Chapter 11
Sigem Manor, The Return
I stood outside the large wooden doors of Sigem Manor, Dusk by my side. The intimidating fortress seemed to whisper at me, attempting to disclose the history of the ancient dwelling. Despite the sheer age of the building, it still looks completely new. Not a split in the large wooden doors, not a scratch on the long windows; it made me feel uneasy. Even the garden, which would be expected to be completely overgrow had somehow still remained in perfect condition.
As we walked back into the ancient manor, I voiced my concerns about the place to Dusk, who chuckled in response.
"Well, that's easy. It's the sprites," He retorted.
"The sprites?" I frowned in response.
"Yes. Sprites. Mostly nature sprites, however, a few others are about as well. They were very loyal to the Sigems."
"Were loyal, Dark Man? We are still very loyal to Lord and Lady Sigem," said a small squeaky voice.
As we turned, a petite but plump pig waddled out. It was green in colour and stood on its hind legs. Moss and flowers grew all over its body, and small wings protruded out of his behind.
"Ah, here comes one now. Lucy, meet Asphadar," Dusk grinned.
"You're a descendant of the Lord and Lady, are you not?" Said the pig.
"Ah-yes. I suppose I am," I replied, confused.
"Then I am loyal to you, as well, Lady Lucy," Asphadar replied. "You can call me Asph."
Asph flew over to Lucy, inspecting her as he went. "This is supposed to be the new Lady of the Manor? Hm. Could do with some work, I think," Asph concluded.
"Asphadar, don't be so rude," A new voice scolded.
"And here comes the worst of them. Lucy, meet Madame Aria," Dusk shrugged.
"Dusk, what a displeasure," Aria sniffed.
Aria was a beautiful blue fairy-like creature. Luscious blue locks fell off its head like water, her eyes deep as the largest ocean. She walked like she was dancing and stood at almost double Asphadar's height.
"It is an absolute wonder to meet you, Lady Heartfilia. I have already heard so much about your valiant effort against the former Misery Knight. In fact, the Soul Knight speaks very highly of you. Not many could boast to purify decay on their first try," Aria praised.
"Please, stop. I didn't even know what I did," I blushed.
"Nonetheless, it is quite commendable."
"Yeah, don't let her get too big of a head yet, Ari," Dusk rolled his eyes.
I stepped on Dusk's foot, and he growled at me. Aria giggled and Asphadar merely rolled his eyes.
"Enough lollygagging. You are expected in the study, Lady Lucy. You have one sprite in servitude of the Sigems who is quite eager to meet you," Asphadar retorted.
Asphadar waddled off, with Aria gliding behind him. Sharing an unknown glance with Dusk, we sauntered forward, unsure of what to expect.
It was his long white hair that first threw me off. He resembled a human, but with blue-grey skin and abnormally high brows. His pointed ears and dark black eyes told me he was not quite human, however.
"Good afternoon. My name is Sal. It is good to make your acquaintance again, Sir Dusk. As for you, Lucy Heartfilia. We have much to discuss," the figure spoke.
Dusk stared at this creature, mouth ajar. Clearly, he recognised him.
"Sal. You've sure grown old," Dusk burst out laughing.
Sal rolled his eyes and gestured for us to sit. We obliged him, now sitting opposite him on a table in the middle of the library. The place where I had originally taken The Stars of Origin still bare and without a book, looking odd in the otherwise full inventory.
"You have the book?" Sal asked.
I nodded meekly and took the ancient time out of my rucksack; placing it neatly on the table.
"Good. I take it you have read the letter Lady Sigem had left?" He continued.
"Yes. I have. It's very confusing," I confessed.
"Yes. As expected. You lack even basic training," Sal frowned.
I looked down in shame in response. "I'm sorry. I never really had anyone to teach me magic. My father forbade it. I was forced to practice in secret by myself. Even once I left, it was hard to find anyone. Celestial magic isn't very common," I explained.
"No need to fill shame, my girl. What you lack in training and knowledge you make up for it pure magical ability and stamina. Your amount of ethernano is quite outstanding," Sal replied.
I looked at him, surprised at his compassion and understanding.
"Therein lies our hope," Sal continued. "Aria, if you will."
"Of course. The Stars of Origin is a most effective teaching tool. It was created by our dear Lady Sigem and is the best substitute for a lack of a teacher. However, there is only so much it can teach. That's where we come into it," Aria said.
That confirms what Dusk said, then. The book will teach me the magic I need to know. I glanced at Dusk, who was deep in thought.
"Your magic is quite diverse if you let it be. Naturally, magic belonging to the same discipline will naturally be easier to learn. For example, water wizard can easily learn ice and steam magic, because they both use principles that relate to water. However, said person will struggle with rune or fire magic because they use completely different laws. As is the way of the world," Aria explains.
I stared at her, trying to comprehend and make a mental note of everything she was saying.
"Your magic belongs to the Astral discipline, so you have a natural aptitude for those kinds. We plan to take full advantage of this. Thus, all four of us shall teach you' She continued.
"Wait. Wait just as second. You said four of us," Dusk said suspiciously.
"Yes. You shall teach her as well, Sir Dusk," Sal responded, eyebrow raised.
"Nope. Not part of the plan. I am here to mock and tease. No teaching from me," Dusk retorted.
"But are you not the best in physical technique and have the largest knowledge of weapons?" Asphadar questioned.
"Well, yes. Obviously. But I don't see how-" Dusk attempted to start.
"Great, then it's decided," Sal concluded.
I glanced at the sprites, now all laughing heartily. They seemed to take great pleasure in tricking Dusk. Dusk himself seemed to look frustrated. But I could tell deep down he was happy here, he wanted to teach me. And that felt good.
"That is incorrect. There will be six teachers," A deep and robotic voice echoed throughout the room.
A shuffling of armour came from behind me, and as I looked towards the source of the voice, I was met with the ancient eyes of the Soul Knight.
"I am grateful that you have released me from the bonds of decay. Please let me teach you about my people, and the process of soul bonding," It spoke.
"Thank-you. All of you, so much. I appreciate all your effort," I teared up.
"Nonsense. It is our duty. Speaking of, it will be my duty to teach you about 3 Flowers of Cosmia, and how to use them," Asph stated.
"And I shall teach you the magic of tides, and the strength behind the lunar magic," Aria sang.
"Finally, I will be honoured to bestow knowledge of solar magic," Sal said
Tears started pouring of my eyes, honoured to be working with such respectful and hard-working creatures. I glanced at Dusk, wondering what exactly he was going to teach me. He shared a knowing glance with me, before shrugging half-heartedly. Great.
"And the sixth teacher will be the book itself," the Soul Knight finished.
Of course. The book. I looked back down at it; somehow, I had forgotten it existed. I quickly looked at Dusk, recalling what he said to me. To read the first lesson, we had to come to the place of its birth. In other words, the Sigem Manor. I reached out to the faded tome, stroking the elegant covering. Did I dare open it again? And let the ancient knowledge pour out? No. I need to. I have to. Loke depends on me, no, everyone now. Gently lifting the cover, I dove into its page. Going past the letter from Lyanna, I found myself looking at golden engraving which spelt out the words 'Astral Origins'.
"Astral Origins," I whispered.
"That sounds so damn familiar…" Dusk pondered. "Hold on! Isn't that what you said before you purified the knight?"
I gasped in shock. He was right. The spell I had used on that day was 'Astral Origin: Purify'. How did I know that spell without even reading the book? Did I somehow pick it up by just holding the book? The whole thing was so weird.
"Indeed. The Astral Origins are among the most powerful spells in all of history," Sal clarified.
I looked back at the ancient elf creature. His eyes bore so much wisdom and experience it was almost overwhelming. I sighed.
"Alright. I know what I must do. I have to learn from all of you, including this book. I need to complete whatever this task Lyanna has set me on. And above all, save my spirits. Whatever it takes," I said with determination.
"Excellent resolve. You may have hope yet," Asphadar chuckled.
"Of course, she has hope, you pig. She's a descendant of our great Lyanna," Aria scolded.
"I think the first place would be to start with that Astral Origin Spell," Sal advised.
I nodded and read the title of the first lesson fully.
'Astral Origin: Scatter'.
"Okay. Let's do this!"
(A/N): Hi everyone! I'm back. For however long. Tell me what you think, pls. R&R
- StingIsNotHere
