him. His ego, however, did not exert itself towards everything in his life, and he would easily give control of the planning and travel decisions to someone actually familiar with the landscape. Getting lost in a snowy region with limited supplies wasn’t exactly what Wrynn was looking for.

“We can leave once you have eaten; there is nothing else for us here that we need to do.” Rolling up the map after deciding that Lumi could lead, he pushed it to the side and brought his plate in front of him to actually begin eating his meal, which was already starting to go cold, as Lumi’s was brought to the table just in time.

“Do you think your parents received word of your arrival and are making any plans?” He didn’t know what kind of people her parents were or how they ruled their country. Lumi was a Princess, after all, from where they intended to travel, while Wrynn was simply Nobility from his own Country. He would be able to call upon his family once they journey to his homeland, but their power was limited in comparison to what royalty may do for their daughter and her quest.

 

[Kitten]

“Preoccupied?" She blinked slowly in response to his remark about their lack of conversation during last night's dinner, curious about his meaning. She had simply been eating; how could she have been preoccupied enough for him not to engage with her? After a moment of reflection, she grasped his intention, a smirk appearing on her lips as she found amusement in their exchange. "Ah, you're talking about the two gentlemen across from me? We were having a gathering in my room last night; you could have joined us, y'know."

Allowing the words to linger in the air momentarily, she gauged his reaction before bursting into a heartfelt laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "They moved to your table after you left. I managed to make them feel uncomfortable enough not to sit with me anymore. Seriously, Wrynn? Do you think I'm someone like that?" Lumi seemed more amused than offended, a smile dancing on her features before transitioning into business mode. "Yes, I'm confident they got my letter. The only real way to confirm is to observe their reaction when we get there." She picked up her fork, skewering a hearty serving of eggs before taking a bite, her eyes still fixed on the map of her homeland. "It's been quite some time since I last visited home. I'm genuinely looking forward to it." Engaging in small talk while swiftly finishing her breakfast, she avoided lingering too long, eager to conserve time for traveling.

After savoring the last bites of her meal, she slid the plate towards the table's edge, considerately making cleanup easier for the barmaid. With a graceful movement, she pushed her chair back and stood up. "Alright, let’s get our belongings and meet back in the lobby before we go. I know it’s a no-brainer but dress accordingly since it's gonna be colder." If her companion had any input, she listened attentively before making her way to her room. She was grateful that she had tidied up beforehand, ensuring everything was ready for her departure after grabbing a quick bite to eat. Everything was ready to go. After securing her room, she made her way back to the lobby to return the innkeeper's belongings. As she waited for Wrynn, she stood with her arms crossed, gazing out of the window to appear occupied. Upon hearing his footsteps drawing near, she tightened her grip on her luggage and turned her head in his direction to give a slight nod before stepping out the door.

She pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, adjusting the thick fabric snugly around her body. Leading the way down the trail, she didn't require a map as she was familiar with this area by heart, despite being miles away from their ultimate destination. About an hour into their walk, the wind gained strength and snowflakes started to descend, the snowfall growing heavier as they delved further into her domain. As anticipated, this route proved to be the safer option. The only inhabitants scurrying about were occasional snow hares and foxes, while reindeer made rare appearances before disappearing into the frosted forest. "How are you holding up?" Lumi inquired as her head swiveled around to look at Wrynn from behind, her cheeks flushed from the cold, which still managed to leave its mark despite her familiarity with the climate.

 

[Pontiff]

“I can’t say we really know each other that well, can I?” He retorted back when she had asked him if she was someone like that to invite two strangers to her room last night. He didn’t know what she was into or what was true from their time back in the ministry; rumors had swirled about anyone and everyone. After all, the Ministry’s training rooms were mixed with nobility, royalty, and commoners so things would spread. True or not – as Wrynn knew barely anything about his traveling companion. He had stayed serious while she had laughed now, calming herself down and now beginning to focus on the task at hand of preparing the travel plans for the day.

He wondered what it was like hearing it come from her lips: the want to actually go back home. Perhaps she was putting on a front, but Lumi always wore her heart on her sleeve any other time, and he took her word that she was genuinely happy to return home. “We shouldn’t waste any more time.” He would chirp in through the small talk when her plate was nearly empty, and Lumi seemed to actually agree with him on something as she had gotten up, advising him to dress for the weather.

“Of course.” The two would depart from each other and then into each of their rooms. Wrynn’s bag was already prepared, and he lifted it off the chair he left it in and secured it around his backside before exiting his room and heading down the stairs to where he dropped off the key. Lumi waited by the window and left with him once they were both secured.

An hour into the walk, the scenery became snowier as they crossed the border. Snowflakes cast down from the sky in a soft trance as a stinging breeze slashed through the snow-covered trees. She had turned to face him, asking how he was doing as he could see the small blush on her face from the cold wind and climate. Different from Wrynn, who was seemingly the same color and dressed the same as he was when they had first left the inn, his usual silvery black robes.

“I am doing fine. Do you need a mask?” He asked her, noting the soft red on her cheeks and nose while Wrynn’s face was still pale. His magic was circulating through his body, nearly constantly regulating his body heat. Able to keep him cool or warm in any condition he has ever encountered before. The only thing he couldn’t control was the snow piling on the ground the deeper he moved, and he had to trudge his feet through the fluffy pilings.

All they had seen were snow hares and foxes, the occasional reindeer that would run through across the path ahead of them. Still, even as she told him it was the safest route, he always kept his eye out for anything suspicious, and as Lumi was facing him, Wrynn caught a brief glance of a ten-foot snow troll that leaped from a cluster of raised rocks off of the path to the right.

Reaching out, Wrynn grabbed Lumi by the arm and yanked her towards him and then pushed her to the left and out of the way as the hulking monstrosity slammed into the ground nearby where she had been standing, sending a flurry of snow up into the air like dust. Wrynn was knocked backward further down the path from the blowback.
This path was usually safe, like Lumi had said; monster attacks were rare, but if a snow troll had made it this far into the main road, two things happened. Either this had defeated the watch, and no one caught it, or the snow spirit was in danger of losing its control of the realm and stirring up a frenzy with the monsters.

The troll’s hide was thick, built for the frozen climates it was born under. Scraggly white hair lined its body as it stood tall, towering over the pair and giving out a bellowing roar before trying to bring a heavy hand down to crush Lumi.

As it tried to contact Lumi, a crimson spear slammed into the creature's wrist, burrowing into the muscle and sinew and knocking the fist off course, causing it to slam down away from Lumi. The spear didn’t dig in as deep as Wrynn had wanted as the monster grabbed onto the shaft of the spear and ripped it free, barely trickling any green blood from the wound as it was ready to try and use the spear back against them before it exploded into sharp crimson crystals. That was barely effective either, provided only surface cuts to the face of the troll, but it bought them some time, causing it to reel backward with a step and close its eyes from being impaled by the crystallized blood.

“Shit, this thing is tougher than it looks.” Wrynn gave a frustrated comment before looking to see where Lumi was and what she was up to. “Are you okay, Lumi?” He called out, the first time sounding genuine about his concern for her.

 

[Kitten]

"Nah, I'm alright. Adjusting to this environment always takes a bit, even for someone as accustomed to it as I am. It's just been some time since my last visit. The discomfort will fade with time," Lumi replied graciously to his thoughtful offer of a mask, aiming to shield her face from the icy winds' slashing bite. The gusts, roaring loudly in her ears, pierced through her defenses, leaving her vulnerable and unaware of the approaching Troll.

Wrynn's demeanor swiftly shifted to one of alarm, his body reacting instinctively while Lumi was still processing the situation. His long fingers firmly gripped her slender arm, each digit leaving a temporary imprint on her skin as he urgently maneuvered her out of harm's way. As they drew closer in their fleeting proximity, she could sense the heat radiating from his body, providing insight into how he endured the freezing temperatures. In a sudden flurry of movement, she was unceremoniously pushed to the side, the wind forcibly expelled from her lungs in surprise, her head snapping around just in time to witness the looming figure of the encroaching Troll.

A deluge of snow, previously resting peacefully on the ground, now swirled chaotically around them, momentarily obstructing their view as icy clumps cascaded down. Reacting swiftly, Lumi instinctively shielded her face, preventing the frigid crystals from blinding her. Meanwhile, the towering Troll's massive form loomed menacingly, leaving the Elven girl no time to check on her companion who had been knocked back by the impact. As the Troll's colossal fist arced menacingly overhead, charged with lethal intent, Lumi's eyes widened in anticipation. With a quick gesture, she called upon her ability - Gravity Manipulation - which propelled herself away from the imminent danger and towards safety.

Simultaneously, a crimson spear streaked through the air, piercing the beast's wrist with precision. However, the creature remained unflinching, plucking the spear out as if it were a minor annoyance. Amidst the chaos, a familiar voice cut through the turmoil, prompting Lumi to turn and spot Wrynn nearby. "I'm alright, thank goodness you're safe. I lost sight of you for a moment," She exclaimed. Relieved, Lumi mirrored his concern, her heart racing with adrenaline as she felt it pulsating in her chest.

“Snow Trolls are hard to handle, as you can see why.” She remarked, noting the creature's nearly impenetrable hide, a result of evolutionary adaptations to thrive in harsh climates and deter predators. With a firm stance, she planted both feet securely on the ground, raising her hands towards her chest. The space between her palms widened as a vibrant flame ignited, coalescing into a menacing chaotic fireball within her grasp. Channeling her Solar Flare ability, the intense heat radiated, warming her flesh instantly. She took care not to singe her clothes while conjuring the powerful flame.

Harnessing ample power in her fingertips, she directed her hands to rotate, palms now aimed squarely at the Troll. A gust of flame erupted, akin to a solar flare dancing on the sun's surface, trailing alongside the wind and targeting the creature's face with precision. The Troll shrieked and wailed in a primal manner, its massive hands instinctively shielding its scorched face, filling the air with the acrid scent of burnt hair. Anticipating another strike, she readied herself to unleash another solar flare, while also allowing Wrynn the opportunity to join the fray with any tricks or skills he might have, whether ranged or melee.

 

[Pontiff]

Lumi was able to use her own magick to defend herself now, keeping the troll from attacking another time as its strength was devastating, and even though it only hit the ground and snow as Wrynn had moved Lumi, he was still sent back from the shockwave of it all. Currently, the monstrosity was shielding its face with its hands, keeping it at bay thanks to Lumi’s flames, giving Wrynn time to use a more potent spell.

Unsheathing a dagger from his side, he cut his own palm, mixing in his actual blood with his own Blood Magic would enhance it tremendously so but it was dangerous to him and to those around him. Blood dripped down onto the snow beneath him before glowing a vibrant crimson, illuminating the small area around him as a magick circle appeared around his feet. Runes and markings were carved out with his blood.

Once the spell was complete, a pillar of crimson crystalized blood emerged from underneath the troll and impaled its stomach, piercing through and lifting it up into the air; its feet no longer touching the ground, but it roared out in pain and bloodlust. “What does it take to kill these things.” He called out to Lumi, hoping she was able to finish this thing off. He could focus and explode the crystalized pillar he created, but that would detonate the entire pillar, and Lumi could be caught in the blast.

“Hit it with something before it gets free.” He had no idea how long it would take this thing to bleed out, but he didn’t want to find out. They may not survive against this thing if it was raged out and some of their easy-to-cast spells weren’t able to penetrate it. A gaping wound changed some things, but Wrynn had to factor in Lumi being here, which meant he couldn’t finish the Troll off by detonating it.

The troll was grabbed around the pillar by its stomach, and the sound of the crystalized blood started to crack and break.

 

[Kitten]

Gently, the scent of iron wafted into her nose, prompting her eyes to widen as she swiftly turned her head to glimpse blood seeping over the edges of Wrynn's hand. Droplets of crimson liquid fell against the snow, where the white blanket eagerly absorbed the essence of life, staining its once radiant hue. Lumi was familiar with Wrynn and his distinctive magical approach, yet it remained unsettling to watch him inflict harm on himself in exchange for power. Still, she couldn't deny his strength and mastery of magic. Her gaze remained fixed on the creature, which began to levitate amidst spears piercing its form. Its blood splattered and coated the ground below, the droplets much larger than Wrynn's. The stench emanating from the Troll was overpowering, nearly causing the elven girl to feel nauseous.

"What does it take to kill these things?"​

"It's honestly an endurance game. We just have to keep striking it until it dies," she explained, her hands deftly conjuring another sizable flame. Raising her palms toward the hanging beast, she targeted its exposed, already impaled abdomen. The searing flame rose high above her, swirling and then delving into the creature's exposed entrails. The aroma of charred flesh once again filled the air, accompanied by the Troll's agonized howls as it writhed in pain, inadvertently driving the spear-like weapon deeper into its body. Anything utilizing heat proved to be their most effective means of inflicting substantial damage. Fortunately, the solar flares they wielded didn't demand significant mana, but Trolls were formidable adversaries requiring substantial magical expenditure to defeat. This forced Lumi and Wrynn to tap into their extensive mana-draining abilities.

"This should do the trick, but stand back, you could be in the crossfire," Lumi called out, rolling up her sleeves since the heat from her earlier flames were intense, yet the cold air provided a comforting contrast, soothing her rising temperature. Tilting her head back to gaze at the heavens, her palms also faced the clouded sky as she whispered in an unfamiliar language. Lumi's eyes glazed over, transforming into a vibrant yellow-white hue, while her palms emitted the same color. Above the Troll's body, a circular rune-like apparition appeared, signaling her spell's activation. As her whispered incantation subsided, Lumi's head snapped forward, her hands slamming onto the ground as if grasping something invisible. A burst of orbs resembling shooting stars cascaded from the rune, relentlessly striking the fiend without mercy, inflicting numerous open wounds across its body repeatedly. The onslaught lasted a mere ten seconds, yet to Lumi, it felt like an eternity, draining her considerably. She hadn't planned on unleashing such a potent spell so early in their journey; it will leave her fatigued for the rest of the day but not incapacitated just yet.

Her power surged, drowning out the blood-curdling screams of the beast, while the earth quaked under the relentless impact of her spell. Utilizing something as lethal as her Stellar Manipulation ensured the creature's demise. Fortunately, she was already grounded, her knees and hands embedded in the snow; otherwise, the exhaustion might have buckled her knees inward. It could be seen as imprudent to expend so much mana so early, but she preferred swift resolution over a prolonged battle lasting hours. The remains of the fiend hung from the crystallized spears, rendering it unrecognizable. "There... it's gone..." she gasped to Wrynn, remaining in place to recover her strength. "How are you holding up? You must've bled a lot. I have a few healing spells; do you need any help?" she inquired, glancing at the scarlet-stained snow beneath him as her blue tresses messily dangled over her features.

 

[Pontiff]

Thankfully, Lumi appeared to get the silent hint that she needed to do something to defeat this troll while he was using his own spell to keep it impaled and off the ground, unable to cause an issue for spellcasting. The troll continued to struggle as Lumi dug deep down into her powers and cast another one of her spells, calling down magic from the sky above the troll, using it to pierce down from above until the troll had stopped moving and slumped, crumpling down and becoming lifeless on the crimson pillar as Lumi seemed to falter for a moment. Wrynn had caught it, but she caught herself – how much of her mana did she use for that one spell?

This is why he had questions about her capabilities; it has never been about her magic or lineage. He had always questioned her work ethic and reserves, but he would keep his mouth silent for now unless they ran into more trouble and she was unable to assist him. Standing up straight, she seemed to look back at him, asking if he was alright.

Already, the wound on his palm was bleeding, so he used his control to congeal the blood and stop the bleeding. Taking the bag off of his back, he opened a side pouch for quick access, retrieving some white gauze and wrapping his palm three times over. “I am fine.” He answered back regarding her healing spells. His wound would close on its own soon enough due to his own magic.

Once his hand was wrapped, he cleaned off the dagger before sheathing it back into its small scabbard on his hip under the outer robe and slinging the pack back onto his back.

“How are you doing? You look ready to fall over,” he commented, checking to see how she was holding up after her spell. He couldn’t carry her and all their supplies, and they didn’t have any type of sled, so he was hoping they could continue on the route unless she needed a moment to stop and rest on the side of the road.

Looking back to the dead troll he walked closer to it and inspected it. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, and from all the descriptions he had read in a bestiary of the snow region, it seemed like a standard troll. “Hmmmm. This was supposed to be a safe route so either a troll came down from the mountains and no one spotted it until now or the spirit of this region is causing issues with the monsters; I am sure your parents will know more about local monster activity once we arrive. For now, we should keep moving.” His eyes turned back away from the troll and towards Lumi, figuring she should have had enough of a break surely.

 

[Kitten]

"Very well," she responded to his concise reply, his casual attitude veiling any deeper emotions. "I'm managing quite well, thank you for asking. Just need a moment." A hint of irritation tinged her voice, slightly stung by his apparent need to state the obvious, almost as if doubting her capabilities. Nevertheless, it was inconsequential. They successfully defeated the Troll together, a feat deserving of recognition in itself. Pushing her palms firmly against the ground, she rose to her feet, deftly adjusting her hair to restore its neatness. "Yeah, that’s a valid point." Lumi affirmed in response to his reasoning regarding why the Troll appeared in a supposedly secure zone. "We’ll have to exercise caution, there could be more, but usually if one is already around others are further away. They’re very territorial creatures."

With determination in her steps, she pressed forward through the snowy terrain, concealing any signs of strain from her recent mana depletion. "It'll be about thirty minutes until we reach the guard post. We can inquire there, provided nothing unexpected occurs," Lumi remarked, preferring not to dwell on worst-case scenarios but acknowledging the limited explanations for the creature's presence along a supposedly secure path made it hard to not be a bit of a pessimist.

At times, it appeared as though the snowfall might intensify, but fortunately, it remained relatively calm, allowing them to progress towards the guard post without significant disruption. The modest watchtower loomed in the distance, prompting Lumi to quicken her pace in anticipation of obtaining the answers they sought without delay. As they approached, she couldn't help but feel a surge of relief upon seeing two alert guards stationed within, unaware of recent events but attentive to the arrival of two travelers. Stepping out of their post, a male and a female guard emerged, their demeanor reflecting boredom from the lack of activity.

"Are you both alright?" inquired the male guard, his raised brow betraying curiosity as he observed Lumi's troubled expression. Meanwhile, Wrynn remained composed, displaying little emotion and adding an extra layer of complexity to the situation's interpretation from the guard’s point of view.

"I suppose you weren't aware of the massive Snow Troll lurking nearby that we had to kill," Lumi interjected with a hint of frustration, perturbed by the oversight of the supposedly secure trails. However, her irritation ebbed away as she realized the Troll was thirty minutes away and not present at the post. Unless they encountered it en route or ventured farther, the creature seemed to have avoided their vicinity altogether.

The mention of the Troll prompted their eyes to widen in astonishment, pondering how the pair had escaped unharmed and even managed to defeat it. "Oh, my goodness!" the woman exclaimed, her mouth slightly agape in a gasp of surprise. "We're so relieved you're both safe! If we had spotted it, we would have taken care of it, but we didn't. It likely came from the eastern side of the woods just south of here," she speculated, glancing behind the duo as if expecting more threats amidst the snowy flurry.

 

[Pontiff]

Wrynn could hear her voice's irritation when she responded to him that she was doing fine and needed a moment. His concern could be seen as selfish, not wanting to deal with a person slowing him down but his concern was more with the logistics of what he would do if she weren’t fine and needed to either rest long-term or need to be carried. Luckily for him, it didn’t seem like that was the case, as she agreed with him about how strange it was that a troll had gotten to this path.

With the final statement, Wrynn would turn his head to see Lumi stride forward, full of confidence as if she didn’t seem ready to ask for a break just moments ago. A slight frown played on his lips as she decided to play with her ego instead of admitting needing perhaps a longer break. He kept himself following behind, not speaking on it as it would only cause another argument. Anything he said to her always would spark one or create some sort of animosity.

She would look back to inform him of the nearest guard post. “Understood.” He responded with, keeping his eyes ahead and watching her, making sure she didn’t stumble or fall.

They had made it thirty minutes before the guard tower's sight, and two welcoming guards checked on them. Lumi seemed to turn on her ‘Princess’ voice when speaking to the two guards, sounding nearly upset and disappointed about the troll that had attacked them. This sent the two guards into shock, and they apologized, explaining where the troll could have come from and that they saw nothing.

“It sounds like we need to keep moving then; get to your parents as soon as possible and find out more. They should be receiving scouting reports about any other monster activity.” They could also report this themselves to her parents or whoever they needed to, whoever in her Kingdom kept track of monster movement and trails. If they are safe or people in need of assistance.

“Do you want to take a moment here and get something to eat and drink? We have been traveling for a few hours now.” He asked Lumi, pushing it onto her as he wasn’t in need of a rest himself, but he was still looking out for her. However, he figured she might try to play on her ego and say how they needed to keep moving until they reached the first inn for the night.

“I could go with something warm before continuing on.” He added in, deciding to make it seem like he wanted to stay. Perhaps a hot beverage would be welcome.

 

[Kitten]

"I apologize for raising my voice," Lumi admitted, recognizing her excessive reaction. She experienced a sense of guilt when the young woman offered sincere apologies and vowed to address the issue promptly if they had been aware of it earlier. "You both are truly excelling in your roles. While I'm still processing what I witnessed, I understand that it's no justification for directing my frustration towards you."

The two guards exchanged a puzzled look, curious about the suddenness of her apology. Nonetheless, they both nodded and graciously accepted her apology, even though they felt it wasn't necessary. "We understand your feelings; encountering such a situation without warning would upset anyone. Your frustrations are completely valid, and we appreciate your apology," the man expressed with a genuine smile. Then, Wrynn weighed in on the issue, suggesting they stay for an additional minute.

"We were just enjoying some hot chocolate, and we have extra. Let me prepare a cup for both of you!" the woman exclaimed cheerfully, rushing back into the small building to get them some. Lumi couldn't refuse the offer, especially after noticing the genuine excitement in her eyes.

"Sure, we can rest a bit, that does sound good," she agreed, accompanying the guard into the building and settling into a seat. "I also have some ham sandwiches in my bag if you're really hungry, but maybe we should enjoy the hot chocolate first. I don't think they would go well together," she added with a chuckle, picturing the combination of chocolate and ham. "Although, who knows, it might not be terrible. I've seen chocolate-covered bacon at the local bakery before." Seated at the table in their cozy break room, the woman joined them, presenting each with a cup of freshly brewed hot chocolate. Despite the engaging view through the large window, they focused on sipping their drinks cautiously, mindful of the steaming liquid's temperature. Awkward silence lingered, the group unsure of what topic to broach as they savored their beverages.

"So... what brings you two out?" Unaware of the Princess's presence in the room, the man asked his question. Lumi, who preferred not to flaunt her title and avoid receiving special treatment because of it, took a long sip from her drink before placing it back on the table, her gaze fixed on him.

"We're here for business reasons, and I prefer not to disclose more for privacy reasons," she stated, aiming for sincerity without sounding standoffish, hoping they would understand and respect her response. Fortunately, they nodded without pressing further, choosing not to make anyone uncomfortable, though their growing curiosity was apparent.