Your eyes were focused on the various items in the room. There were so many gadgets in here that you had never seen in your life... then again, you had never been inside the Magic Academy either. This was a new experience for you. Earlier this morning, Scrythe had taken you to the Academy to meet the one who would be guiding your group to the Elven city. You would leave later that day. "_____? What're you doing?"
"Just looking." Strange instruments littered a oaken desk; also, there was a map of Jaharaah-- one much larger and more detailed than yours was. "What are these things?"
Scrythe raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure." He left his current position on the other side of the room to walk over to where you were standing. There was a brief pause of silence as he studied the items himself. "Runedis' tools. He's not the most well-natured person so I don't suggest touching anything."
"Not well-natured? He's not mean, is he?" Why would the Queen send some malicious person to guide you and Scrythe to Rilyus? You certainly hoped that he wasn't foul-mooded.
"Well... not quite mean per se. He just isn't all that well mannered. Kind of irritable, if you want to put it that way."
You mentally sighed. Great. The journey wouldn't be as fun if the one doing the leading was rude. But whatever, I haven't even met this person yet... maybe he won't be as bad as Scrythe says he is.
Just as you finished your thought, the door creaked open. You turned around to see a young man... wait. This was no man... he was an Elf! You noticed the pointy ears and his fair complexion. He was not as tall as you thought that Elves would be but he was still well-built, standing at what you guessed was 5' 10". Black, untamed hair elegantly fell along his shoulders, some of the longer strands even flowing along his back. He stood upright, obviously proud of his position. Dressed in dark robes, his pale skin was highlighted in a light but healthy glow. Although he was rather handsome, his frown didn't help.
"Eh... hi!" You said, smiling nervously at him. There wasn't really anything else that you could find to say. He seemed to be so anti-social and not in the least bit happy that you were here. You laughed meekly.
He didn't say anything in reply, though he glanced at you briefly with a scowl. Instead, he turned his attention to Scrythe. "So this is the one you want to bring with us? She'll be more trouble than she's worth."
---
a) What? That's not true!
b) Well, excuse me for existing!
c) Quite the contrary. I am more useful than you think.
d) Jerk.
---
Your cheeks burned in anger and you opened your mouth to protest, but Scrythe had already sensed this. "Runedis, _____ is quite capable of covering land by horseback or on foot. She won't be any trouble at all. In fact, she even has some skill with a sword." Though Scrythe's words comforted you, you couldn't help but continue to feel some hostility toward Runedis. You were sure that he felt the same way.
The Elf didn't reply to Scrythe's comment. He changed the subject abruptly, apparently not happy about your presence. "Queen Iyatti has everything ready for us. Her servants have packed the necessary provisions and equipment. I assume that you are responsible for the horses?"
"Yes," Scrythe replied with a polite nod. "They will be ready whenever you want to depart." You didn't understand why he was so tolerant of Runedis. Was it because he was favored by the Queen? Was Scrythe afraid of Runedis? You kept the questions to yourself, wanting to ask him later when the two of you were alone.
Runedis nodded in response, heading over toward his desk. He studied the map for a few moments before saying, "I still have a few last-minute arrangements I need to make. We depart at noon. Now leave." His maroon-hued eyes never left the paper.
Eager to get out of the room, you and Scrythe quickly shuffled away. Both of you headed toward the stables to ready the horses. Once you were positive that Runedis wouldn't be able to eavesdrop on your conversation (he really didn't seem like an animal person so why would he be in the stables?), you couldn't help but ask:
---
a)"How do you stand him, Scrythe?"
b)"Who the hell does he think he is?!"
c) "Runedis. He was so rude. What was the matter with him?"
d) "This Runedis person. Is he always like this?"
---
The young man simply smiled at you. His silver hair framed his face at a particular angle which made him always seem approachable. This was the kind of feature you liked to see in someone... Scrythe always looked so kind. "Runedis is his own person. I have nothing against him."
"But..." you started, obviously not convinced. "He was in such a foul mood. If he treats everyone like this, how does anyone like him?"
"Not everyone is fond of Runedis. And he's not fond of everyone. There are those he treats with respect, however."
"He actually knows how to show someone respect? I'm surprised."
Scrythe chuckled lightly as he took a hold of a halter from the rack. He indicated the one next to it for you to take. "He is one of the Queen's most loyal servants." When you were silent with curiosity, he continued. "Runedis is possibly one of the most talented magic-users in all of Nagasko, perhaps the most skilled human in all of Jaharaah. Queen Iyatti respects this and she praises him for his work at the Magic Academy. He, in turn, serves her loyally in any way that he can."
"Mm... so he's only agreeable with her because she can give him power."
Gently looping the halter around his horse's face, Scrythe lead the stallion from his stall. "I don't know what his intentions are but so far, he has shown no ill will toward anyone here. As I said before, he's not particularly easy to get along with but he does have his morals."
"Morals? What morals?" you replied bitterly, perhaps even a bit sarcastically. The scene from this morning had yet to leave your mind. You fetched your horse from her stall.
Scrythe had led the steed outside to the hitching post with you and your horse close behind. He pat the animal in a friendly manner before responding. "He is one of the leading activists for Half-elf rights... he has done much for Queen Iyatti in that respect. That's rather noble of him, isn't it? Especially considering the fact that he, himself, is an Elf."
This was surprising. Half-elf racism was extremely common-- among humans and the Elves. Though you had never met a Half-elf before, you had always thought that there was no reason for them not to have rights. The fact that Runedis was so intent on parading for their freedom changed your view of him, if only a little.
---
a) "I suppose he's not all that bad then."
b) "He's still a jerk. Not as bad a jerk, but sill a jerk regardless!"
c) "So cold on the outside but soft on the inside. Ah, the irony."
d) "Hrm. He has a heart after all."
---
Whatever you said, Scrythe became quiet as the two of you groomed and tacked your horses. The man's stallion was a light shade of grey, nearly white, misted over in a darker shade of grey. His mane and tail were neatly trimmed, while his hooves were cleaned by Scrythe. The horse's name was Ferai.
Your mare was smaller than Ferai and had a more laid-back temperament. Although she liked to gallop, she enjoyed walking as well. Her name was Balenteo, and her coat was a beautiful shade of sorrel, almost as though she were a bright, copper penny. The mane and tail were a bright hue of golden yellow. She was a lovely thing and you adored her.
After the two of you saddled and bridled your horses, you helped Scrythe fetch Keinas, Runedis' horse. Keinas was a black mare with four white stockings and a star upon her forehead. She was pleasant, although she seemed to be eager to get out of her stall. Runedis didn't ride her very often, it seemed. You smiled at the mare as she followed you to the hitching post, nickering to be outside again. Soon, all three horses were ready to go.
"_____, watch the horses. I'm going to the kitchen to accept the rations from the cook and then the equipment from the servants."
You nodded and Scrythe left quickly to fetch the supplies. The sun hung high in the sky, signalling that the afternoon was fast approaching.
---
a) "It's not like Scrythe to be late..."
b) "Where's Runedis?"
c) "Where is everyone?"
d) "They're late."
---
"Hello, sweetheart!"
You turned around to see your parents, walking up from the path with a large bundles in their arms. "Mom? Dad? What're you doing here?" As they neared, you tilting your head to the side in curiosity.
"We're here to see you off," your dad said as he set his bundle down on the grass. Your mother did the same, coming over to embrace you in one of her overly protective hugs. "We're going to miss you, ______. Take care."
Your mother smiled, her eyes wet with tears. "Oh... this is the first time you've ever left home for so long. Do be careful."
"Look here," Dad cut in quickly, pointing at the bundles. "We've brought you some things for the trip."
"Yes," your mother said, continuing what your dad would have told you. "There are loaves of sweet bread for you, Scrythe and your guide to share, and even some fruit from our peach trees. And since I was afraid that the nights may be colder in other parts of Jaharaah, I've packed you a few blankets. There are also some necessities in there such as extra clothes in case you need them. Oh! And there are--"
"Mom!" you said, nearly laughing. "Really, I'll be fine. Scrythe will be there with me..."
"I know... but I'm still going to worry."
Your dad came over to hug your poor mother. "It's a mother's job, _____. If you don't let her worry, then you'll drive her mad."
"Hello Sir, Madam." Scrythe's calm voice reached your ears as he arrived with even more bundles and sacks in his strong arms. For some reason, he had never gotten over calling your mother and father by proper names. They had asked him to stop but he continued to do it out of respect. You supposed that your parents didn't really mind.
"Scrythe!" You mother hurried over to embrace him, but not before he lightly dropped everything on the ground. "I'm going to miss you so! Please do be careful and watch over _____ for me."
"Of course," he responded, nodding with a smile. "I'll do my best to keep her safe."
You mentally blushed. This wasn't necessary.
---
a) "Mom... I know you're worried but I'll be fine. Really."
b) "Mom, will you stop your worrying already?"
c) "I shall keep myself safe."
d) "I'll be alright."
---
A few moments after you had exchanged goodbyes, hugs, kisses and anything else your mother had insisted upon, you and Scrythe packed the items carefully into the saddle bags, and also some bundles behind the saddles. Each of you also carried a small pack of supplies upon your back in case of emergencies.
Runedis soon arrived, still dressed in those dark robes you had seen earlier. He nodded at your parents, though not in a particularly friendly way. After loading some of his supplies onto his horse, he handed Scrythe a scroll. "This is the message, which, as Queen Iyatti stated, is to be entrusted to you and only you. Keep it safe. If it is lost, then who knows what may happen." He then hoisted himself onto Keinas. "Time to leave," he said giving you a small glare when giving the order.
"Goodbye Mother, Father. I'll come home safe, I promise." With those words, the three of you set off, riding East toward the Gysa River.
The three of you were quiet during most of the traveling. Rarely, any of you spoke, whether it be from awkwardness or simply no desire to speak at all. You were entertained by the sights and sounds available to you. Never before had you ventured so far from home. It would be a four-day journey to the edge of Rilyus Forest. From what you had heard, the city of the Elves was well-protected from outsiders. The entire city was surrounded by a circular forest, but for its Eastern-most side, where it was blocked off by the grand Shiré mountain, which poured clear water into a lake near the city. The forest was easy to get lost in and that was why your group had packed a much greater food ration than you would have expected, perhaps enough for more than seven days.
Runedis wasn't too bad, although he did make rude comments on occasion. Most of the time, he was just quiet. It was almost as though he always had something on his mind.
---
a) I wonder what he thinks about.
b) Runedis really isn't all that bad... he probably just has something on his mind. Heck, he's kinda cute.
c) Are all elves actually like this?
d) He's so weird. Hn.
---
Even you and Scrythe had few words to exchange, although your physical expressions did most of the talking. He could easily tell that you were amazed. Two days after you had set off, you had reached the Gysa. Your eyes had widened at the sight of so much water! Scrythe merely smiled at your reaction, while you gaped at such nature.
Your group only stopped once the sun went down and for about an hour in the afternoon to give the horses time to rest and graze, while you fed yourselves. Three days into the journey, your group had stopped for a small meal. Scrythe was busy cleaning out the horses' hooves to free any dirt or pebbles, while you and Runedis were situated on the grass. "So we should reach the forest in about one more day, right?"
"...yes," Runedis replied monotonously. He had brought one of his books with him and he was perusing through it, as though searching for something.
You couldn't help but ask, "What're you reading?" You had seen him flipping through the book for the past few days and you were genuinely curious about its contents.
His maroon eyes found yours. "Nothing that concerns you." He went back to reading.
You persisted, not accepting his answer. "Please, Runedis. You're always looking through that book of yours. I just want to know what you're reading about! It won't hurt to tell me, would it?"
For a second, you were afraid that he was going to glare at you with those sharp eyes of his but instead, he simply said without looking up, "Magic. This book is filled with complicated spells that I am currently studying." You were instantly relieved at his reply-- he didn't snap at you for once! Now you contemplated his answer... you had never thought much about magic before. It had just recently occurred to you that Runedis was a magic-user. You were curious about the purpose and uses of magic. As though he had read your mind, Runedis closed his book and continued, "There are different sorts of magic that can be studied at the academy-- healing, dark, white, elemental, transmutive, psionic and summoning magic. Each one has different intents and purposes and is based upon one's natural strengths."
"What kind of magic do you practice?" you asked.
Runedis raised an eyebrow, probably wondering why you were so full of questions. "I am a sorcerer."
"Does that mean that you practice dark magic?"
"Yes," he replied, going back to his book. "Not to be confused with evil arts."
You pondered this. "What's the difference?"
With a soft sigh, he said, "Many confuse dark magic to be evil magic. However, that's not the case. Dark magic is simply the opposite of white magic, like night and day."
"That makes sense." You decided that this was a good way of making the sorceror talk-- ask him questions about a topic that interested him. "So what exactly is it that you practice?"
"Manipulation of darkness, potion-brewing, poison-making, etcetera." He tilted his head to the side to glance at you once again, though not necessarily in an irritated manner. "Why must you ask so many questions?"
---
a) "I'm a curious person by nature."
b) "Magic sounds like such an interesting subject. No one has ever taught me so much about it."
c) "I'm fond of learning about different things. Before today, I never knew so much about magic."
d) "Because you wouldn't talk otherwise."
---
You could have sworn that there was a slight glimmer in his eyes at your remark. However, he replied with, "I need to get back to my work." Once again, he let his eyes wander into the pages of his book. This was improvement, you decided, since his last comment was neither rude nor said with a hint of displeasure. Maybe Runedis really wasn't as bad as you had originally thought.
Your eyes fell upon Scrythe who was smiling in the distance, almost as though he was playing with the horses. He always had a way with animals, one that you wished you had. A stray breeze blew through your hair as you found a smile upon your face as well. Although little had happened on your journey, you had already seen so much.
However, someone else broke the silence. "Are you the one known as Runedis Omstod of Nagasko's Magic Academy?" You quickly turned around to see a red-haired man with the deepest blue eyes you have ever seen. He was dressed in a blue, long-sleeved shirt, which draped down to mid-thigh, where he wore black pants. Eh? Who was this person? He was obviously interested in your guide.
Runedis narrowed his eyes at the newcomer, pulling himself from the ground. "What does it matter to you? Is there a reason you want to see me?" he growled. Apparently, he didn't like this guy too much.
"Hn." The stranger's lips curved into the slightest of smiles. Without another second's warning, he dashed toward the sorcerer, pulling his sword from its sheath. The weapon sang as it was quickly drawn. "Die." Those simple words escaped his lips as he rushed forward at a blinding speed.
You watched in horror, yet unable to do anything.
---
a) "Hurry, run, Runedis!"
b) "Runedis! Get out of the way!"
c) "Evade it while you can!"
d) "Move!"
---
However, the clash of swords sounded as you saw Scrythe dash forth to block the stranger's attack just as it was about to hit Runedis. You were relieved for only half a second, seeing as the two swordsman quickly began to spar, fighting each other ferociously.
They were both evenly matched from what you could tell. Scrythe was skilled as it was but every single time she saw him strike, the stranger would block his sword with just as much strength. It was the same vice-versa. Neither seemed to be winning. Although you were quickly absorbed into the fight, you briefly glanced at Runedis, who seemed unfazed by it all. Whatever surprise he had initially shone had now faded. Instead, he was chanting a spell. You watched him as he murmured one last word, and made a quick hand motion toward the stranger when his back was turned away. Because of the positioning, Scrythe saw what Runedis was up to and quickly evaded to the side. The stranger, however, was not so lucky. A blast of dark energy was launched forth and struck him in the upper back. He became paralyzed, though he did not cry out in pain. There was a dull thud as he fell to the ground.
The three of you quickly rushed toward the attacker, wondering who this person was. He looked entirely human. Scrythe rolled him over onto his back and pointed his blade at the stranger's throat. "Who are you?" he asked, his breathing still uneven from the previous spar.
The stranger looked up at Scrythe with a calm expression, despite what had just happened. He grimaced slightly before answering in a cool tone, "Gavien. Gavien Diwan." As though he knew what Scrythe was going to ask next, he continued. "I was sent to kill the sorcerer."
Now Runedis' temper flared up. "Sent to kill me? What kind of a low life would hire someone like you?! What a joke!" he spat, glaring at Gavien. "Who was it? Who had the nerve to give such a notion?"
Gavien coughed and his body shook from the attack which had hit him. Despite that, he voice remained strong. "The same one who called you a Half-elf."
---
a) "Are you really..?"
b) "Runedis... is it true?"
c) "Eh..."
d) "..."
---
Original memo: Bwahahah, ending it right there. Cliffhanger~ I guess this series is kinda rushed. You meet Runedis and then he's automatically a half-elf. :-/ I've ruined the suspense. Ah well. Rate and message, plox!
---
If you got mostly a's:
Link to image: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/shootnstar/Anime/Jaharaan Love/mono48.jpg
The human:
Ah, Scrythe likes you. Maybe. Sorta. He just hasn't had a reason to show it yet. All his life, he's considered you and sister and you've thought of him as a brother. What a twist in the story that'll be. Anyway! Right now, I bet he's as shocked as you are about Runedis.
---
If you got mostly b's:
Link to image: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/shootnstar/Anime/Jaharaan Love/studio_ego_188.jpg
The Half Elf:
So you've finally met Runedis who you had originally believed to be an Elf. Now it's been revealed to you that he is actually a Half-elf and it doesn't look he'll take that information too well. He's really not so bad though, is he? We'll just have to find out.
---
If you got mostly c's:
The Elf:
You're most compatible with an Elf who is not yet present in the series. ^-^; Maybe next time? Sorries~
---
If you got mostly d's:
The Mystery:
I like to confuse people. Gavien is your match, though you really don't know him very well, do you? You'll get to know him though, yes you will. XD He'll have much more to say in the later chapters, I promise. What is he though? Care to take a guess? ;)
