The silence of confusion followed after Izaneus's first words into the world. Louise raised an eyebrow, before the realization of the situation dawned on her, and her expression turned to a mixture of shock, disgust, and shame. Aimed at both herself; and whatever she had "Summoned". A mistake, an immediate and regrettable outcome for all surely?
Well, that's what was assumed by our most recent summon. With no clue into his current situation, he spoke once more, opting for the hope that they simply hadn't heard him the first time.
"Ts'ere, Vesht Appsht?" his voice sounded, and brought subsequent silence with him. As though speaking an ancient taboo. He began to grow worried, had he? he'd simply asked where he was. But maybe his words had different meanings here?
His worries were, thankfully, assuaged by the raging chorus of laughter.
Now the worst case scenario (or so he hoped), was that he simply embarrassed himself. Which was fine. embarrassing first impressions made the world go round.
Yet, despite his own constant self assurances, he couldn't fight the cherry shade of red slowly creeping to his face.
On the other side of the barrage, yet also feeling the selfsame embarrassment. Was Louise, currently in her own, yet similar, predicament.
"Please Professor! You've got to let me perform the summoning ritual again!" her voice began to die down, and shake. Nearly drowned in the laughter that roared for Iza's confusion.
This was supposed to be the day. The day the ridicule and side glances stopped, the day she gained the respect she deserved. Not much... but to be treated as a human.
This was it however, laughter and the blonde haired fool who couldn't even speak the dominant language.
For a moment. Just a moment... the situation, and her emotional state, allowed thoughts she usually kept at bay to surface.
"Why me...?" what crime against Brimir have I commit to deserve such a fate...?" with a shake of her head she cleared her mind of such subjects... or, rather.. she simply saved it for a separate time, when she could deal with such feelings privately.
The professor in question however, was very concerned about his present situation. It was all very... unorthodox. To say the very least.
On the one hand, Louise had successfully performed the summoning ritual, reaffirming her skill, and talent for magic for all to see. Despite it being obviously misinterpreted as a failure.
However, such a reaction was warranted, as the nature of the summon was also a portion of his concerns.
It was human, such a feat alone was unheard of! It spoke, appeared... fairly spooked, and continually tried to communicate. Assumedly attempting to gain his bearings, Rather understandable. Given the-
"Professor Colbert!"
-Situation.
Louise's last cry for his answer shocked the poor teacher out of his thoughts, allowing him to listen to the girl on likely one of the worst days of her life.
"You need to let me re-perform the ritual! Something clearly went wrong!!" she exclaimed emotionally, her desperation to do well showing just a bit.
Colbert assessed the man Louise summoned, seeing him as not that much younger than his summoner, lean, if slightly athletic, and... a rather strange air surrounded him. something the professor couldn't put his tongue on...
With a sigh he raised his staff and himself to full height, wanting to be seen as an authoritative figure to his pupils. Which succeeded, seeing as they all quieted down as he did so.
The safe thing to do here would be to allow her to re-perform the ceremony... or simply expel her... if she brought a man, what else could she summon?
The thought plagued him for a moment, before The professor finally spoke thus,
"I apologize Louise. You must complete the binding ceremony. Or you'll fail the exam, please continue."
Something deep within him spoke passionately to his mind within that moment. Something he simply couldn't quite deny.
What was it? Experience? Did he see something within the man, or within Louise? Did he feel bad for the salmon haired mage? Or did something else whisper to him from the shadows?
Whatever the case, It caused Louise to sigh, and, with tearful eyes; walk towards the "blonde haired fool", frustration clear on her face as he spoke once more.
"Ts'ere, Tainyo appsht?" He questioned. The words lost on her, as she didn't understand, assuming them to be merely gibberish. However, as her eyes rose to meet his, she'd finally seen their mild azure glow. Something that mesmerized her for a second.
She sighed once more. His eyes were pretty yes. but that simply didn't do anything for her. He wasn't any magnificent beast she could boast about to her sisters or peers. Nor was he anything that even mildly reflected who she was.
Annoying, to say the least.
Finally, Reluctantly, Louise began the binding ceremony. As she did so, her recently summoned companion began to tense. His eyes flicked around trying to find what it was that was causing such potent magic.
"My name is Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Valliere..." The magic around him swirled violently, and calmed suddenly. Finding, and coalescing around the caster. giving her a warm, comforting glow.
"Pentagon of the five elemental powers; bless this humble being, and make him my familiar." The chant was finished, and the whirlwind of magic that had surrounded and fought around her once more. Gave her a divine, welcoming aura, telling the boy to come closer.
Ensuring everything would be alright. He would be safe.
All he needed to do was serve his master.
Before he could jolt back Louise's lips connected with his, and the spell was complete. The warmth he felt soon turned to a burning pain, focused in his right hand.
Pulling away from the girl. He held his hand in Agony. Watching as the whisps of magic around him carved unfamiliar runes into his skin. Causing him to shout as they did so. Grasping at his coat tightly to alleviate some of the pain.
Unfortunately, a rather fruitless effort.
His vision began to darken, as the last of his strength left him, his eyes shut, and he collapsed on the ground. Weakened, and Unconscious. Leaving Louise to stare at the frustrating, and unfortunate form that was her familiar.
Now she needed to get him back to her room...
Her thoughts were interrupted with a pat on the shoulder by Colbert. Whos she met, though his were focused on her "failure"
"You've passed Louise, congratulations!" he stated, his eyes not leaving the newly bound familiar. Or rather, the runes that now adorned his sleeping body.
crushing down, he grabbed the young man's hand, and inspected it closely. doing his best to recall his runic studies... but, nothing came to mind.
"Hm.." he mumbled, opening a small journal of his, and jotting them down as quickly as he could.
With this. He stood, leaving a confused Louise in his wake, and turning toward the rest of his class. All of whom had summoned their companions before the aforementioned Louise had arrived.
"Very good everyone!! You may all continue with your day, and I must say I'm incredibly impressed with your progress thus far!" He stated. Giving, and receiving in turn, a hearty smile from his class.
He turned to Louise. Who was currently struggling to lift her familiar off the ground.
"Would you like some help with him?" He asked politely. Receiving a prideful, yet pleading stare in return.
"I've got it!!" she exclaimed, frustration clear in her voice.
with a consoling smile. He grabbed the boy's other arm, and hoisted it above his shoulder.
Hello! First and foremost I'd like to apologize for any and all grammatical errors present. I've had a bit of trouble with this chapter in particular, from losing progress to nearly deleting the whole thing.
So I've determined to write in docs, and bring it all over from there after formally checking the grammar.
Secondly. in regards to concerns around my story and the fictional political dealios ( not a word I know.) I assure that it will not be the center point of the story. They're not out to fix corrupt systems. They're out to live life. That was just a bit of foreshadowing.
Thirdly, I'd like to mention that while I don't reply, I read each and every comment. So please continue to give criticism on what you like, and what you don't! The adventure continues! Until next time!