Dressed in a beautiful new robe and the customary costume of the mages,
Myria twirled around in wonder. She had been given her new garments by the
guild members and she was taught a few simple magic skills. Myria had the
option of training with the other guild members or going out on her own.
Training with other mages was useful but Myria would never leave Nallia.
Therefore, walking out of Geffen, the two wondered the forests of Geffen
and started their training.
With wonder, Nallia explored the forests of Geffen and documented all the new monsters that she found there. "These monsters are so much more different than the ones in the Payon forest."
"Yeah, but Porings are everywhere. I don't know how many times I had to fight a Poring to keep it from eating my food."
Nodding, Nallia expertly set up a trap on the ground and waited patiently behind a bush for a monster to stroll into the trap. Turning towards Myria, Nallia studied the new garments that Myria donned. "You don't look like a young novice anymore, Myria."
"Of course not!"
"No. What I meant was that you look more mature now. You don't look like a little girl anymore."
Grinning, Myria nodded. "Yup. I'm all grown up now. I wish my brother could see me like this."
Taken aback Nallia stared at Myria. "You never told me you had a brother!"
Raising an eyebrow Myria glanced at Nallia, "I didn't?"
"Nu-uh."
"Well, he's really nice and he's training to become a great swordsman."
As the two waited for the traps to spring, Myria told Nallia about her rough childhood and how Aeron was always there to keep her company. Nallia nodded in sympathy and listened to the stories of how Myria used to get her brother in trouble but Aeron would never tell on Myria. Feeling a tug in her heart, Nallia wondered what Aeron looked like and whether or not he was really as great as Myria had said. All men now seemed to be interested only in themselves. Men tended to become more self-centered and likely to only like a girl for one thing...
Sighing, Nallia tried to keep her thoughts from becoming evident in her face. Suddenly the two girls heard a snap and Nallia sprung from the bushes and looked at her traps. Hurriedly, Nallia picked up the stolen items from a nearby pile and grabbed the remains of the monster. Looking at the corpse in sympathy, she buried it underneath a nearby rock.
"It's too bad; these monsters have gone crazy in the last few years. It's really too bad, some of them are so cute."
"You're right. I've always wondered what it would be like to have a pet. I see people with monster-pets all the time."
Nallia shook her head and petted her falcon. "Those pets try to run away any chance they have. Some aren't as loyal as falcons are."
Smiling to herself, Myria dreamt about having a pet. While she was dreaming, Nallia scanned the floor for any more items. While she was on the floor she heard a snap of the twig and she quickly stood up and prepared her bow. Aiming in the direction of the noise, Nallia waited patiently. Myria snapped out of her day dream and kneeled beside Nallia. Myria felt the fire trying to force their way out of her skin. Her new staff lay in her hands and it pulsed, ready for action.
The two girls tensed as they saw a shadow emerge from behind a tree, before the two of them could shoot their weapons at the shadow however; Myria noticed the familiar staff that the shadowed figure held.
"Wait! That's my friend, Tier."
Smiling, the man raised his arms and emerged from the shadows. Handsomely dressed in a fresh new robe, he smiled and for the first time, Myria saw the smile reach his eyes.
"Well, well, well. The young duckling has developed into a swan."
Tier walked up to Myria and patted her softly on her head. Looking at her new getup, Tier walked slowly around her. Nallia felt the calculating glance run over her and she shivered. This man seemed to be nice but there was coldness about him. Watching Tier frigidly, Nallia put away her bow and arrow but kept the dagger at her side handy.
"Tier! You're back! Where did you go to? It seems like days since you left."
Tier watched the girl bounce around him. He smiled. There was something about Myria that made him happy. Tier hadn't thought about coming back to find her, but he felt that there was something special about Myria that attracted him to her. As he watched Myria's happy outcries, Tier noticed that the green haired girl was silent and regarding him with caution.
Myria smiled and motioned for Nallia to come closer. "Nallia, this is Tier. Tier's the mage that I keep mentioning. He helped me to get to Geffen."
Nallia forced a smiled and walked a little closer. "Nice to meet you Tier."
The trio walked to a nearby tree and sat down. Tier brought out some crackers while Myria boiled some water for tea. Nallia made arrows while she watched the others work.
"So Myria, have you been practicing your fire magic? I hear you have great talent with it."
Smiling, Myria created a fireball in the palm of her hands. Most magicians would control the fire ball with their staffs but Myria felt more at ease without using a staff. Holding the fireball closer to her body, she let the magic fire warm her.
"It's just as grandmother said, once you're a magician, everything is easier. I can feel the magic flowing through me and it feels so..."
"Intoxicating." Interrupted Nallia.
Tier watched the huntress with more interest. There was something that she didn't want to tell them. Something that concerned her past. Checking himself he contemplated this. He had something that he was hiding from the two of them too. He had a past which he didn't want to remember. He had no right to think that of others. With a cold smile, Tier started to eat.
That night, Myria awoke and saw Tier sitting in a tree branch. The familiar music reached her ears and it was heart wrenching to hear. Something felt familiar about the music; some part of the melody seemed to be coming from herself. When Tier stopped singing, Myria started climbing the tree. Looking out towards the never ending forest, the night seemed to be filled with mysteries. Finally reaching Tier's branch, she inched herself forward until she sat beside the man.
With tired eyes, Tier glanced at Myria. She was humming and smiling as the moonlight illuminated her beautiful face. Realizing that she was humming his tune, Tier was silent as he thought back to the time someone taught him the melody to the song. Without realizing it, Tier started humming along with Myria and the two completed the song.
Tearful, Myria bent her head and watched her feet dangling off the ground. Finally turning to Tier, she smiled encouragingly and asked, "Who are you?"
Remembering the question, Tier momentarily remained silent. Gently wiping away the tears from Myria's eyes, he watched her young face look at him expectantly.
Finally, he opened his mouth and replied, "I'm Tier. Fire and lightning mage of the First Order. I search for something — that of which I do not know. I am the Boy in the Great Wars, a creator of the Dark Seal."
All his titles, his accomplishments were recited to Myria but she felt there was something he was hiding from her. "All this I have done, but I myself do not know who I am. I have lost myself ten years ago."
Tier looked towards the horizon and listened to the forest sounds. The song of the grasshoppers was soft and seducing. He had said it all. There was nothing left to say except for that one secret. The secret to his life, a secret that he himself could not discover.
Suddenly, he felt Myria's hands on his. Tenderly Myria put her arms around him and softly whispered in his ear. "It's alright. I'm here."
Quietly they held each other and watched the moon in the darkest of nights.
The next morning, the trio set off to the desert in search of the Ant Hell.
"I hear that the Ant Hell is a common place for merchants and swordsman to venture to. Supposedly, it is the best training grounds for people to perfect their skills." Said Nallia.
"Yes. You're absolutely right. Many adventurers go there to find treasure and perhaps to kill the Ant queen. Those who can do so are honored by all of Rune-Midgard. If you are to train, you could perhaps help in ridding the ant eggs. "Added Tier.
Hiking across the barren lands of the desert, Myria thought about the Ant Hell and she anxiously wondered what her brother was doing. As they neared the hole in the ground, Myria became even more anxious. A desperate series of cries issued forth from the dungeon.
Tier turned towards the two girls. "You guys ready?"
Nodding, the two girls looked at each other and smiled encouragingly. Holding hands, they descended into the dark dungeon, the unearthly screams offending their ears.
With wonder, Nallia explored the forests of Geffen and documented all the new monsters that she found there. "These monsters are so much more different than the ones in the Payon forest."
"Yeah, but Porings are everywhere. I don't know how many times I had to fight a Poring to keep it from eating my food."
Nodding, Nallia expertly set up a trap on the ground and waited patiently behind a bush for a monster to stroll into the trap. Turning towards Myria, Nallia studied the new garments that Myria donned. "You don't look like a young novice anymore, Myria."
"Of course not!"
"No. What I meant was that you look more mature now. You don't look like a little girl anymore."
Grinning, Myria nodded. "Yup. I'm all grown up now. I wish my brother could see me like this."
Taken aback Nallia stared at Myria. "You never told me you had a brother!"
Raising an eyebrow Myria glanced at Nallia, "I didn't?"
"Nu-uh."
"Well, he's really nice and he's training to become a great swordsman."
As the two waited for the traps to spring, Myria told Nallia about her rough childhood and how Aeron was always there to keep her company. Nallia nodded in sympathy and listened to the stories of how Myria used to get her brother in trouble but Aeron would never tell on Myria. Feeling a tug in her heart, Nallia wondered what Aeron looked like and whether or not he was really as great as Myria had said. All men now seemed to be interested only in themselves. Men tended to become more self-centered and likely to only like a girl for one thing...
Sighing, Nallia tried to keep her thoughts from becoming evident in her face. Suddenly the two girls heard a snap and Nallia sprung from the bushes and looked at her traps. Hurriedly, Nallia picked up the stolen items from a nearby pile and grabbed the remains of the monster. Looking at the corpse in sympathy, she buried it underneath a nearby rock.
"It's too bad; these monsters have gone crazy in the last few years. It's really too bad, some of them are so cute."
"You're right. I've always wondered what it would be like to have a pet. I see people with monster-pets all the time."
Nallia shook her head and petted her falcon. "Those pets try to run away any chance they have. Some aren't as loyal as falcons are."
Smiling to herself, Myria dreamt about having a pet. While she was dreaming, Nallia scanned the floor for any more items. While she was on the floor she heard a snap of the twig and she quickly stood up and prepared her bow. Aiming in the direction of the noise, Nallia waited patiently. Myria snapped out of her day dream and kneeled beside Nallia. Myria felt the fire trying to force their way out of her skin. Her new staff lay in her hands and it pulsed, ready for action.
The two girls tensed as they saw a shadow emerge from behind a tree, before the two of them could shoot their weapons at the shadow however; Myria noticed the familiar staff that the shadowed figure held.
"Wait! That's my friend, Tier."
Smiling, the man raised his arms and emerged from the shadows. Handsomely dressed in a fresh new robe, he smiled and for the first time, Myria saw the smile reach his eyes.
"Well, well, well. The young duckling has developed into a swan."
Tier walked up to Myria and patted her softly on her head. Looking at her new getup, Tier walked slowly around her. Nallia felt the calculating glance run over her and she shivered. This man seemed to be nice but there was coldness about him. Watching Tier frigidly, Nallia put away her bow and arrow but kept the dagger at her side handy.
"Tier! You're back! Where did you go to? It seems like days since you left."
Tier watched the girl bounce around him. He smiled. There was something about Myria that made him happy. Tier hadn't thought about coming back to find her, but he felt that there was something special about Myria that attracted him to her. As he watched Myria's happy outcries, Tier noticed that the green haired girl was silent and regarding him with caution.
Myria smiled and motioned for Nallia to come closer. "Nallia, this is Tier. Tier's the mage that I keep mentioning. He helped me to get to Geffen."
Nallia forced a smiled and walked a little closer. "Nice to meet you Tier."
The trio walked to a nearby tree and sat down. Tier brought out some crackers while Myria boiled some water for tea. Nallia made arrows while she watched the others work.
"So Myria, have you been practicing your fire magic? I hear you have great talent with it."
Smiling, Myria created a fireball in the palm of her hands. Most magicians would control the fire ball with their staffs but Myria felt more at ease without using a staff. Holding the fireball closer to her body, she let the magic fire warm her.
"It's just as grandmother said, once you're a magician, everything is easier. I can feel the magic flowing through me and it feels so..."
"Intoxicating." Interrupted Nallia.
Tier watched the huntress with more interest. There was something that she didn't want to tell them. Something that concerned her past. Checking himself he contemplated this. He had something that he was hiding from the two of them too. He had a past which he didn't want to remember. He had no right to think that of others. With a cold smile, Tier started to eat.
That night, Myria awoke and saw Tier sitting in a tree branch. The familiar music reached her ears and it was heart wrenching to hear. Something felt familiar about the music; some part of the melody seemed to be coming from herself. When Tier stopped singing, Myria started climbing the tree. Looking out towards the never ending forest, the night seemed to be filled with mysteries. Finally reaching Tier's branch, she inched herself forward until she sat beside the man.
With tired eyes, Tier glanced at Myria. She was humming and smiling as the moonlight illuminated her beautiful face. Realizing that she was humming his tune, Tier was silent as he thought back to the time someone taught him the melody to the song. Without realizing it, Tier started humming along with Myria and the two completed the song.
Tearful, Myria bent her head and watched her feet dangling off the ground. Finally turning to Tier, she smiled encouragingly and asked, "Who are you?"
Remembering the question, Tier momentarily remained silent. Gently wiping away the tears from Myria's eyes, he watched her young face look at him expectantly.
Finally, he opened his mouth and replied, "I'm Tier. Fire and lightning mage of the First Order. I search for something — that of which I do not know. I am the Boy in the Great Wars, a creator of the Dark Seal."
All his titles, his accomplishments were recited to Myria but she felt there was something he was hiding from her. "All this I have done, but I myself do not know who I am. I have lost myself ten years ago."
Tier looked towards the horizon and listened to the forest sounds. The song of the grasshoppers was soft and seducing. He had said it all. There was nothing left to say except for that one secret. The secret to his life, a secret that he himself could not discover.
Suddenly, he felt Myria's hands on his. Tenderly Myria put her arms around him and softly whispered in his ear. "It's alright. I'm here."
Quietly they held each other and watched the moon in the darkest of nights.
The next morning, the trio set off to the desert in search of the Ant Hell.
"I hear that the Ant Hell is a common place for merchants and swordsman to venture to. Supposedly, it is the best training grounds for people to perfect their skills." Said Nallia.
"Yes. You're absolutely right. Many adventurers go there to find treasure and perhaps to kill the Ant queen. Those who can do so are honored by all of Rune-Midgard. If you are to train, you could perhaps help in ridding the ant eggs. "Added Tier.
Hiking across the barren lands of the desert, Myria thought about the Ant Hell and she anxiously wondered what her brother was doing. As they neared the hole in the ground, Myria became even more anxious. A desperate series of cries issued forth from the dungeon.
Tier turned towards the two girls. "You guys ready?"
Nodding, the two girls looked at each other and smiled encouragingly. Holding hands, they descended into the dark dungeon, the unearthly screams offending their ears.