Eric Lyons
With a shaky hand, I flex my fingers and strain for any sort of fire to come out of them.
I try to picture the flame in my head as I do so - a small flame of course- and try to will it in existence. I focus on the dancing sparks and unpredictable motion. I focus on the red and yellow colors that mix and crash against each other as it roars. I focus on how quickly it spread like how it did inside my dream.
...
Ugh, am I doing this right?
No, wait, I have to be. I can feel the heat emitting from the flame already. It tickles the skin in a way that reminds me of fur... but I can practically see it in my mind... maybe even touch it. I literally reach out so I can... and open my eyes to find...
...
"Oh, it's just you Twig-" The deer fox had its head laid on my hand and was staring directly into my soul, blinking only once in response to my words. That's all it took to remind me I was back in Hilda's home, safe and sound.
And still unable to do anything with my powers.
I sighed out as I let my hand plop back down onto the couch, defeated in my attempts to produce any kind of fire. Although this whole "fire" thing weirds me out... there was the smallest tinge of disappointment from not being able to produce it. You would think after having a conversation with my inner guardian that I would have better control of stuff like that, but nope, I'm just as useless as usual.
"Sorry, you had to see that Twig," I chuckle, glancing over at the deer fox, "that must've looked pretty weird on your end." He only tilted his head in response before yawning and curling up next to me.
"First a woff... and now I'm talking to a deer fox." There's a part of me that almost wants to laugh at myself for doing so, but Twig seemed to be relaxed lying next to me... so I didn't want to disturb him.
"Well, would you look at that, it looks like Twig has taken a liking to you." Alfur watched from the sidelines with an amused look. "You know from what I've seen from that critter, he usually doesn't open up so fast to strangers! Aren't you a lucky one."
"I'm g-glad he likes me then." I can't help but stammer at the idea given I haven't had time to think about the animals in this world. "I think he's settling for me for now until Hilda gets home at least."
At that, Johanna came out from the kitchen, her eyes soft as she watched the deerfox get cozy. "You'll be stuck with him for quite a bit then. She won't be home for another few hours. But in the meantime... you can relax here. I got you that water ready for you, you must be parched."
The moment the cold glass of water reached my hands, I made the unconscious decision to immediately gulp it down in one go. I could see Alfur and Twig jump a little from this, and even Johanna looked quite surprised.
"S-Sorry, my bad," I apologized, "I guess I was just thirsty..."
Instead of looking at me like I was crazy (which would've been understandable) Johanna simply smiled, "you have nothing to apologize for Eric. You're simply dehydrated... which makes sense since you only had that cocoa yesterday and goodness knows what else before then."
"I'm a little concerned over that matter myself," Alfur revealed, "have you had anything to properly eat or drink since yesterday?"
I thought back to what I did for food before coming across Hilda and being allowed to stay here and I slightly shuddered, "um… well you guys helped me out a lot, so it's not important. I just hope I'm not taking anything from you guys considering… you know."
Alfur seemed to think deeply on that note, but Johanna only shook her head and smiled, "nonsense, we have plenty of snacks and meals to choose from, you're not hogging anything."
Johanna's kindness made me smile a tiny bit. At first, I was a bit nervous to be in the same room with her alone... considering the mess I put her and Hilda into, but she seemed very friendly... as was everyone. They really were all incredible… and yet here I was mooching off of all their stuff.
But even knowing that... I feel like deep down the others still don't trust me. Again, that's understandable, but even with someone like Johanna, I think she isn't sure what to make of me. I knew she wasn't as used to… cases like mine… since Hilda dealt with my supernatural stuff more than her, but even knowing that the politeness she gave off… while I think sincere… felt a little… fearful as well. Perhaps she was overthinking things like I was, but she still gave off that impression regardless.
Alfur seemed pretty friendly as well, but now without Hilda around he was staring me down, as if he was trying to solve some puzzle in his head. Since he saw my power firsthand, I can't imagine how difficult it is for him to wrap his head around me. I wish I could reassure him with something useful, maybe some information about my past… or my bizarre fire ability. I have no idea what I could say to make that idea less… tense… for him but at the same time, I would be lying if I didn't find the… "guardian" inside me just as scary.
I mean, given that dream I had last night, the guardian inside of me is especially worrying now, and I haven't even been able to tell any of them about it yet. I couldn't even tell them about Trevor either, which honestly was crazy of me. I know I just could, I SHOULD honestly… but…
…maybe deep down a part of me wasn't as trusting as I thought.
No, I'm being stupid again. Instead of just twiddling my thumbs, I should be doing… something like everyone else… right? Maybe help organize the house? Or… learn more about Trolberg? Perhaps… work up the courage to tell them about my dream and Trevor?
My heart froze though and I continued drinking the water, just hoping that the uneasy silence that now rested in all of us would soon pass.
However, Alfur seemed to be inspecting my glass of water with intense care, narrowing his eyes in curiosity, "hmmm... interesting... I wonder if...?" He rambled to himself, mumbling quietly as I noticed his weird behavior.
"Uh... did you want a sip of this water, Alfur?" I asked nervously, unsure if he was thirsty or now. Can elves even get thirsty? Probably yeah, I was just being an idiot.
At this, Alfur perked up. "Hm? Oh, that won't be necessary Eric! I already have perfectly tailored cups for my size if I ever wanted a drink!"
"…so… like small doll cups?" I blurted out the first image that popped into my mind.
"Haha, think much smaller Eric!" Alfur winked, which now that to think about it, he was right, Alfur was very tiny, "I was just doing a little experiment in my head about your magical powers!"
"M-My powers?" I squirm in the seat for a little bit at the mention.
"Are you talking about the... magic healing... he has?" Johanna inquired. She had another glass of water poured and quietly gave it to me, her eyes downcast, "after what happened yesterday... I'm surprised he doesn't have a single scar on him."
My heart ached for Johanna in that moment, remembering how Hilda described her reaction to my wounded state when she first brought me here. She's doing a lot to help me, but would she ever recover from that? I really hope so.
Either way, Alfur debated on Johanna's question before shaking his head, "well that's one part of his abilities we gathered, yet, but I'm more curious over the fire magic he has!" Alfur beamed, "we have only seen it once, but the power was enough to protect Hilda and the rest of us. I simply was wondering if you attempted to do it now, would it boil the cup of water you have?"
Boiling… the cup with my fire powers? The thought actually didn't come to mind right away… but now that it was planted in my head, I felt… a small dose of worry.
Johanna seemed to share my unease as she rubbed her arm and looked away, " yes... the fire..." Johanna repeated, possibly reminding herself it was yet one of the many weird oddities about me.
I looked around awkwardly between the excited Alfur and silent Johanna, personally thinking just that as I turned to her, "uh... I dunno. It doesn't work on command I think." I sighed as I recalled the attempt I just tried to do. "I've ... tried it a bit but, it doesn't work. M-Maybe it only works when I'm in a tight spot and... things go wrong," I tried to reassure.
Although the idea that I couldn't control my powers probably wasn't that reassuring in hindsight. Yikes.
Regardless, Johanna sighed at my statement, "even after Hilda told me about all this, It's still so hard to believe. I mean, when you are in any sort of danger... fire... is supposed to shoot out of your hands?"
I answered as honestly as I could, gripping the ice cold glass in my hand to ground me in the present, "I mean, I'm not entirely sure, but that's apparently what happened last time. When we were in danger from Victoria, fire just kinda exploded out of my hand."
I thought back wearily to the incident, on how Victoria tried to use me just for this unknown power, and how the guardian inside me… tried to hurt her for it.
Was it really safe to even attempt to use it then?
"Eric?" Johanna said in a concerned voice. It was enough to snap me back to reality.
"Oh... sorry, I was dozing off," I lied and put the water down, "um... anyway, it's hard to remember what happened after that, but Alfur and Twig saw everything else."
The deer fox gave a lazy nod as he was napping, while Alfur clapped excitedly as if congratulating himself on being the sole one witnessing such a thing, "that is indeed correct! I must say it was truly an astonishing sight, if a bit traumatizing initially," he confessed with a nervous laugh, "I've never seen such a power detailed in any of the reports I've researched!"
"Oh… so… this is completely uncharted territory we're dealing with?" Johanna hesitantly asked.
"Y-Yeah… pretty much," I wearily nodded. Honestly, I didn't blame her for being so lost on the matter, even after that strange dream, I still had no clue about what was going on with me. Maybe it was a mistake to tell her all this on a whim.
"I'm sure we'll be able to figure out the exact properties of Eric's ability in a good while," Alfur reassured, "but of course that would require experimentation to ever properly find out."
"Experimentation?" Johanna asked, a little startled.
I'll admit even I was a little surprised at the idea, "a-and you want to try that... as in, right now?" I asked nervously. Why did the language he used there sound like Victoria...?
"O-Oh of course not!" Alfur corrected after seeing the worried look on our faces, "we don't have to attempt anything right at this moment. Besides Eric is still a child after all, and I would never want to put him in any direct danger... but if we ever did test it -preferably somewhere far away from the house- I'd suggest simple tests like-"
"Boiling a glass of water?" I whirled around in shock as Tontu of all people suddenly butted in, plopping onto the couch out of thin air. "That's what you were saying earlier, yeah?"
"W-Wha? Where did you-?" I began to say before reminding myself that he probably came out from that unknown dimension. But still, it was kinda freaky seeing him suddenly appear like that, it was almost like magic.
"Oh, good to see you again Tontu!" Alfur smiled, along with Johanna who seemed used to it, "it looks like you gave Eric a little fright there!"
Tontu glanced over at me, just noticing my presence as he patted my shoulder, "oh... didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to listen in on what was happening. We've never really had a guest with such weird abilities before, it's unheard of."
...
Um, doesn't he realize what he just TELEPORTED a moment ago?
I think he actually didn't because he paused for a second, thinking to himself before finally realizing, "Oh right, you're actually the most recent resident with a secret power I suppose. The last one was me, as you can tell."
"Well, we gather a unique crowd, that's for sure," Johanna nodded, half laughing… half… probably exhausted from all the shenanigans.
"Y-Yeah, it's not just me with something strange then..." I mumbled, "except I guess the thing you have isn't really unnatural. It's normal for you guys in this world, right?"
"Absolutely," Alfur nodded calmly, along with Twig as if he understood the question.
"Yes, I suppose so," Johanna also agreed, though she seemed reluctant to do so, "I mean, Hilda and her friends are the ones who adapt to things like that very easily, so I had to make that effort as well of course."
So that must be why Hilda wasn't... too... freaked about it, and that's probably why Alfur is so curious about my power now.
Speaking of which, the elf suddenly waved his tiny hand at the Nisse, "yes yes! Tontu's ability is very impressive, but I must ask what you were referring to before you came into the room?"
"About the glass of water? Oh right, as I was saying, his power is like... fire right? So can't he just boil it? I mean, it should be a pretty simple task, you crank up the heat, and it starts to boil, just like a stove."
"Why are you comparing him to a kitchen device?" Johanna sighed.
"I'm only saying that's how his power would work," Tontu corrected as he thought about it, "you know, like a stove."
"So you're comparing me to that…" Now it was my turn to sigh, but Alfur only seemed more intrigued by the idea.
"Ah, so you're interested as well Tontu?" Alfur asked with a big smile, "I'm glad to know I'm not the only one that's curious, and you even think my idea for a test is plausible!"
"Well it's not like I wanna see him start bursting flames from his hands all of a sudden," Tontu said flatly, "something that's small like my idea would be best. And also... Johanna and I were the only ones kept in the dark about everything yesterday so... I wanna see."
"Hold on a moment," Johanna interrupted, raising an eyebrow, "has some of Hilda rubbed off on both of you? Are we actually encouraging this idea right now?"
Alfur and Tontu both froze right then, and though it wasn't directed at him even Twig stiffened a little.
"Um... forgive me for my imprudence," Alfur nervously laughed, "what I meant to say was... at perhaps another point in time we could test this but right now we should... table this idea for now and try another day?"
"But you still want to try it out eventually?" Johanna questioned with an unimpressed stare. At this Alfur sort of awkwardly pushed his hat down.
"It wouldn't hurt to try though, right?" Tontu suddenly asked, "I don't think his power is anything to be afraid of. From his point of view there's a bunch of strange things in this world, but honestly there's a bunch of weirdos who can do wacky things. I just teleported, yeah? That's totally normal here for the most part."
"For the most part?" I repeated.
Tontu shrugged at this, "I mean it's still weird, but our power really isn't anything different from yours. Or at least it isn't different in how weird it is. I guess what I'm saying is... there's no harm in testing it, you know? Cause what you consider a weird power is actually normal, you just gotta learn about it."
I tried to say something, anything in response, but nothing came out. Everything started to feel cold when I thought of whatever "ability" I have, but Tontu was right. I mean, in the span of two days I met a talking bird who might actually be a god, an elf, a hairy fuzz ball creature that went into some place called the "Nowhere Space", and a mix between a deer and a fox. Is my power really that strange in comparison?
Johanna glanced between Alfur and Tontu as I was processing this before her eyes landed squarely on me. It's embarrassing to say this but I did tense up as Johanna began to study me. She seemed to be looking for something. A hint of doubt from me? Or perhaps a sign that I was okay with this? But I didn't know… I wasn't sure at all about this… especially after that dream.
"If I may add something to Tontu's comment," Alfur nervously started, "I understand how hard it is to properly wrap our heads around this ability, but doing a simple test would help ease our concerns I feel, especially for Eric who could learn how to control this power."
"This would help him control such a thing?" Johanna narrowed her eyes.
"Of course, practice makes perfect right?" The elf glanced at me reassuringly when he said that, as if I was actually capable of such a thing, "with that knowledge then, wouldn't it be better to see what exactly he can do? There are no pre-established limits as far as I can tell, so he could feasibly do much more than what we're seeing. It could help him properly establish how to control and limit his talent… and to be honest, I am very curious to know what that could be!"
I got a sinking feeling when Victoria talked about my powers, but with Alfur and Tontu, there was a sort of childlike giddiness to them... as if they were excited to see what I was capable of. They didn't desire to use my power or anything, they just… wanted to see my potential.
I'm not sure why... but it almost reminded me of Trevor and his friends in a way.
Would they also want to see what I could do?
"Come on Eric!" Trevor shouted, "you can do it!"
…
…
…
Well, maybe, it wouldn't hurt to try.
But... looking down at my hands... it's hard to think I could do something like that... and even when I tried now... the thought of any flames bursting out of my hand made me ironically shiver, because it was only possible with that guardian.
The very thing Victoria wanted.
"I wasn't lying when I said you had something in you Eric," she says, "but that thing is so powerful that it dwarfs anything ever recorded. You have so much power in fact that it dwarfs the Great Raven's alone my child!"
"I will quickly dispatch anything from this world if it tries to hurt you, understand?" it echoes, "you are the only priority to me, and as long as you enable me to do what I must… I will always help you in the fight."
If I use it, will I become exactly what she said I would be? Would I unleash such a thing?
"Um... is everything alright, Eric?" Alfur suddenly asked.
His voice was full of worry now, completely different from the excitement he held before. It pulled me back, where I found myself still inside Hilda's home... still safe and sound with the others, but now, I'm not sure about anything right now.
"What happened, is something the matter?" Now Johanna was getting worried as well. She reached out for me, but I simply retreated in on myself.
…
"I can't do it," I sigh, keeping my head down.
"Hm? Why not?" I heard Tontu ask. Maybe I was imagining it, but I swear I heard a bit of disappointment in his voice.
"I don't... I just don't think I can." I answered, but it wasn't exactly the whole truth, "not only just physically I can't do it... but... now that I think about it... I don't want to use what Victoria wanted from me. I don't want it to make me... you know..."
They didn't know. Or maybe I was convincing myself of that. Either way, I was just scared... scared to become... what she said...
"Please don't make laugh," she continued, "Eric, you are a monster. One of the biggest things that have ever happened to this city since the Black Hound. You're something no one's ever seen before. Your little display on Friday with that portal proved to me that you are a force of something else entirely."
She smiles viciously, as she leans down and stares me in the face.
"You're something completely different from a human Eric," she says.
Different from human...
What if she was right? That guardian... that thing inside me. What if me using it means... I'm not human? I don't even remember anything about myself.
I don't know anything at all.
"I see… so that's why you were so hesitant…" Alfur said quietly.
I keep my head down and brace myself for disappointed sighs and groans, or even just a simple huff of breath that would indicate some sort of annoyance with me. But instead, there was just silence. It was an unusual silence that forced me to look up... and find that they didn't seem to mind that much.
To be fair, it was hard to read Tontu's expression since his head was... full of hair? But Alfur simply looked at me with complete and total understanding.
"Eric, I'm sorry if it sounded like I was pushing you on to do that sort of test," Alfur smiled, "I may have gotten a bit... too excited at the prospect of someone being able to control the elements like that, but given what's happened, I can understand not wanting to mess with that sort of ability."
Tontu was silent for a second before also expressing some regret, "yep… he's right. I mean it's your choice to try and use that power… and if you don't want to, that's fine. It's all up to you anyhow."
"R-Really?... so you aren't upset about it?" I asked.
"Of course no one's upset about it," Johanna assured me, "to be perfectly honest, I'm a bit uneasy seeing you test such a thing out myself, but after hearing Alfur and Tontu's thoughts… I would only say to pursue it if you really wanted to see what could be done, that's all."
…
If *I* really wanted to… huh?
"I'm your only connection, to everything that used to be before and after," it echoes to me, "if I grow stronger, you grow stronger."
…
"Thanks…" I breathed out, "for understanding. Maybe… maybe I'd be okay with it eventually."
"That's the spirit Eric!" Alfur beamed, "but don't worry, you can take as long as you need until then. For now though, I say we should do something fun instead and forget about your power."
"Something... fun?" My heart gave a little flutter, "like... like what?" My mind was racing with possibilities.
Could we watch some cartoons here? But, what cartoons exist here?
Maybe we can go to a playground and hang around? Oh wait, I can't go out...
"Don't worry, I have the perfect idea!" He exclaimed as he hopped on some books, "I have just the activity we can practice that is both productive and would be really fun to participate in!"
"And that would be?" Johanna asked curiously.
"Yeah, lay it out for us already," Tontu tonelessly said.
Alfur laid us out in suspense for a few more seconds before finally shouting, "I propose that instead of sitting around… we should give Eric a fun-filled school experience for the rest of the day! Now isn't that exciting!?"
"...school...?" Tontu muttered.
…
…
...
"I'm going back to the Nowhere Space."
"T-Tontu?! H-Hold on a moment!"
Alfur
He knew the second he said those words everyone would be vastly confused… but he didn't exactly anticipate the sheer amount of disbelief he'd get toward the idea. Seriously, all of their mouths were almost agape.
"U-Um… is something the matter with my proposition?" He nervously asked. He thought it was a simple and fun idea, but he wasn't too sure what to make out of the confused expressions yet. Did he say something wrong?
"'A fun-filled school experience?'" Johanna repeated, taken aback.
"Y-Yes, that is what I said," Alfur quietly said, "I feel it'd be the best use of our time if Eric got a proper school experience, you know… like a normal kid?"
"Y-You want to send me over to… school?" Eric suddenly said, hugging himself tightly.
"Didn't it already start…?" Tontu pointed out. "We'd be sending him in late."
Johanna looked especially concerned as she shook her head, "not to mention that literally breaks one of the few established rules I have in place. He can't go outside right now!"
What was everyone saying, they sounded upset over the idea of school... but why? Alfur had to think about their troubles for a moment before realizing... he worded his suggestion wrong.
"Ooohhh! No no no! Pardon me, I never intended for him to physically go to school," Alfur hastily corrected, "I actually wanted to suggest homeschooling instead!"
"Wait, h-homeschooling?" Eric stuttered, his eyes completely confused.
Johanna was silent for a few moments before simply breathing out in relief, "oh… so that's what you mean. Sorry, I thought you were talking about sending him to the actual school. But… um... where is this coming from all of a sudden?"
Even after correcting them, they seemed confused about the idea. Maybe he was really that poor of an explainer… he'd have to work on that. But regardless, he cleared his throat and explained, "I understand it may seem like a bizarre path to take, but I was thinking, Hilda had to leave to go to school, right? So she's probably having the time of her life learning new subjects, making friends, finding herself and her hobbies! And I just thought that... it's so unfair to think you have to miss all that, especially since you're around her age!"
"Oh that's right," Johanna nodded, seeming to get the notion now, "it is a shame that you are missing some schooling right now. So, perhaps Alfur can teach you some small things, nothing too taxing of course!"
But just then, a certain glimmer came to Johanna's eyes, one Alfur was all to familiar with, "actually, if it's possible, I'd love to help as well," Johanna declared, "I've lived in Trolberg since I was a child, so I should be able to tell you some exciting things. I can show you the ropes of how things work around here such as the laws, important figures, and government of the city."
"Yes! That sounds like a marvelous idea!" Alfur excitedly took note, now feeling his own ideas racing ahead, "and I'm an expert in elf history! So I can just teach you that! We can make it feel like an actual school with class schedules and chairs and desks! Lets bring out the homework assignments as well just for good measure-!"
"Or we can um... start out small," Johanna politely suggested, "just the basics you know Alfur."
"Oh right!" Alfur agreed. He got ahead of himself again, but he figured it was a pretty nice way to spend the day together! I mean it's got everything a kid would want. Extensive hours for learning, a break for nice food, and a great way to bond! He was sure Eric would love it.
…
…
…
Well um… okay maybe not "love it" considering his previous conversation with Hilda on the matter, but he was sure he'd take interest.
Or at least that's what he thought… but Eric just sort of sat there, his expression completely unreadable. Maybe due to being… so awestruck by the idea that he was trying to process how to celebrate it. Or perhaps he was stunned with joy? Alfur hoped it was the second one, for then he would come out and begin to cheer in some way.
…
"Um... when you said, 'fun' I thought we were talking like, watching a cartoon or something," Eric flatly said.
Okayyyy… so it wasn't either of those, Alfur really thought he had it pinned.
"I'm with Eric," Tontu butted in, "can you really say learning about Trolberg's 'extensive' history classifies as... fun?" He questioned.
"Of course it is!" Alfur said immediately, "it's a very productive way to gain insight on the city's culture and practices! You would get to learn exactly how everything operates! Get to know the important figures of such a place, and also be able to correctly identify certain texts in documents about the place!"
"Wow, that sounds like it rocks," Tontu said flatly.
"It does certainly rock Tontu!" Alfur beamed. He was finally getting through to at least him!
Tontu sighed, "I was being sarcastic…"
"Oh-!"
…
…
"Oh…" Alfur realized, "Tontu, why do you do this to me?"
"Cause it's funny," Tontu chuckled.
"Um, how is that funny-!?" Alfur tried to say.
But he was cut off by the sound of laughter… by the sound of Eric's laugh, "pfft-! A-Ahaha! Wow, Alfur... you really like history."
Alfur perked up at the sound of child's laughter. It was so sudden, but a joy to hear. For the first time ever since they had rescued Eric, it felt like a real... normal laugh, and it felt great to hear, to know he felt safe enough to do so.
"Well, it's as we said, learning about history is fun!" Alfur continued proudly as he began writing on some papers, "I specialize mostly in contracts as you can tell, but that requires parties with extensive backgrounds to agree on certain terms and conditions, so I also have to learn my share of their stories as well!"
"Wow… so you know everything then?" Eric questioned, "at least enough to teach this kind of stuff?"
"I wouldn't say 'everything', especially about Trolberg," Alfur sheepishly said, though he was a little flattered by the comment, "but for me personally, I'd like to be well informed at least! That's why I take notes and tabs on everything! How the people of the city work, the practices that go into establishing the order, and the type of events, festivals, and parties this city holds. I want to know it all! And that's why I'm with Hilda and Johanna as well, to learn more about Trolberg and establish relations for elf kind!"
"So does that mean Johanna knows everything as well?" Eric asked, glancing her way, "Hilda told me you were um.. A great teacher when you homeschooled her."
"Ah- well like Alfur said… I don't know *everything* myself," Johanna brought up, "but I know a thing or two about how things work around here. I grew up here and had a pretty good life… so I figured it'd be a safe place for Hilda to be in and you know, it has its ups and downs…"
Then suddenly, Johanna smiled then, seeming to think of some distant memory and turned toward Alfur and Tontu, "but if we hadn't come back here, she wouldn't have made the friends she has, and I wouldn't have gotten to meet them either and learn some incredible things."
Alfur felt himself blush then and laugh, "Ms. Mum… I… I'm flattered!" He truly appreciated the idea of being accepted as a close friend to Johanna and Hilda. Despite the ups and downs they have had… it did seem like they had made it through them in great stride.
"Yeah… you're really nice to all of us, " Tontu blurted out before turning to Eric, "you see Eric, Johanna just adopts everyone she comes across."
"Really?" Eric smirked.
"T-Tontu!" Johanna yelped, but Twig wagged his tail happily in agreement, "I don't- I haven't- okay listen, everyone does their part around here of course, and I would hope they're being good examples to Hilda while I'm away for work, that's all. They treat her kindly, so of course, I wish to do the same"
"So you've adopted us," Tontu repeats, and to this, Johanna sighs.
But Alfur had to laugh at Tontu's attempt to alleviate the tension at least… along with Eric who seemed to be getting more comfortable now.
"Well… even if you guys don't know everything… it's better than me who literally knows nothing," Eric pointed out, "I only have like… kind of an idea about what I have and… it got me trapped…" He paused then and looked off somewhere, maybe thinking back to the lab?
Alfur couldn't have that, "well well well Eric, I was thinking you could use a history buff to fill you in on the finer details you might now know, especially since you are in a city you don't understand, so let us teach you please."
"Yes Eric, it wouldn't be the worst to learn something new," Johanna offered, gesturing out her hand softly, "I'm sure there are some things you might find interesting if you really put your mind to it."
Eric looked back at the duo briefly and smiled. Had they gotten to him? Was he at least considering the idea. Alfur really hoped he would now.
"Hm..." Eric hummed as he crossed his arms, "if this is... s-school... can we have an arts and crafts class after history then?"
Alfur didn't expect such a question personally, but at the mention of art, Johanna's eyes suddenly widened, "of course! We can have a nice little art station. And that also reminds me, I recently made new sketches from my job as well, I can pitch in some of those designs and show you how they look! And you can draw with your own paper as well!"
"W-Wait, really?!" For a moment, a sparkle came to Eric's eye and he leaned forward with great interest, "okay! Then maybe we can try and have a contest or something. O-Oh, and a class pet. We should have a class pet, right?"
It looks like he's finally starting to feel better… Alfur smiled, nodding to Eric's idea, "of course Eric! No class is complete without a class pet to represent them so... drum roll please-! ("Bada Bum Da Bum Da Bum Da Bum!") Twig will represent us!"
Twig simply allowed himself to be crowded around by everyone and accepted the new mascot position with pride surprisingly enough.
"Wow, you guys are pulling out all the stops with this one," Tontu chuckled.
"Now we have in stone a nice idea for what we want..." Johanna nodded as she set some books up, "the last thing we need is a class itself. We already have Eric... but..." Her eyes turned to Tontu, "well, how about it Tontu, are you going to join in on the fun?"
"Oh uh... " Tontu twiddled with his thumbs, staring Eric's way for a brief moment, "well I kinda suck... at art, and also, learning history sounds really boring. ("Well I've never-!" Alfur started to say.) But if Eric wants to do it and it makes him happy, sure, where's the pencils?"
"I'll bring them out," Johanna brightly declared, "this will be a really good learning experience for everyone! There are still many things we all can learn, and despite my own teachings, I'd be interested to see what Alfur has to say about elf history as well."
"The same is true for me of course!" Alfur agreed with crossed arms, "I would love to know how the bells of Trollberg work in more detail, and considering you design them for a living, I'm sure I'll get the best inside knowledge!"
"I have no idea how school works, but I'm ready to fail," Tontu said before shaking his head, "I-I mean- uh- succeed, I'm ready to succeed."
"H-Haha!" Eric laughed, "well… I also don't know how school works here either, But I don't think there's a grading system that'll fail you Tonto. But if you're worried… I have some books we can use in my backpack so… let's do our best!"
"Alright then whiz kid, I'll be counting on you," Tontu nodded, sharing a knowing glance with Alfur.
Alfur returned it and felt a smile naturally form. There were a lot of things he wanted to say in that moment, but if he could speak telepathically in that moment… he figured he'd say, Tontu… Ms. Mum… thank you for doing this for him…
But of course he couldn't get all sappy now... it was time for some LEARNING! How perfect for the back-to-school season!
Learning Moments Featuring... THE GANG!
Eric's Notes
Small things to note...
- Edmund Ahlberg is some super famous guy who was one of the founders of the city. There were a lot of founders... and a whole council back then.
- The huge wall around Trolberg is actually meant for... shocker, trolls to be kept out. Bells act as a repellent? Also the bells look fancy, and Johanna designs them! Johanna says there are many famous bells.
- Alfur comes from a place called the Northern Elven Counties... Johanna says Hilda's old home used to be there. They have political leaders like humans... Alfur had a whole chart explaining the ranking system. I wonder what type of parties they have for voting.
- There's an elf mail system! I wonder how dangerous the journey is for them to deliver simple mail given their size.
- The Bird Parade is a very old festival during the village times of Trolberg... so the city is suppperrrrr old. Johanna claims that historians at the library in Trolberg say it's over 300 years old. I think that might be exaggerated... (Side Note- they haven't told me Raven is The Great Raven yet so... I suppose they are hiding it for his sake.)
- Tontu says there are more Nisse like him! Since I can't go to the Nowehere Space... he describes it as like... a loopy sort of magic place with a lot of stuff. I wonder if other Nisse are fluffy like he is.
- As far as Alfur knows... not many creatures have elemental powers like me aside from Weather Spirits.
- GIANTS used to exist in this world apparently They've all gone into... space?
- Woffs migrate all over the area around Trolberg. How they fly is... uh... a mystery to me even if Johanna tried to explain. I wonder if I'll find that one Woff that gave me a ride here... and that fluffy black Woff too.
Eric Lyons
Doodling with Johanna and the others after some classwork is strangely rejuvenating.
Perhaps it's because the vibe of the whole "school" idea really did encourage me to try my best with my new work. Alfur's lecture's on old elf history gave my brain a spin, and Johanna's facts about Trolberg really threw me in for a loop. A lot of the teaching itself was heavily putting a strain on my head.
Basically... I was finally using my brain. It's a shock I even had one after everything I've been through.
But jokes aside, with the art station finally set up after all of that, Alfur tasked me with trying to draw some of the material we learned, and it was nice to draw alongside everyone after all that schooling. He looked like a proud teacher as he watched me draw figures from history. Specifically elf history. From what detail I could get... I made sure the leaders... mayors... prime ministers... and even royalty... got a fair shot with my sketch. I tried to capture their elven features as best I could from ears, to small clothes.
To be honest when I showed Alfur... I didn't really think I captured the... "diplomatic"... essence I wanted with the elves. But when he saw it, he brightened up faster than lights on Christmas morning, it was actually quite impressive.
"It's simply wondrous!" Alfur smiled as he looked at the detail I put in. "You really were paying attention to my lecture! You even gave the king the accurate elven colonial century attire!"
"That's uh... fancy words for an old fashioned look right?" I questioned. But I was glad he seemed to enjoy my work even if I wasn't impressed with it.
"For the most part." Johanna agreed with a laugh. "But Alfur is right, your sketch is quite polished, Eric. The lines are detailed enough without being overbearing, and you managed to not muddle your work with any smudges that being a hand drawer usually entails." She sounded almost impressed as she spoke, her eyes never leaving the art of the elves I drew. "If I'm being honest you seem like a natural."
"R-Really?" I mumble, happy at the praise. I couldn't help it. "Well it's nothing compared to y-yours Johanna, the bell designs you made... they are... so amazing. I think I get why bells are so iconic for Trolberg if they all look like this."
I wasn't lying either. With her work book out on the table, I got to see the art of the various bells of Trolberg, and they were glorious. The amount of color and style to each one blended together perfectly to showcase a whole line up of golden bells, each designed with the intent to showcase Trolberg's ancient vibe. The swirls on the surface... the curves and shapes around the edges. It all looked perfect, I mean it made me really notice how seriously Johanna took her craft.
"They only look this way since bells are a symbol of pride for Trolberg." Johanna warmly smiled as her fingers traced the canvas of her work. "I try to make them unique, since there's so many bells out there... and all of them do their part to keep the city safe. But I must admit... there are some bells whose qualities clearly outshine my art, like the Churning Bell from the very early century of the city... or even the Split Rock Bell near City Hall. I still haven't drawn something close to capturing the heart of Trolberg like those bells do."
I heard Johanna talk with a soft look to her eye, as if even describing the process of her art was very personal to her. She seemed really passionate about this stuff... so I had to do what I could to reassure her. It was the least I could do for all her help.
"I think you taking the time to learn the history of the bells and draw them in such a way is really inspiring." I looked at her work, my eyes capturing all the color she hand picked. After all she's taught me, I could see why the essence of Trolberg lingered in all the bells. "It's like... seeing another world come to life. Even if other bells look better than your designs... these are the ones you drew... and I think that's enough. Unlike m-me who... can somewhat try and copy historical figures, ha."
"Doesn't change how amazing it is you can do that Eric!" Alfur complimented. "You both are very talented artist here!"
"Yeah... for some of us... it isn't looking so hot with our art skills." Tontu commented as he showed off... I think his interpretation of the "class pet" Twig. It looked more between the lines of a cow and a piece of tree park though.
I would never dare say that to his face, so I simply held back a smile. "N-No it looks great! Promise."
"Liar."
"It captures Twig very well." Alfur tried to reassure. Key word... "tried".
"Both of you, please encourage Tontu, he's doing his best." Johanna tried to take over as she comforted the Nisse. "Besides, he's worked very hard just as all of us, so I believe it's about time we all had a break from the school work. Allow me to get refreshments. Whose thirsty?"
"I-I am!" I smiled. Alfur and Twig also raised their hands. Or well... Twig raised a hoof.
"Does this count as Lunch?" Tontu asked. "Cause I'm hungry to." Johanna relented at this comment and pulled out some food to hand over as well.
But even with the jokes, the vibe... really felt nice. Seeing everyone talk like this, it almost was like an actual school, with encouraging teachers, rambling students... and all the work we did together.
I couldn't help but smile at it all and speak softly, "this is... nice. If school was like this all the time, I'd enjoy it... just drawing and learning about this city..."
"We can still do that all the time!" Alfur smiled as he gave off a bright look of enthusiasm. "We've only scratched the surface on what you could know. I can get into specifics about the Elven Counties! How the contract system works, the different types of economic exchanges throughout the society and-!"
"Or we could... keep it simple?" Tontu sighed. "Pretty please... for E-Eric's sake of course?"
"I have a feeling you also benefit from keeping it simple." Johanna chuckled, fetching the water for everyone to drink as a means to cool off once again.
I giggled at the talk in front of me and grabbed a glass. For a moment, nothing mattered. Not my powers... or my fears... or even Victoria. Only this moment was real. If only Hilda and Trevor were here to experience it to... maybe then... it would be perfect.
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
Of course the second I wish that a relentless knocking snaps my sense awake and I feel my fingers let go of the glass of water, causing a horrible crashing sound that makes my ears burn.
CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!
Johanna and Alfur seem to jump similarly in alertness as I was reeling from the stupid mistake I just made, "I'm s-sorry! I'm really sorry! I-I'll clean it up!"
They both started to say something as I reached down to at least organize the bigger pieces, but my heart was pounding so fast from shock and embarrassment… and the knocking was growing louder to the point where-
*Slash!*
"O-Ouch!" I got careless and my finger harshly grazed one of the pieces, bringing a sizzling pain cracking down into my hand. Before I could process what to do, Johanna was on top of me with a broom and dust pan.
"Eric please step back!" Johanna urged me as she started to clean it up instead, "where did you cut yourself, just give me a moment and I'll take care of it."
"I-I'm sor-!" But I shut myself up. Saying sorry won't fix anything, so I just bit my tongue and stayed back, clutching onto my hand as the blood started to seep down and ruin the peaceful moment.
"It's okay Eric, you were surprised, it's fine," Alfur reassured me as he quickly looked over my wound, "this time it looks like a flesh wound Ms. Mum!" he informed Johanna, "nothing too serious! Shall I get the amenities from the bathroom?"
"Actually Alfur, can you please see who's knocking that loud this hour?" Johanna muttered, "Tontu can get the supplies, as for whose knocking... I can't imagine it's good news, but I'll try and talk to them after I finish this."
"Aye aye." Tontu nodded, his voice sounding serious as he hobbled over to the bathroom for medical stuff.
"Of course Ms. Mum!" Alfur nodded as he turned toward me, "Eric, I'll be gone for a bit, but you think you can tough out the pain a little bit?"
"Y-Yeah," I nodded, trying not to focus on the stinging sensation the cut gave off, "honestly, I've dealt with worse… so it's not bad." That was sort of true… but at the same time the fact the homeschooling moment escalated this quickly made me want to crawl under a blanket and die from embarrassment.
"That's the spirit, now if you'll excuse me!" Thankfully, Alfur didn't seem to judge me too much and headed toward the window where I guess the noise was coming from, "oh, he's finally arrived! He'll certainly be surprised by what's going on." I heard Alfur say, and suddenly the window opened.
So that must mean it's…?
"Hey, what's the big idea?" Raven's voice filled up the room, filled with concern… and also slight annoyance, "you guys took a little while to open up, is something going on?"
"Just a little kitchen accident!" Alfur explained in an awfully cheery tone, "were dealing with it now, so do not worry! Might I ask what you're doing at this hour?"
"Yes, what are you doing here Raven?" Johanna suddenly asked as she put the glass into a small box, "I also want to know what was important enough to be knocking THAT loudly in the morning."
Yikes, Johanna actually looked a little peeved now, knocking Raven down a few pegs as he coughed into his wing, "my bad, I forgot you guys actually have morning fatigue and all that. Uh, I came to check on the kid. Where is he?"
"On the floor right now!" Alfur explained again.
"On the floor…?" Raven looked at where I was in concern… so I simply waved.
"U-Uh… hello…" I said, albeit a little pathetically. I mean, I wasn't really expecting the morning to get this bad already.
Raven waved back hesitantly before turning back toward Johanna, "seems like you've got your work cut for you." I felt a little embarassed when he said that. Guess they are quite busy dealing with a handful like me.
"Was that all Raven?" Johanna sighed, as she finally finished taking care of the mess. "We were in the middle of a learning moment here."
"Learning?" Raven looked all types of confused as he stared at the work we did.
"Yes learning." Tontu finally came out of the bathroom as he got the medical supplies. "This set up is all our school stuff. I'm trying to catch up on my education... oh and Eric is to."
"It's a magical learning experience for everyone!" Alfur beamed, to the point of almost making me happy again. "You should join us!"
...
...
...
"I take your silence means you won't?" Johanna sighed.
"I just uh... have other stuff going on... yeah." Raven murmured, his voice sounding a bit awkward. "besides I wouldn't wanna get in the way of this kid's learning over here. Looks like he needs it you know?"
I don't know why but despite it not being an insult the way he shifted the topic to me almost made it sound insulting. "W-Well... if you change your mind, we were doing some art, if you wanted to u-uh... see it." I managed to blurt out hoping to at least remain on friendly terms with Raven. Out of everyone, I feel like me and him aren't that close.
I mean... considering he's keeping his identity as the Great Raven a secret... I wish he would trust me to tell that sooner.
But Raven didn't say anything to my comment as he awkwardly glanced away from me, focusing entirely on Johanna and Alfur. It did sting a bit... more so than the cut on my hand not gonna lie, especially since I feel like everyone else might be opening up a bit to me now... but I suppose I can't rush him.
"Uh... well you guys keep up this... good school I guess." Raven said sheepishly. "Sorry for knocking so loud, I just figured you couldn't hear me."
"Trust me, we could hear you." Johanna sighed, "but if you're waiting for Hilda you can stick around here for now." Raven nodded at this and instantly flapped over to the couch. It looked like he was lounging, but I could tell his eyes were concentrated on me.
...I wonder why...?
I sheepishly looked down and saw Tontu approach me with the medical stuff, as well as Johanna and Alfur who helped prep everything to heal my cut. Seeing them worry for me as opposed to Raven admittedly... made me feel a bit better. But this also felt like another burden after such a calm moment, I couldn't help but look down, unable to keep their gaze.
"I'm sorru for... the glass." I said quietly. "We were finally learning and having a good moment and... I blew it." I guess the word 'sorry' was engraved into me, but the trio didn't seem annoyed at all.
"Eric... trust me, you were just startled." Johanna said calmly as she gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "You never have to apologize for the things you feel. Besides... it's because you do feel so strongly that you were very passionate during our schooling session. I was happy to see you take an interest in the designs of my work... so never feel ashamed for that."
"Yeah, we all still had fun, and we can keep having fun." Tontu reassured. "You didn't really ruin anything... unlike a certain bird here." Raven looked a bit peeved at that, but Tontu let it roll off his shoulders as he shrugged with a casual sigh. "Don't beat yourself up to much."
"R-Really...?" I mumble a bit. I feel like I always have to be talked up by everyone to feel better about myself, but even if I felt guilty about that... they really did help me... all the time. Heck, even Twig was there for me as he curled up by my side.
"Yes, really Eric! Alfur continued, his words electric as he reassured me as best he could. "But until we get back to learning, do not worry! Our priority right now is to heal you up, and understand you better. So, leave it to us, we'll guide you along the way... and stop more accidents like this from happening, because we really do wanna protect you Eric!"
From their words... my heart opened up again. Anything involving Victoria... or the guaridan... or even my memories... didn't matter. In fact the kindness they showed almost reminded me of...
...
...I lost it. I lost the memory that they reminded me of. But whatever it was, their warm words... their soothing gestures... I know it meant a lot to me then... just as it means a lot to me now.
"Thank you..." I smiled, truly meaning those words as I wiped my teary eyes. I wasn't sure if it was from the pain of my hand, or the idea that not only Hilda cared They all did in their own way... and I was so thankful for that.
"Of course, anything for you Eric!" Alfur beamed, "now then let's get you patched up, hand please!"
Feeling a bit better, I obeyed and raised my hand for them to see.
...and then suddenly everyone gasped. I jumped at the collective shock, and I could even hear Raven stumble off the couch after hearing the group.
"What, what is it?!" Raven stammered, flying over in a flash. But no one answered him.
"G-Guys...?" I mumbled, fearful at the sudden change in attitude. They were staring intensely at my hand for some reason.
"Eric... your wound..." Johanna said in shock.
"Dang... even I can't do that..." Tontu muttered.
"Is this how you recovered from Victoria's...?" Alfur murmured.
Recovered? My wound? Instantly my eyes widened at their words as I stared at my hand and turned it over.
I shouldn't have done that.
My wound was glowing, the blood frozen in place as it seemed to incinerate from the small flame that came naturally from my fingers. The orange and yellow glow flickered and burned on my cut, before without a trace of any of its existence... the wound vanished, as to did the fire, leaving my hand unscathed.
At that moment I learned three things for sure after this crazy morning.
1. Alfur... Johanna... Tontu... and Twig will always be supportive of me considering they didn't instantly panic at the sight of the flames.
2. Raven clearly didn't seem to find me trustworthy like everyone else as he eyed me cautiously after the fact.
And 3. I obviously still had a lot more to learn about myself than I thought... and I mean A LOT more.
Did I decide to upload two chapters because of my lack of updates... yeah I did... and this one is probably my fav since it's cute.
Hope you guys liked it!