Chapter 2

"I want you to teach me how to become a mage..." When Lindel heard those words, his face broke into a smile. "Luna, you just came here are you sure that's what you want? It won't be easy Magic is a difficult thing to learn, after all." Lindel said as they walked side by side. "I know... but you're the first to show genuine concern for me, and I don't want to be near people who call me a monster anymore. I figured you wanted me to find a purpose for myself, and I thought training to be a mage might help me find that purpose. I promise I'll work hard and do everything you tell me to. So please... don't throw me away or toss me aside..." Luna said.

Seeing her on the verge of tears, the man realized she must want to avoid the world of humans as he did. Who was he to deny her when she wanted to learn, he smiled saying, "Very well, I'll train you..." Luna's eyes went wide, and she was glad he agreed. "Does that mean I need to refer to you as master now?" Luna asked as she walked alongside him. "I mean if we're being formal, but last I checked, I live in the middle of nowhere, and formalities aren't needed," Lindel said, and a thud was heard as rock gave out from underneath Luna's feet. She had fallen into a nearby ditch with a yelp.

Sighing, the man made his way down the small ditch she had fallen into and helped her sit up. Seeing she had cut up her arm, Lindel held his hand over the scrape and healed it in a flash startling Luna. "Anywhere else hurt you're clutching your side, let me see." The man said, going for her shirt, but she flushed and slapped his hands away, saying, "Hey, now it's fine, it's just a bruise, don't you even think about it!" "I wasn't going to force it up all the way relax and show me yourself then," Lindel said, shaking his head.

Luna lifted her shirt slightly, showing the huge bruise that formed, and Lindel healed that as well while saying, "I pray you're not this clumsy during training, or something might backfire on you now up we go." He practically heaved her into his arms, making her squeak before climbing out of the hole and setting her down. Luna was red in the face and said, "I have two feet, you know!" "You mean those two things you tripped over?" Lindel asked, grinning and Merituuli said, "Humans are so fragile you break so easily." Luna walked off quickly after that, not handling the teasing so well. "Humans are also so fun to tease," Merituuli said, and Lindel couldn't help but laugh as he followed after her. As they came to a pond of water, Luna just sat there looking into it, lost in thought. That was until Merituuli popped out of the water in front of her, and Lindel, who was a bit up ahead, heard a squeal and a loud splash.

Sighing, the man walked over and saw Luna struggling to pull herself out while Merituuli tried to help by pushing. "Do I want to know?" Lindel asked as he bent over and tugged Luna up by her wrist. Merituuli vanished under the water the second Luna blurted out, "It was your little friend's fault coming out as he did!" Her teeth were chattering, and Lindel shook his head and took his top layers off, draping it over Luna, saying, "Let's head back and get you warmed up before you catch a chill."

"T-T-Too late for that I'm freezing!" Luna whined miserably, and Lindel smiled. "We can ride Paulina back to get you back home quicker." He said in a teasing manner as he looked at his dragon partner. "I'll walk!" Luna squeaked quickly, walking ahead, and the blonde mage walked after laughing while saying, "Sure thing." He placed his hand on her shoulder as she quickly moved to get back while he used magic to warm her up as best he could.

Once back, Luna had stripped down and got underneath the warm blankets while her clothes were drying by the fire. Lindel's arm poked through the tent flap with a log, and he said from outside, "Add that to the fire I got two more as well." Luna flushed but grabbed it before taking the other two and adding them. "Now shoo you peeping tom don't even think about it!" Luna cried, covering herself. The woman sighed in relief when she heard him walk away.

Outside, Lindel had found some old books that could come in handy with her lessons, and Merituuli appeared. "Do you intend to teach her, Lindel you know if you keep picking up stragglers, it could prove dangerous. You don't know anything about this human girl. What if she doesn't cut it like Adolf didn't?" Merituuli asked as he looked at Lindel. You're so quick to judge the girl is alone I can see that much, or she'd have gone home a long time ago. As for another Adolf case, there's no harm in trying. I have faith she'll make a fine apprentice now, do me a favor and bring her these clothes." Lindel said as he handed over the folded outfit to Merituuli.

His familiar went into the tent and ended up startling Luna, but as the clothes were set down for her, he left. The woman was still pretty chilled but quickly pulled the outfit on. Lindel saw her come out, and he smiled, saying, "Feel better?" Luna nodded, and the woman saw a book held out to her. Looking confused, she took it, and Lindel said, "Your first assignment is to take your time reading this book about mages. If you want to be one of us, you must know more about us. After you memorize this, I'll start with the fundamentals of the four elements." Seeing the face, Luna made the woman held her tongue and went over to sit at the base of the tree she opened it beginning to read. Lindel was glad the woman stuck to her word, and he carried on with his chores.

By that afternoon, he was currently tending to one of the dragons when he heard footsteps and saw Luna approach. "I'm done with the book." She said, and Lindel smiled, saying, "Very well, I'll put my trust in you and will not quiz you this time around. Now I'll need you to come with me, and we'll take Paulina to where I'll start teaching you the first element of wind." Luna swallowed in fear, deathly afraid of heights, and nodded. As Lindel whistled for Paulina, the dragon came over. Merituuli stopped what he was doing, saying, "I'll come with you guys!" "I want you to stay here and mind our home, for the time being, Merituuli," Lindel said, and his familiar sulked.

Luna stood there frozen to the ground, unable to move, and Lindel got on first and held his hand to her. "I... can't we walk?" Luna asked, not wanting to do the flight. "I'm afraid not the place we're going is a terrible climb as well, now come on," Lindel said. Luna took his hand and got on in front of Lindel. Paulina prepared to take flight by getting a running start, and Luna ducked her head as they started to go up in the air. Clinging onto Lindel, the woman kept her eyes shut tight as she tried hard not to hyperventilate.

"You need to calm down, Luna, and trust in Paulina she's not going to toss you off. Another ten minutes, we'll be there relax." Lindel said. "Easy for you to say I can't help it!" Luna said in tears. "But, you can start by having a little courage and enjoy Mother Nature for what she gives us," Lindel said. Luna finally opened her eyes slowly and still clung on, afraid. Seeing the land pass below them, her heart slowly calmed down and stopped racing, and she finally calmed down. Eventually, they landed, and Lindel helped her off before he got off. He looked at her, saying, "I brought you to this cliff so high up is for you to get a feel of your surroundings."

Luna nodded Lindel said, "Can you feel the aura of this place tell me what feeling this area gives you describe it best as you can." Luna looked around and saw they were quite high up, and she closed her eyes for a moment feeling the breeze blow by the woman opened her eyes, saying, "It feels pure and serene like it's been untouched by humans for who knows how long. It doesn't have that heavy feeling I'd get like walking through the city's heart. It's lighter and easier to breathe here and untainted."

"Good answer; now, to start with something simple, call it a leap of faith, if you will. Normally mages use wands, but we'll make you one of those later. I want to see how well you can communicate with the Faeries. We'll be starting with the usage of the wind." Lindel said, going to Paulina and pulling something out of the bag he had brought. Luna looked confused when she was handed a crooked branch of sorts. It looked like it had just been ripped off a nearby tree. "Is this supposed to help me it looks like firewood," Luna said as she frowned.

"It's just a temporary wand it'll draw the Magic from you due to the tree's age and how much to be determined. Now come over here, and let's start with the basic usage of wind." Lindel said. Luna walked over and stood next to him, and Lindel said, "Magic is within those who have the aptitude and the desire to make it happen. I want you to close your eyes, clear your mind… envision the wind around you and beneath you, and say the first words that come to your mind. Closing her eyes, Luna gripped the makeshift wand and began to focus deeply. Lindel stepped away as the area around her began to shimmer, and the woman took a deep breath before saying, "The sky, my father… the earth, my mother… answer my voice and grant me thy divine blessing."

A burst of wind suddenly shot up from under Luna's feet, and she ended up toppling. A thud was heard as she fell onto her back with a yelp, and Lindel, who had tried to catch her, had stopped her head from cracking against the rocks behind her with his hands. Lying there on his stomach after lunging to break her fall, he was relieved, and Luna sat up crying, "What the hell was that I nearly went falling off the cliff are you trying to kill me!" Lindel sat up, saying, "Your magic aptitude is truly frightening with that outcome; I was expecting you just to conquer up some wind, not be catapulted oh, look, you broke your training wand." Luna huffed and flung the busted tool and saw the dent in the ground where she had been standing before. "I just used Magic, though… I used Magic I had no idea I had these powers. I always thought seeing things were just my imagination… Made up demons in my head." The woman said still in shock.

"I don't think Merituuli would appreciate being referred to as some devil Luna seeing as you saw him. You're not crazy people fear the unknown, and those who do not define their beliefs on what they can see, touch, or hear are gifted with a blessing. You'd classify as being blessed because you have me, who can teach you. Now that I know you have what it takes let's make you a wand sooner than later before you end up hurting yourself or me, for that matter." Lindel said, smiling. Luna just looked at him, saying, "I've never been blessed with good luck or fortune… But I trust you to make me feel like that can change. Also, I'm hungry can we go back for now I've had enough magic trauma for the day."

"I suppose you're right very well; we can head back down and get lunch started," Lindel said, standing up and tugging Luna to her feet. Both of them got on Paulina; this time, Luna did not freak out as they took to the skies. The ride back was quiet, and the woman leaned against Lindel much more calmly than before and would nearly doze off. Lindel had to rouse her awake after they landed, and Luna slid off Paulina stifling a feeling a tap on her shoulder she was given an ax, and she sighed, knowing what she was expected to do. Luna walked off and gathered some wood for the fire, and soon the woman sat there peeling potatoes alongside Lindel."It's a bit of a late lunch, so we shouldn't need dinner tonight with this amount of food." Luna said. "What do you intend to do, seeing as your windy disaster requires you to have a wand made? We don't collect the wood until tomorrow, so our options are open. Maybe you should go play with the dragons." Lindel said.

"That… well, that sounds more like a chore I'm still unable to fathom such things exist. I don't think I'm ready to play actively with the young dragons yet. I usually liked to read in my solitude, but not like there are many books here." Luna said. Lindel was in thought as he pondered out loud, "I wonder… I got some associates that might be able to help with that. While technically, I cannot see them in person being tied to this land for reasons. I can send you or Merituuli or the two of you together. though I'm not sure you'd be fond of meeting with the sorcerers of the college." "I don't like people, Lindel… maybe you should send your familiar for whatever nonsense you've come up with," Luna said as she continued peeling though she flinched and accidentally caught her finger with the knife. Setting the blade down, she didn't get a chance to apply pressure as Lindel grabbed her hand and healed the cut. "Get another knife that one isn't sanitary anymore." The man said calmly.

"Already planned on it," Luna said, taking the dirty knife and going to fetch a clean one. The rest of the meal cooking involved silence, and when they had their food ready, Lindel said, "How about you ask me whatever's on your mind, Luna? I mean anything to kill this insufferable silence." Luna, who froze mid-bite, said, "I've been confused about why you talk like an old man when you got to be no more than twenty-something. Merituuli stifled a fit of laughter, and Lindel was rather embarrassed about that one. Still, he said, "I've lived longer than you realize while I appear young, I've seen a lifetime's worth of experience."

"Any past lovers?" Luna asked as she ate. "I should be asking you that for someone who despises people and all," Lindel said, eyeing her. Luna blushed and said, "We're talking about you, not me, but I've had one in the past it didn't get very far because of my sight he abandoned me." "I see, and to be fair, I'll answer your question the answer is no, just like you, the general public frowned at me. The reason why I sound beyond my appearance is that mages don't age naturally. We can live a long time with pain and solitude." Lindel said. Seeing the sun start to set, it was beginning to get dark, and they finished their meal and sat by the firepit. Luna was working on something in her spare time. She had found an old wooden ring and worked with it to make a dreamcatcher.

Lindel sat there watching her work in silence, and Merituuli sat on his lap sipping tea. Finishing up, Luna held it out to get a good look at it as Lindel said, "I never pegged you to know about native American traditions Luna." Looking at him, Luna said, "I just made it on a whim, but I can't explain why I feel more at ease keeping busy with things like this here, you can have it." She handed it over, and Lindel looked at it. "I'm going to turn in for the night though I'm tired," Luna said, standing up.

Lindel said, watching her head into their tent for the night, "Merituuli, I have a job for you before it gets too late." "You need me to gather materials from the college for your apprentice I already assumed as much," Merituuli said, finishing his tea and hopping off Lindel's lap. "Elementry-level books, please, and ask if they have anything that can draw magic through creation. This dream catcher is a nice ward she made without realizing her magic went into it." Lindel said as he held it. "I shall be off no need to wait up for me, Lindel I'll be back late," Merituuli said as he walked off.

Lindel went to the tent and saw Luna was already asleep it seemed she was comfortable enough around him finally. The man laid the dreamcatcher down so it wouldn't get damaged before laying down. As the night became calm, Lindel had woken up the next morning to find the tent empty. He heard Luna talking to someone and heard Merituuli reply, "Go with the blue one it matches his eyes.' "If you say so, I thought purple would be more pretty." Luna was heard saying.

Lindel came out and asked, "What are you two doing?" He saw Luna sitting there with a book open in front of her. Some weird-looking pliers, and she was stringing something. Seeing Lindel, she said, "Good morning, Merituuli brought me back this stuff, so I thought I'd practice making something. Come over here and let me see how it looks on you." Luna said, waving him over, and Lindel came and sat down. Looking at the book, he glanced at Luna she placed something around his neck, and he saw the stone. "I've already put the spell work on it see, I have one too," Luna said, pointing around her neck.

"And what does it do exactly?" Lindel asked with a smile. "Well, it's kind of like an indicator. You and Merituuli are master and familiar, so he knows when you're not feeling good. Through these stones, I discovered that by performing this magic, I could make a weaker version of that link for you and me. Because as much as I hate to admit it, there might be a time I will return to town for the day, and you want to know if I'm okay, yeah?" Luna said.

"That's cute, but you're no artificer I am sure it will work since, judging by this book here, you did something basic," Lindel said, looking at the stone. Luna found herself rather embarrassed, and Lindel said, "Oh, it feels like to me you're embarrassed. Are you sure you didn't whip up some mood indicator?" Lindel asked. "Eh!? But the book, I did exactly what it said but used a spell that came off the top of my head." Luna whined, now rather flustered. "Calm down, it's fine. Remember, magic is a miracle. Everything you make or do will be trial and error, and I can't read your thoughts, but your emotions are all jumbled right now, from what I feel. I guess it's foreign to me you are just a teenager, so this is what it feels like to be one again." Lindel said, smirking, and Luna swatted his arm and grumbled

Lindel stood up, saying, "Now let's get to work it's time we found the right kind of tree for your wand, and guess who gets to cut a branch off when we do?" Luna said, "I do…." "That's right, I got a good location in mind on these lands time to ride," Lindel said. Luna followed Lindel after that; they flew on to another area across the lands. Once they landed, Lindel walked among the few trees placing his hand on each one; his eyes shut as he focused. He finally found the right tree and nodded. Luna sighed and jumped up, watching the branch above her after being handed the saw. Lindel, meanwhile, was there relaxing with Paulina as Luna supposedly got to work. A crack sounded off, followed by a loud squeal and a crunch. Quickly going over, he saw Luna lying there grimacing in pain as she winced and sat up. "You're not supposed to saw off the branch you are sitting on, silly girl," Lindel said. "I didn't what do you take me for, some random dumbass!" Luna snapped back, agitated. Though a look of guilt came across the woman's face, she said, "S…Sorry… I hate being so clumsy it's not your fault… I shouldn't have yelled like that at you."

Lindel poked her forehead lightly with his index finger, and her scrapes healed up automatically. "All is forgiven you're just a kid, after all." The man said as he looked up, seeing the saw stuck in the branch she had been working on. Luna climbed back up, ignoring the "kid" comment just as she did before, and started sawing away. Eventually, the branch she was working on fell to the ground. She then tossed the saw down after that before slowly making her way back down.

She got down before grabbing her branch and picking away the leaves, and Lindel took it from her, eyeballing it before saying, "Perfect, let's head back and start breakfast then we can have you carve it out after." He handed her branch back to her, and the area was overcast by clouds. "Looks like a storm is coming in let's go," Lindel said, helping Luna on Paulina. And a few minutes into the ride home, it started getting wet, and Lindel had to cast a spell to keep them dry. They made it back and took cover for the time being.

Luna got to work right away, whittling the wood away from her wand while Lindel tried to put together a quick meal which turned out to be potato soup. "I think you got great potential, Luna," Lindel said breaking the silence, and the woman looked up. "You also make for good company; unlike most people, I don't get visitors often, not that I want any. Think of what I said as a compliment I've never been a fan of training new students. But when your wand is finished, the magic will be much easier."Thanks, you're not so bad either." Luna said softly. She then smirked, saying, "For an old fossil, that is." Lindel flushed and said, "Fossil… hey, now that's not very nice of you, Luna." A smile came across the man's lips as he held up a bowl, saying, "Take a break and eat." Luna set her project down and started to eat.