[Valerie]
“So…Viola is going to the Medeis Challenge,” I said casually over the breakfast table. The said person wasn’t present as usual. Grandpa, and Nan exchanged worried glances while mom stiffened and Maia’s eating slowed down. I shovelled another spoonful of oats into my mouth to keep myself from saying something which would label me as childish and immature once again.
“Oh…really? Good for her,” Maia replied with a shrug, uncaring on the outside. She had the ability to lessen the tension and normalize the situation. However, this time it fell flat. I did not bother to reply and that is how the rest of the breakfast went by.
That afternoon, Elias asked me to stay back after class. I had yet again failed to show him my ability to control water.
When everyone had retreated, probably to their own quarters which was a 15-minute walk away from the training building, Elias turned to me. He wore the familiar frown which I have named as you-disappoint-me frown. From that expression alone, I can guess where this conversation will go.
“You will talk to me about what I said this morning, won’t you? Mom told you everything I guess,” I said, which was a kind of disrespectful, but somehow I always become defensive when my wounds, the figurative ones, are attempted to be ripped open.
Elias crossed his arms across his chest while I avoided his intense gaze. “Well, it’s a good thing that you know the topic of our conversation but what I want to say is that you cannot get angry at someone who fully deserves to attend this competition. When you get stronger-”
“And when is that going to happen?” I interrupted, earning another disapproving stare.
“It will happen, Valerie. You are too young now. Give yourself a chance. Your sister did not attain this level in a day. She worked day and night to achieve this level.” I bit back my tongue to stop myself from restoring.
“I…understand.”
“I hope so, for your sake,” he said softly and even though my eyes were pinned to the ground, I could imagine his expression going back to that serene blank slate. I pursed my lips and nodded. Then, I said, “I managed to move water quite a bit the other night, you know?”
I needed to push back the anger, the sense of unfairness and this…this feeling because it won’t do me good. Elias smiled. “Really?” He sounded like he didn’t believe me. He had every reason not to.
“Oh c’mon,” I whined, falling back into the familiar and easier groove of being one of Elias’ favourites. Elias indulged. “Okay, show me.”
I grinned and took out the sipper bottle from my bag. I untwisted the lid and tucked it into my hoodie pocket. Then I hovered my hand above and closed my eyes.
‘Concentrate.’
The bottle suddenly slipped from my fingers. “What happened?” Elias’ voice broke my sudden trance. I looked at him, opening my mouth and blinking as I tried to figure out whose voice it was that I heard. It was so clear…
“I…I think…I heard a voice,” I whispered, my voice quivered from hope and trepidation. It was so strong, so clear.
“Voice?” Elias parroted. I nodded my head and turned to him. “Like…like a werewolf would.”
He sucked in a breath. “You…are you sure?”
“Yes. I am at least, I think I am. I heard it first during the trial, then the night I managed to control water and…now,” I said breathlessly. Those were not only times I heard the same voice but I didn’t tell him because I was unsure about it myself.
Elias nodded curtly, his expression thoughtful.
“Okay. Let me know or let Erica know if you hear the voice again. For now,” He walked towards the bench where still a glass of water was kept and brought it to me. “Show me what you managed to do.”
I bit my lip as my gaze flickered to the glass. Taking a deep breath, I tried to focus again. I closed my eyes and let my power gather in my palm. Wriggling my fingers, I imagined trying to control something with strings. And then I opened my eyes and…
I felt as if someone had punched me in the gut as I watched the water swirl and move and then the glass shattered. I yelped as the pieces scattered on the grassy ground. Elias who had been watching the act keenly was also pulled out of his stupor.
I stared at my palm. The centre of my palm had become reddish, as if I had touched something extremely hot and then my gaze dropped to my other palm, which had small cuts but they were healing.
“Are you okay?” I tore my gaze away from the cuts and nodded, still feeling a little dazed and a lot more perplexed.
“How did you do that?” Elias asked. His voice filled with disbelief.
“I…” Honestly, I didn’t know. I had never controlled water and created a disturbance in it to break the container; glass in this case. I shook my head. “I have no freaking clue.”
“Why did this happen, anyway?” I asked, too strung up.
“One possible reason is your pent-up emotions,” he said pensively. I frowned. Huh? What do emotions have to do with this?
“Or your powers are finally manifesting and surfacing.” Now, this was a more favourable and likeable explanation. I pursed my lips and then said, “Should I try once more.”
Elias looked at me then and smiled. “Not today. We need to take this slowly. Tomorrow, in the class I want you to perform first.” I shot him a wide grin, looking forward to the next class more than anyone else, probably.
~~***~~
[Clyde]
“Your Highness, the arrangements for the competition are almost complete.. Would you like to take a look at the arena?” One of the attendants, whose name I don’t quite recall stood at the doorway, bowing. I let out a quiet sigh. Brenton roiled at the back of my mind. My scales surfaced before disappearing.
“Lead the way.”
The task that would have been taken care of by my brother was being done by me. My brother, who was now in seclusion, has been in that state for the past 50 years. Till the last few decades, we had been living a peaceful life, a solitary life as our predecessors had led in the frosty peaks of Mount Verglas.
But trouble glided in the form of my brother’s mate and now we have to take the lowly mages' help to keep our treasure safe.
~~~
The arena was well-built, strong to sustain and endure the winds and the temperature was warm inside the arena for the sake of those who were unused to the extreme cold weather. I clasped my hands behind my back as I observed every detail. The day of the Medeis Challenge was approaching at a dragonling’s speed.
“Is everything to the Lord’s liking?” a woman asked timidly. I nodded without sparing a glance at her way. What I was worried about was Brenton’s unease and restlessness. I rarely liked to let him out because the creature was frightening to many people in this Empire.
I heard a gasp and turned to look at the woman who was bowing and waiting for my dismissal but now she stared at me fearfully. Before I could say anything, she knelt on the ground and pleaded, “Your Highness, please forgive this one. I apologize for the mistake I might have made.” I watched her tremble and remain in that position.
Belatedly, I realized the reason behind her action. My horns had protruded and my scales had become prominent. It usually was a sign or indication to the subordinates that their King is unhappy. However, I wasn’t, and I felt ashamed of myself.
I needed to calm down my dragon.
Unable to say the actual reason, I murmured, “Please get up. I forgive you.” I was aware of the spectacle that I had created. I spotted Moran, my second-in-command, and nodded at him before leaving the arena. They would think I was unhappily leaving the arena when in reality I was running away.
Clyde Basilisk has entered the chat :P
[Valerie] “So, you mean to say….you showed a cool act for the first time and we weren’t there to witness it,” Sarah said petulantly. I felt the corners of my lips tip upwards. Kenneth scoffed before asking, “How are you feeling?” And yet again my traitorous heart skipped a beat. It was so…him. He knew me like the back of his hand and maybe because we have been friends since we were barely crawling, we had that special bond. I didn’t immediately answer, as I tried to push back the lump in my throat. “I am…fine, just surprised,” I finally replied airily. It was easier over the call because if he had been in front of me, he would know immediately that I was anything but. “Okay. So how did Elias react?” Sarah, ever the tension dispeller, interjected.
[Valerie] What will they decide? I know the answer rather too well, which is why I increase my speed, covering the 10-minute distance in 3 or so minutes. I catch my breath once I reach the packhouse. I bend over, bracing my hands on my knees, and take in huge gulps of breath. Damn, I should have continued my jogging routine. I manage to earn a couple of strange and curious looks from the members, but I only smile and bound up the stairs towards the study where I know my mom will be. As I approach the room, I hear my dad’s voice. “Who dared to put my daughter’s name on the list? How can you be so negligent?” I suppress a sigh. “Xav, it’s not like I want to be negligent. We are investigating. You kn
[Valerie] The days pass by but neither mom nor Elias mention or even utter a word about the Challenge. I try to not let that affect me but somehow it does and even more so because dad is still kind of pissed at me and I know because unlike other times he didn't try to pacify me. “Concentrate.” Elias’ voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I glance over to see him frown back at me. The Challenge is two weeks away and I am still staggeringly behind. While I can now control Element a little and not make a total fool out of myself, my peers have progressed immensely. I let out a sigh and begin anew. The classes have been hectic along with other studies and training. Mom seems to be avoiding me while Elias seems to be only focusing on developing my skill.~~~~I was woken up yet again and this time because I felt restless. I rolled over on my back and started in the dark. The night was humid so I had kept the window open. When after several minutes I couldn't fall
[Valerie] Just like mom had informed, Viola left her cabin and made her way towards the edge of the forest. Mom and Elias accompanied her. I was thankful dad wasn’t here because if he would have been present then I would surely be caught red-handed. Nonetheless, I keep my footing light and try to maintain a good distance from them. They halt just where the forest stretched out. Mom put a hand on her shoulder and murmured her well-wishes, and so did Elias, reminding her of the things she should keep in mind while performing. My heart clenched painfully. This could be me. I could also be there but then…I closed my eyes and took in a steady breath even though inhaling proved to be difficult. I hitched my backpack tightly and watched as Elias murmured the spell that would teleport V
[Clyde] “There’s an intrusion in the east. The barrier has been compromised.” Moran bowed his head when I looked up. I could feel my scales surfacing. Moran knelt on one knee and said, “Allow me to take a look. Shall I call Ryker?” “An intruder has trespassed and you are asking permission to investigate the matter?” I bristled at his ignorance and the need of being formal when he should have gone to check. “Take care of the paperwork. I will go and check.” I got up from my chair and stomped out of the room. Who would dare to invade? I seethed at the thought. Brenton was ready to tear them apart. How could someone choose the steepest side of the mountain to invade? Was the barrier less powerful there? I decided to consult Hansika once I have dealt with the matter. My footsteps quickene
[Valerie] Despite the fear and the inevitable humiliation that was in store for me, I didn’t dare to rebel. For some reason, I felt safe as he led the way through the slippery, snow-laden path. However, he seemed to lack manners. Not once did he slow his pace since he was a foot taller than me and he clearly had in-depth knowledge about the area? I had to stumble my way to keep up with me. Finally, when I saw that he wasn’t going to slow down, I said, “I know I have broken a rule or whatever, but can you be less impolite and at least slow down? Or do you plan to make my death look like an accident when I slip on the way and break my neck?” He stopped and so did I, barely stopping myself from colliding against his back. He turned to look at me from over his shoulder, or rather glare at me like I suggested something heinous. He turned back again a
[Valerie]“How long will it take us to reach us to the…err, office, Mr….?”“Moran.” The guy supplied helpfully.“Mr. Moran,” I said, clearing my throat. He smiled, not unkindly, and it had me blushing again. Were dragons this hot?We were walking slowly or rather he was matching my pace unlike someone else and I was thankful for that. I wouldn’t have asked this question had my feet not protested. Also, my body was catching up on exhaustion and hunger. I was famished.“That depends on Theo,” he replied, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked at him to see his amused expression and wondered why
[Clyde] “Your Highness, Miss. Ravenwood is waiting in the office as per your instruction,” Moran’s voice floated in through the mind link. I immediately stood up from the plush high-back chair in my study. “What happened?” Zenith gazed up at me, confusion marring her face. “Something came up,” I murmured. My body was taut with tension. Valerie’s matter would provide a slight respite from the turmoil going in my heart and mind. “Oh. Can I help?” she asked eagerly, just like she used. But this time, it looked like she just wanted to be with me. Like she was more desperate than eager. I shook my head. “You have travelled a lot. Rest for now. We’ll talk tomorrow,” I said with a small smile. The shine in her amber ey