Chapter 2: Tattoos
The second the flames began to grow Harry felt an intense heat as his world faded. Almost instantly he could feel his body move, flying through space, powered by an unknown force. For that one moment he thought he made a horrible mistake, but then it stopped, the fire ceased and he was standing in the center of an intricate stone structure. He looked around a moment and saw a large fire shaped symbol carved into the dark grey stones.
"Come on Harry, this is just a landing place. Similar to a wizards fire place for flooing." Blaze said as he lead Harry out of a small opening in the grey stoned structure.
Whatever Harry could have possible expected to see as he left the extremely large version of a floo, it wasn't this. His eyes scanned a mossy stone path that lead to a small market place hidden beneath a magnificent green canopy. It was like seeing Hogwarts for the first time again. 'It's amazing how seeing one area can change your perspective of the world' He thought gazing into the wonderland before him.
The market seemed to blend into its forest like surroundings, shops and corner stores were composed of bright wood and large stone pillars. Each structure looked as if it was grown, not built. The narrow pathways leading from shop to shop connected to one large cobblestone road that forked out of sight. Many small creeks and brooks interrupted the stone path. As small wooden bridges, which seemed to mold into the earth, allowed people to pass without added difficulty.
Men, women, and children were dressed in all shades of blue, white, red, and green. Their hair and eyes seemed to match their outfits perfectly just as Blaze's did. Many of the younger children carried plain looking bows, and small wooden swords. As did the adults and teenagers, but theirs were actual weapons, not for practice. The weapons they carried were magnificent. Made from all different types of metal. 'Another question to ask' He thought. Harry scanned the area trying to find one person dressed like himself. It took him a few second, but he finally did. A small girl that looked around the age of five sat on a light stone bench that over looked a small brook running through the center of town.
Blaze who had been watching Harry closely, decided it was time for him to explain a few things to the young man. Especially when he saw the look of confusion when he spotted Angelia.
"Harry, it's not polite to stare." Blaze said with a slight smirk.
Harry instantly turned around to see the smiling elemental and said, "I…I didn't mean to…I was just wondering why they're all dressed like that and she isn't."
"Dressed like what?" Blaze said in an offended tone, as he watched Harry's discomfort. The young man looked as if he was going to apologize, but Blaze said. "I'm just joking, you're really way too easy to upset. We're dressed like this because it feels the most comfortable. As we develop our elemental skills our appearance changes. As you can see from my appearance I'm a fire elemental." He said rather proudly. "First you'll notice little things like what type of clothes you wear, then your hair will change, and lastly your eye color. It's just a matter of time."
"So I'll soon find an affinity to wear all red?" Harry asked with one eyebrow cocked.
Blaze gave a slight chuckle and said, "I don't really know about that, but you will find it hard not to wear a color that has to do with your elemental abilities. Come on let's find a place to talk. I know this is going to be a long explanation."
Harry just nodded and followed Blaze as he walked down past the many small shops and businesses. Blaze led Harry to a clearing just beyond the main market place that had a few benches and a water fountain made by a talented couple. One being a water elemental and the other an earth.
From the look Harry gave him Blaze decided this was a good enough spot to continue their talk. "From what I saw at your house you are definitely a water elemental, and a strong one at that, but you could have control over another element as well. Very few, if any of our strongest elementals could have done what you did today." Harry gave him a puzzled look, "You see the later in life an elemental gains his or her power the stronger they become."
"Why isn't it the other way around? I mean wouldn't it make more sense that the less time it takes for the powers to manifest, the greater time one has to develop them?" Harry asked feeling slightly confused.
"Well that is a good question." Blaze said after pausing, trying to think of the best way to explain this. "Try to imagine it like this. When you're born you have a small flame inside you, and each day you grow older, it grows stronger. Then one day it stops and stays one size. You'll be able to use it and keep it burning, but it will never get any stronger, or hotter than it was the first day it stopped growing. Does that make sense?"
Harry gave him a blank look and just slowly nodded.
"The size your body allowed it to grow to determines how strong of an elemental you'll actually be." Blaze finished ignoring Harry's inability to understand him.
"So how old are most elementals when they start showing their powers?' Harry asked.
"Most of us start showing signs of being an elemental on our third birthday. A few make it past age four and it's almost unheard of past the age of six. There have only been four elementals that discovered their powers after that age and they built this town. Well five counting you."
Harry listened intently as Blaze made his speech under the calming branches of an ancient weeping willow. He was starting to understand, but if it was true, than he was going to become a very powerful elemental.
Blaze seemed to read Harry thoughts and asked him, "Is today the first day you've done anything like this, the freezing I mean."
"Yeah it is. I noticed something else odd today too. When I was running I found it much easier, and could tell I was going much faster then I should have been. Does that have something to do with this too?" Harry asked.
"Air elemental. That's a really strange combination." Blaze said, and seeing the question forming on Harry's lips he decided to continue. "You see elementals usually have the ability to control only one element. Very few can control two and when that happens it's usually the same combination, actually it's always the same combinations. It's either Air with Fire or Water with Earth. I don't think in our entire history there's been an air and water elemental."
"Great another thing that makes me famous." Harry mumbled angrily.
"Two actually, not only are you the only known elemental with a water and air combination. You are also the oldest elemental to discover your power. Congrats mate." Said Blaze barely containing a laugh.
Harry didn't think it was all that funny until he saw Blaze trying to maintain a straight face. "Oh ha ha very funny." Said Harry as Blaze laughed harder. Harry enjoyed Blaze's company. The man was a lot more relaxed then most adults he knew. He actually reminded him a lot of the Weasley twins. 'If all the people here are like Blaze I might actually get along with them until I get to go home.' Harry thought.
Harry didn't notice that Blaze had gotten up, as he was lost in his own thoughts. Blaze looked down at him and said, "Well you better get up, I've been told to bring you to see the Elders. We need to get to you settled."
"Settled?" Harry asked
"Yeah we need to find you a home to stay in." Blaze said.
"Wait…a home, I thought I was just coming here. I can't stay here my friends will worry. I need to get back. I have to contact them, they'll think that Voldemort has me." Harry said really quickly so Blaze couldn't put in an objection until he was finished.
"Whoa, slow down there kid, everything will be okay. We'll let you send one letter telling them that you're safe. You can't tell them where you are though. No one must know." Blaze said as they walked down the main cobble stone path. Harry was unaware of the curious stares, and seemingly hateful glances, in his direction.
"Why can't I tell them where I am? And why do I have to stay here?" Harry asked.
"You can't tell them where you are because we don't want anyone to know where we are. No wizard can find us; we've hidden ourselves from them because it's what we wanted to do. The powers we use bind us to nature. We've watched what many wizards have done to other magical beings, and it's atrocious. Take the Centaurs for example, wizards treat them as if they're less than human, we don't want that to happen to us. Actually we don't want that to happen to them either. That is why we keep an open contact with all magical creatures, but I'm getting a little off topic." Blaze said and he paused for a second, "The answer to your second question is simple. If you leave here without being trained you'll die."
"What? Why would I die?" Harry asked
"The abilities that manifested within you are very powerful. If you're not taught how to use them, how to control them, they'll consume you. Part of my job here is to keep a look out for any elemental activity. If I find someone then I'm supposed to bring them back here to be looked after and trained."
Harry didn't know what to say, he just stood there shocked. 'If Blaze didn't find me, I could have died.' Harry kept thinking over and over. Harry began to feel indebted to this man.
The pair walked past all the various shops, to Harry's disappointment. He wanted to see if they were anything like the shops in Diagon Alley. They continued up a slight incline that continued to grow until it's fairly high peak. Once reaching the top Harry could see part of Quadril, tucked into a luscious green valley. It seemed to be divided into four different areas, represented by different types of trees. In the North stood a mass of Red Maple, that were actually glowing in the mid day sun, almost as if the trees were set ablaze. The western corner was filled with ancient Willow trees, hiding everything below them under their wide canopies. To the east a forest of white and silver Russian olive trees danced playfully on their own. Closest to Harry and Blaze a thick rippling forest of blue Atlas maple swayed gently below them. In the center of the four sections the town's market place seemed to be a mixture of the four trees and colors.
Blaze didn't notice Harry had stopped until he was a few paces ahead. He was going to interrupt but he let Harry stare for a little longer. After a minute or so Harry turned to Blaze with a very puzzled expression, "Why is everything so divided?" he asked.
"Well it's not really divided as it seems, but the trees did grow that way. No one really knows why, but they did, and like I said before. Elementals feel more comfortable living around colors that represent their element. I think this is just the way mother-nature intended it to be." He said and that diminished Harry's curiosity for a moment.
Blaze began walking again and Harry followed obediently, lost in his thoughts. The walk didn't last more than fifteen minutes and Harry soon found himself staring at an enormous stonewall, with two large doors covered in ancient runes.
"This Harry is The Guild." Blaze said as the came closer to the large doors.
"The what?"
"The Guild is our training area."
"Oh." Was Harry's only response.
"Now there's a few things you must know about The Guild, are you listening carefully?" He asked suddenly turning serious.
"Yes sir." Harry responded immediately to the more adult tone Blaze had given him and for once Blaze didn't think calling him 'sir' was odd.
"Good. Now the rules are very important. Always be respectful to everyone within The Guild. Always call someone by his or her proper title. In most cases it is Mentor, but since you know no one, Sir and Ma'am will do for now. Rule number two, never speak unless spoken to, unless you are of a higher rank, which you aren't. Rule number three, listen to the Elders, and listen to the Mentors, they will help guide you. Are you still with me?"
"Yes sir," Harry replied feeling a little more nervous about the formality of The Guild.
"There are many rules, but those are the ones you need for now. The others will be explained when they are necessary. Is that also clear?"
Harry merely nodded his head. Feeling a little anxiety.
"Good, now time flows a little differently within The Guild, actually, it almost stops. It might take a moment for you to adjust, but it won't be horrible."
"Er…Yes sir, but in what way?" Harry asked.
"The Guild was built so during your training you don't lose time. In other words you can train for a day within The Guild and only a minute will have passed in real time…" Blaze paused for a second, then said, "There are problems though…"
"Problems, sir?"
"Yes, just one really, during the time you train you won't really feel tired. You won't really feel your muscles burn, just a dull ache, but the moment you leave." He gave let out an odd chuckle. "It's like having a boulder dropped on you. Everything you did that day comes crashing down. It takes a little getting used to, but it's dead useful when it comes to training. Any other questions?"
Harry opened his mouth to say something, then just closed it again and shook his head.
"Great and one last thing…Elves aren't related to house elves, and don't forget that." With that Blaze placed his left hand on a large rune and his right on an intricate carving of the Celtic Tree of Life. For a second nothing happened then slowly a golden light began to pulse through the wooden doors, slowly consuming it. Then with a brilliant flash of golden light, the doors faded. Leaving a large opening in the seemingly endless wall.
Harry expected to see a castle entrance, a brick path, or at the very least more land, but what he saw was a glowing golden mist floating in front of them. Blaze turned to him and said, "Alright just walk through. I'll go first." And with that he walked through. Harry looked a little apprehensive but followed all the same.
Blaze stumbled through the mist waiting for Harry on the other side. He knew how disorienting it felt to cross the threshold the first time. So he went first to catch Harry. Every human that has ever passed through fainted the first time. It wasn't something to be ashamed of, it just happened. So when Harry walked through under his own power and only wobbled a bit when he walked over to Blaze. The fire elemental was amazed.
"Well that's interesting." Harry mumbled under his breath as he looked back at the billowing mist behind him. Harry gained his footing and looked to Blaze, who seemed to be dumbstruck. "Is everything alright sir?" Harry inquired.
Blaze mentally shook himself before saying, "Yeah, I'm fine Harry. How do you feel?"
"A little woozy." He answered truthfully. "Does that happen every time you pass through?"
"It gets better." Blaze answered. He decided not to tell Harry anything about what should have happened, until later. "Follow me." He said, as he turned away and motioned for Harry to follow.
Harry noticed that he was no longer in a field, and no longer surrounded by trees. He was standing in what seemed to be a fortress. He looked around to find large room filled with weapons and armor. Not an armory, but similar. The stone walls gave of a slight ethereal glow, that dimly pulsated. Harry moved closer too touch it when Blaze interrupted his exploring.
"Harry we must keep going. We're scheduled to speak with the Elders soon, and there's still a few things I must tell you about the ritual."
"Ritual?" Harry asked feeling a little more than nervous.
"Yes, but it's really nothing to worry about. It does sting a little bit, and take a little while but it's necessary."
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"Well it's a test really, but not in the traditional sense. You don't have to do anything. The only thing you have to do is sit on a pedestal with you shirt off. The Elders will initiate the ritual. It's just done to test your elemental control and power."
"How does it do that?" Harry asked sensing there was more to this story than Blaze had let on.
"The Elders will put a small amount of power into the ancient circle and it will determine your power."
"And how does it do that?" Harry urged.
"By marking you. That's the part that stings a bit. The Circle will leave something like a tattoo on your arm. It's nothing too bad. It's going to appear near your shoulder of your dominant hand. It's our way of classifying an elemental. It will show the level of control you'll have and what type of elements you control"
"So I just get a tattoo, that's it?"
"Well not really. The tattoo is an important marking; it will help determine your elemental control. There are many factors that will show how skilled you are or can be." Said Blaze. Harry just gave him a look that told him he should continue.
"The first but least important is the time it takes for the markings to appear. The faster they appear the easier you'll be able to connect to your element. This is an advantage, but you can always learn how to connect to your element through meditation." Blaze said as he looked to Harry to see if he was listening. Seeing that he was Blaze continued.
"The second is the detail the image holds. Each tattoo will vary from person to person but the amount of detail put into it will determine how much you can actually do with the element. The third factor is how large the mark actually is. Nearly all markings are the same size the only difference is how far it wraps around the arm. The longer the band, the longer you'll be able to control your element without tiring. The fourth factor is the color. Usually the tattoo takes on one or two colors that represent the element. The more color, the more of your own power you can put into the element. Are you still with me?" Blaze asked before continuing.
"Yes sir, time, detail, size, and color." Harry stated to show he understood.
"Great, now the last but definitely not least is the movement of the tattoo. It isn't unusual for the tattoo to flicker, or change color, but true movement is nearly unheard of. The amount of movement the tattoo has the further away you can control your element. For instance, most elementals can control their element ten to fifteen meters away. The more the tattoo moves the further away you can control it. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah pretty much, but I do have one more question."
"What's that?"
"May I see your tattoo? Just to get a feel of what it is." Harry asked.
Blaze looked at the boy for a second then said, "I guess, but the marking is usually a very personal thing. Even though everyone has to have a patch of their tattoo warn on their training robes, but that isn't the same. To show someone you must have to trust them." Blaze said as he slowly lifted his sleeve.
At first Harry was shocked to have gained the fire elementals trust so quickly. He really hadn't done much with the man, but Blaze still seemed to trust him, and he was happy about that. As Blaze slid his sleeve up, Harry could see the image of deep red brawn sword, which had small yellow and orange flames slowly moving up and down the blade. Behind the sword a large shield of light blue and orange wrapped around the man's arm.
"Wow" was the only statement Harry could manage.
"As you can see my mark, has a slight movement." Said Blaze as he pointed towards the flames that slowly licked the length of the blade.
Blaze rolled down his sleeve and said, "Well we better hurry we don't want to get there after the Elders, it wouldn't be respectful. Come on now, follow me."
Harry followed Blaze silently as he studied his surroundings. The pair walked out of the main halls towards a door that led outside. As they walked the sounds of swords clanging, young people shooting, and slight explosions, rumbled and echoed through the ancient Halls.
Blaze opened a large oak door and sunlight filtered through. They walked out into the main training fields as Harry senses were overwhelmed. The first smell he recognized was freshly cut grass, which reminded him of Quidditch. He looked towards the sky expecting to see blue, but was surprised to see the same swirling mist he first walked through. It was giving off the light he saw, not the sun. As he studied, Blaze continued on. Harry could see young people practicing archery, and others controlling their elements behind protective wards. 'This is going to be interesting,' he thought.
A few second later Harry's eyes fell upon their destination. In the center of the fields stood a cathedral like building. It had high towers and beautiful stained glass windows, which each portrayed a different element.
Harry and Blaze walked into the cathedral like room, and the first thing Harry noticed was the raised platform at the fair end of the room. The platform represented all of the elements respectively. The base was created from a light granite, that seemed to grow from the floor, as small plants, and ivy circled it. A light flow of water trickled off the surface and slowly fell below, disappearing into a wall of fire. What was the most interesting was slight mist that surrounded it. 'That must be the representation of air.' Harry thought. The only thing Harry couldn't place was the slight glow, which emanated from the platform.
The next thing Harry noticed had to be what Blaze referred to as 'The Circle'. Carved into the light stone, was an intricate representation of the Celtic Tree of Life. It was modified only slightly. Five points seemed to be added to the outside rim of the circle. Each with it's own symbol. Harry quickly identified four of the five, but the carving of a hand eluded him. In the very center of the circle a large smooth stone was suspended in the air. It was being held by what seemed to be a jet of water, a cyclone of air, and column of fire.
Blaze told Harry not to approach the circle until the Elders told him it was safe to do so. Not long after the door to the right of the podium slowly opened revealing an elderly man with nearly clear white eyes, dressed in a dazzling white robe. His long white hair flowed past his shoulders to the middle of his back. He walked with unprecedented grace, which made him seem to be floating, but Harry was sure his feet were touching the ground. The man surveyed Harry for a second then gave a slight smile, before taking a seat at the far end of the platform.
The next person to enter the room was an elderly woman with bright red hair, and equally bright eyes. It was almost eerie to see another person with blood red eyes beside Voldemort, but these eyes held kindness and understanding. Nothing like the evil and hate seen upon the snake like face of Lord Voldemort. She was dressed in a similar style to the first man, except in deep reds, yellows, and a touch of orange.
Moments after a man slightly younger looking than the rest entered. His dark brown, almost black eyes fell upon Harry with disgust. He had long brown hair that was neatly tied in a ponytail. He was dressed in a brown robe, with a green collar. Harry had a bad feeling about this man, yet he felt the need to respect him, just like the others before him.
The last elemental to enter was a woman that looked in her mid-eighties. She had dark blue, flowing hair, which seemed to be rippling as she walked. Her stride was calm and collected, just like her piercing sapphire blue gaze. She wore a deep blue robe that shimmered slightly as she moved. Her face held no emotions towards Harry like the others had.
Harry began to study each Elder, waiting and watching for them to make the next move when another person walked in through the large oak doors. This time the person did not look old, did not share the others affinity for elemental attire, he didn't even look human. He was much taller and seemed to be much younger than the others. If Harry had to guess he'd say he was around fifty years of age. He had pale skin that almost seemed to glow in the low light of the cathedral. His hair was almost clear, but his eyes where his most astounding feature. They were a slight purple, which was visibly glowing in the dim light. His ears were visible through his clear, long hair, and held a slight point. This was the Elder Elf.
After the Elders were seated, an awkward silence descended upon the seven occupants, but this didn't last long. The annoyed looking earth elemental spoke first, slicing through the tension. "Why have you brought us this wand waver….this filth…this wizard." He spat 'wizard' as if it was the most foul of all insults.
Blaze bowed his head slightly as he spoke, showing respect towards the leaders of the guild. "The boy has shown his first signs of control earlier today. I have brought him here to be taught our ways, to be trained." Blaze replied with confidence, yet the utmost respect.
"Are you sure of this?" The earth Elder said. "His kind has never been anything but a plague of the earth. Surely the Earth Mother would not endow this wizard with our gifts."
"I'm quite certain Elder Vaughn…" The earth Elder made a slight 'humph' before blaze continued. "He has shown power and control beyond all of our known water elementals." He looked to the Blue haired Elder. "No offence meant Elder Brook."
The water elemental bowed her head towards Blaze and replied, "None taken." In a calm yet skeptical tone.
"So you accept the wizard Marlene?" Asked Elder Vaughn.
"I do. If he is an elemental and if we don't train him, his death will be on our hands. I can't live with that…can you?" She asked him, even though she knew his answer.
"He is a wizard. Sub-Human…"
"So that warrants him a death sentence?" Asked the air Elder, in a slightly modified tone.
"We'd be better off without his kind. I don't see why it would…."
"You're ignorant prejudice is not valid here. That should never effect your decisions. Now do we agree that the boy is to be tested?" Asked the Elder elf.
All of the Elders nodded except Elder Vaughn, who just sat staring into Harry's vibrant green eyes. "I guess we should. It will be great to see the circle consume him when he is deemed…unworthy." Said the man with an evil glint in his eyes.
Harry was a little nervous now. Blaze hadn't really discussed what happened during this ritual, just the out come. He didn't want to be 'consumed' as Elder Vaughn had so bluntly put it.
Each Elder moved towards Harry, they each took a place near their symbol. "Would you please remove your shirt son, and step into the circle when we say?" Asked the Elder Elf.
"Yes Elder." Replied Harry.
Each elder took a knee and placed the palm of their hand on the stone markings. Slowly, each one gathered their power and released it into the stone. The five different forms of magic, of life, trailed through the carving towards the center. Harry watched in amazement as the energy reached the center and gave off a blinding flash.
"You may now remove your shirt and step into the circle." Said the Air Elder.
Harry removed Dudley's old, oversized castaway and moved into the circle. He took a tentative step and another flash of energy 'jumped' from the pedestal into Harry. He felt a slight tingle then a feeling of warmth and acceptance.
"You may now move to the center, and sit." Said the Fire Elder.
Harry did as he was told and took a seat on the pedestal. Once there he expected something to happen but nothing did, he just bobbed up and down while the Elders began to talk.
"Well at least he didn't die." Said the elf Elder.
"Yeah what a shame. Now we just have to sit here for hours to see what miniscule control the boy has. I mean the least we have to wait is five minutes, but you know we'll be here all day for some…." Said Elder Vaughn, but he was cut off when a swirl of water surrounded Harry.
The small stream started to form at the base of the circle moving up around the boy and never disconnecting from the ground. Once it reached Harry the water began to change shape. Slowly morphing into a snake. A pattern of scales began to show from the base, rapidly moving towards the tip. The water continued to twist around Harry as it began to take on a more recognizable shape. First the tail, then the midsection, and finally the head took its form. Once the head was finished shaping Harry didn't want this tattoo. He knew the snake, and it would never leave his thoughts. The water formed a Basilisk.
The snake turned towards Harry. It's face floating inches from his own. It's normally deadly gaze held something of kindness. Not of death, fear, or hate, but a wanting to be accepted. Harry could feel the snake was nothing like the Basilisk he'd seen before and bowed his head towards the snake, as it did the same. The Basilisk turned away from Harry and started to wrap around his left arm. The snake began to coil, slowly adding pressure before the pain started. At first all Harry could think about was the pain, but it faded as quickly as it came. He looked down at his arm once again to see the snake sitting there eyeing him. It flicked its tongue and circled his arm. "Great it's alive." He thought.
To say Elder Brook was amazed, would be an extreme understatement. She was down right awestruck. Not in all her years had she seen a marking as complex, as beautiful, and yet, as deadly as Harry's. 'He I must train.' She thought.
Before anyone could move, a slight breeze began to form. A cloud of white mist flowed around Harry until it rushed above him making his hair stand on end. He watched with amazement as the cloud began to form. The first thing that was recognizable was a large wingspan. Brilliant feathery wings flapped gently as the air became more solid. It was only seconds before a body took shape followed by an eagle like head. Harry liked this form. It held something of happier thoughts. The Hippogriff flapped its wings gently before Harry, waiting for him to make the first move. Harry took a deep bow without breaking eye contact. Almost immediately the Hippogriff returned the bow flew straight towards Harry leaving a trail of wispy feathers in its wake. The form flew into Harry's right arm, and again he felt the same pain, which faded just like before.
He looked down at the tattoo to see the Hippogriff looking towards him. The mass of its form was centered on his thin arm, but the wings wrapped around it as they moved up and down. Long trails of feathers were also easily visible slowly swirling down Harry's arm, as if they were caught in a slight breeze.
The second the tattoo was absorbed and slow rumble was heard emanating from the circle. There was a collective gasp of, "That's not possible" from everyone but Harry. The rumble turned to a roar as a layer of orange flames seeped through the stone. They moved towards each other forming a pile. At first there was nothing, just a lump of flames. Then a small bright blue head poked through. Instantly Harry new this form. This was going to be a phoenix. The baby phoenix looked to Harry then spread it's near bare wings. It flapped once and instantly it had gained its feathers. With another flap it was eye level with Harry. It let out an inaudible screech and flew around Harry. Circling him twice then flying into his back. The pain was extremely intense. Much worse then the other two, but it faded just as quickly. He turned his neck to see if he could see anything, but all he saw was the flapping of brilliant blue wings.
Now everyone in the room was silent. Harry knew what had happened wasn't normal, but he didn't want to say anything. The only person that looked upset by this was Elder Vaughn. He was the first to break the silence for the second time that day. "Get off the stool boy. You've shown off enough for today."
Harry was ab0out to move off when the Elder Elf yelled, "Don't MOVE." Instantly Harry froze. "The circle hasn't finished. This isn't over." Everyone stared at him perplexed, the elements had finished, and Harry wasn't going to be an earth elemental, if he was it would have been the first element to mark the boy.
Moments after he was stopped, the circle started to pulsate. An unearthly white light began to grow. Then with a brilliant flash, it was done. Harry looked around for a shape, an animal, anything, but it wasn't there. What he couldn't see were his eyes. His impossibly green eyes were now literally glowing.
The Elder Elf knew it was nearly impossible to gauge ones magical power just by the circle, but he had a feeling about this boy. He knew wizards, especially powerful wizards had the ability for wandless magic, but this boy was different. "Any other wizard would not pass the circles test. They would not be given the sight. Yes." He thought. "This boy is most definitely different."
Harry just sat there watching the Elders expressions. Elder Brook, The Air Elder, and Fire elder, just stood staring at him. The Elder Elf seemed to be very deep in thought and Elder Vaughn looked positively venomous. Blaze was the first to speak. "Is it safe for him to move?" He asked.
The Elders seemed to awaken from their stupor and nodded. Harry stood and moved away from the circle. He looked to Blaze who was still watching the Elders. "Is that all, sir?" He asked in an audible whisper.
"Is there anything else Elders?" Blaze asked addressing the group.
Elder Brook turned towards him quickly, causing her water like hair to cascade down her shoulders. "I believe we should decide where he should stay, who will train him, and then he must be given the proper attire." She looked towards the others who nodded, even if Vaughn's nod was rather reluctant.
"Who would take in this wizard? No one here would like to see him living, so why would they allow him in their homes?" Asked Elder Vaughn.
"We could not tell them what he is." Offered the Air Elder.
"That would be treachery Elder Tempest. We do not want to be like them. I will not stand for lying to the good family that takes this in. If they take him, they will know what it is."
"I agree with Elder Vaughn. Well not his views particularly, but this I do. The boy should not have to lie about what he is. He is an elemental, and for that he belongs among us." Said Elder Brook.
"So what would you have us do Marlene?" Asked Elder Vaughn is a sarcastic tone.
She turned her sapphire eyes to Harry, then Blaze and said, "Would you be willing?"
"If it would please the Elders and the Guild, I will take him."
"That is good, but do you really want to take him? I mean you've spent the most time with the boy. Would you like to have him in your home." She rephrased.
"Yes, Elder Brook. In the short time I've been with him he has gained my respect. I would be happy to have him." He replied with confidence. Even though elder Vaughn scoffed at the last sentence.
"Does this work for you Harry?" He just nodded. "Then it's settled. You will stay with the Hays family." Harry thought, "Blaze Hays? Probably not the best subject to bring up."
"Now as for your training that might be a little more difficult." Said the Elder Elf. "You see, most only have control over one element. You have the exceptional control over three. Not to mention your ability for wandless magic. For that I would be willing to teach you. If you are willing."
"Yes Elder." Harry replied with a polite bow.
"Good. Now for water, I believe Elder Brook would like to help you." He said as he looked towards her direction. She merely nodded in conformation. "As for fire, I believe Blaze may be able to help you." Again he looked to Blaze, who nodded. "Now for air, Elder Tempest?"
"I would like to, but I'm too busy as it is. It wouldn't be fair to the boy to be taught by someone who can't give their full attention." Stated the Air Elemental rather sadly. "I do have a recommendation however."
"Well who is it?" Asked the now angry Earth Elder.
"One of my greatest students." He said with pride. "Isis, do you think she'd be willing Blaze?"
"I do Elder, but I still have to ask."
"I believe she will accept, if she does not, we will find another."
"Now that is all settled, I believe you will be needing your uniform." Said the Elder Elf as he waved his hand. Three robes materialized before him, each a different shade of dark blue with a white lining. They seemed fairly plain before closer inspection. As the fabric moved the colors would gently change, creating a strange effect, which caused the robes appear to be ablaze and rippling as one. With another flick of the Elf's wrist Harry's tattoos were embroidered into the strange fabric.
"Now, you must wear these robes while in the guild, but not necessarily at all time. There will be occasions where it will be necessary that you were more suitable clothing such as battle robes." Said the Elder. "Now you should try one on."
Harry did so by slipping the fine fabric over his worn, castoff clothing. The robes were loose at first, but the moment they settled into place they resized to fit his slender frame. After his clothing was fit, Harry looked up towards the Elders once again.
Elder Brook looked to him and said, "Normally you would have to also wear a scarf to signify that you are just a novice. But since you are older than the rest, and they do not know you. I don't believe you will need one. It should be painfully obvious that you are new." Harry just nodded as she paused. "Now that everything is finished here, I believe it is time for you to get settled with Blaze, and his family." She paused again, "Unless there is any other business?" The others shook their heads, "Then you are free to go my young apprentice, I shall see you soon." She finished gesturing towards the pair.
A few minutes later Harry and Blaze were walking out of the Guild towards the front door. Harry had a huge smile on his face and couldn't wait to begin training. "When do I start training?" He asked as Blaze opened the door.
"As soon as we get home." Blaze said.
"Home." Harry thought, "That actually sounds funny. I've never really had a true home." Blaze walked through to flowing mist, and Harry followed. He felt the same strange feeling, and the urge to fall, but steadied himself as his feet touched the ground.
Blaze was again surprised by the young man's ability to cross the threshold without extreme difficulty. It was almost as if he'd been doing it for years. "I wonder how he'll take it after a whole day of training. The two continued their walk up the hill and towards the beautiful valley, when Harry asked, "When can I send my friends a letter telling them I'm okay?"
"Later tonight." Blaze replied, "It will help with you're training."
