Well, we have a few more days until the boys will be of the proper age to begin making waves within this stagnant world; where many different cultures and religions have sprouted. Most of these religions circle around the very idea of the Patron, or what makes one more deserving of which Patron; and what it means for the number. So far people have been seen to be born with a number between zero and three; those with three are obviously lauded as royalty, seeing as they are blessed by so many.For those that are born with no Patrons?
Of course, that depends on the family they come from, the country, the beliefs. Without so much as a warning, a long lined family that always births three patrons, can have a zero child. So many wars of succession have been started due to this fact… when a king and his queen have such a child… it is seen as an instant decline of power. Most children of such lineage; are killed on the day of their births, or abandoned when they gain their appraisal.
Then there are those that are not so lucky.
It"s not always the case actually; sometimes one has insufficient mana in their body for a proper appraisal, thus a false reading is done. Does anyone think to try again? Not really, they find the art of appraisal to be an infallible thing, always giving out the correct answers. Insufficient mana, unable to house mana, political buy out of the appraiser; so many factors out there. Mortals are a disgusting creation that usually find some way to get one over on others.
…
Is what I thought, until those three were born; especially the little half-demon. From what I can see through my eyes that can know all that is and is not… I cannot see the future this one will take. So I have taken a liking to him, to see what he does with this life that has been given to him as a blessing. Though, when I took a look to see which patrons that decided to join him… three were not a surprise; but the fourth… he has woken up to this world with four patrons…
Ugdralath, that old b.a.s.t.a.r.d is still kicking in this world, which is a nice thing to see. With that old agreement he made with the Haruk clan"s creator, he is going to have a lot of chances to come back. Shred as always, hiding in the dark shadows and keeping to himself is exactly what I would expect from him.
Yramala, it is rare to see her to cast her gaze upon one of the mortals, even though she loves them so. The fact that she has chosen this youth, and even gives him guidance… she must see something great in him. Though that is to say, if he is even willing to do something other than whatever it is he is scheming. I can see that the mother of life will have her hands full with whatever it is the child wants to do. That is the freedom of mortals.
Hannash… I can sort of see why this one chose the boy, as his speed of growth and thirst for knowledge would have any patron salivating at the thought of mentoring someone like him. Then there is his odd affinity to summon the spirits of mana themselves to his forge… so young and already having four… let alone the divine Chrono and even Aether. Hannash would want to do everything in his fleeting power to keep the boy under his tutelage.
However, there is the usually unseen fourth patron… let alone a mortal being born with four patrons in the first place… but to have woke this one up from the depths of the dream. Baalish, forgotten son, patron of wrath and chaos; he who brings change every time he wakes from the long sleep. How long has it been since this one has seen the world… how will he influence the boy to change the world. Time will only tell; though many would say he is evil… he"s just the one who decided to try and change the world to better mortals.
…
It"s odd though, for only one of five years on this planet, he has already changed the destiny of a few people without even trying; or was he trying? Even I cannot tell these things, but he does not appear to have animosity for the world itself… quite the opposite actually. From the way he acts as he walks through the town of Freyjan, how he views the world with his eyes full of wonder… one could almost make the comparison to one who has come home.
Let"s leave him alone for the time being, as it seems he is immersed in the books of his father"s collection; wonder what new surprises you will show us this time young demon. Instead, I want to see some of those around him, maybe I can get a clue as to his mind and destiny through them; or I can amuse myself for the time being. It has been a while since I have walked around the world; might as well take a look.
…
…
Juniper walked calmly through the crowd within the market, currently doing the ch.o.r.e of collecting ingredients for the dinner that mom wished to cook for the boys. Given an amount of coin for the shopping, Indra even told the young girl that there would be enough for her to pick up a treat if she is good enough with deals. This gives her a smile, thinking of the delicious skewers she can buy if she does this correctly; even though she isn"t too good with father"s lessons… she will figure out a way to do it.
Pumping her fist in the air, Juni makes her way to each stall she needs to visit; mom wanting to make stew since Nihlis doesn"t seem to like milk, and you can hide it nicely in the meal. She giggles to herself, thinking of how that little angel doesn"t voice his opinion about so many things, but milk is the one thing he outright refuses. If he doesn"t eat right, he won"t grow up to be a properly formed adult, and then how will he find a proper woman to live with. Sometimes she worries for the little boys, even though she hasn"t known them for long… though isn"t that just how a family is?
She smiles to herself, thinking of the few years she has been with the clan, and how they have accepted her fully as one their own; even though she doesn"t have the death patron. They don"t mind her, and have never discriminated against her… not unlike those people when she wasn"t properly given a chance.
Quickly buying up the vegetables that they would put in the stew; Juni is stopped for a second at the stall…
"Oh, Juni, buying some produce for dinner?" The old man behind the stall gives a warm smile; "Why not take some extras, you helped us have such a strong harvest this year as well." Giving her a few more carrots and onions, Juni gives him a warm smile back;
"What else am I supposed to do? I have to help out somehow, and manual labor is nothing to me." Juni flexes her arm, which has grown quite favorable muscle ma.s.s for what she used to look like; and her skin tone has darkened from the many hours of working in the sun. "I"ll help out again when the seasons come down to it, it"s wonderful training for the body. Or so mom says; guess I"ll be taking after her more than father." She smiles again, as the stall owner gives a hearty laugh…
"Now don"t say that, you"re plenty smart too; maybe not like that troublemaker brother of yours… where is little Zeri by the way? No one in town has seen him for a few days now." A soft worried look crosses his face, thinking of their towns tiny demon rascal…
"Him? Don"t worry too much, he has been reading books at home for the past few days." Juni sighs softly as she thinks of the boy doing his studies and taking notes at the table, even during dinner; "No idea what he is working on, but I think it has something to do with magic circles and things… I can"t keep up with him." With a resigned sigh, Juni shakes her head with a little of her flame spirited orange hair flowing…
"Ah, yeah, that would be Zekiel"s boy for you… the book merchant that comes through town will soon have two knowledge hungry demons ordering from him… at least he will be rich." The old man laughs, before waving Juniper off as she moves to continue her shopping… deciding to get the spices they would need.
With the spice merchant, it goes a little faster since the old woman doesn"t really do the whole small talk thing. Just show her the money, and take the spices you need; then leave cause more customers are coming. Juni doesn"t dislike this woman that much, but there really is no emotion for anything other than money for this one"s eyes. She will have to make sure her brothers don"t become too greedy and begin to only see the l.u.s.t for gold as the reason for living. After all, there"s many different foods in this world that need to all be eaten. By her, for the major part of it; save for apples… and peaches… those demons h.o.a.rd those like no ones business…
She remembers the first time it happened… a merchant coming from abroad; both Zekiel and Zeri were out of the house and there within but a moment. At least that is how it felt… she still doesn"t know how they did it, must be a demon thing. But that merchant apparently had a bag of peaches and apples, which were quickly bought. About twenty pounds of each.
That also seemed to be the way that mom was able to seduce father to marrying her… for her it was love at first sight with the old demon; who walked through the town she was adventuring in. He was reading a book, while munching a peach as if it was the last one on the planet… how did she fall for him that way? Juni shakes her head, sighing at the very thought of falling in love with a man just because of the way he ate a peach and read a book. Though she spent time to find the best peaches she could, before taking them in a basket and her best dress to the research tower he lived in; at an academy for mana no less. They both still laugh though at the first words he ever said in front of her… when he answered the door and saw her standing there with the basket…
He looked back into the research tower, when one of his friends asked who was there…
"It"s just an angel… and she seems to have peaches. I"ll be back later."
And that was how mother was able to get a date with an old demon, who only had his eyes to stare into books for countless hours; they fell in love, and got married. Though it"s romantic and cute… Juni is a little different… but she has no fears about it. They have already accepted her for it, when she asked if she was normal; little Zeri just laughed, and gave the words that filled her heart with trust for him…
"I don"t care if you like men, women; dragons or humans. As long as I get nieces and nephews out of the ordeal, then I will gladly accept anyone you bring home. As long as they treat you right." He then gave his little demon smile, and laughed, as pretty much everyone agreed that it doesn"t matter who the girl falls for; family is family.
Why was this in particular brought up?
As Juni makes her way to the final stop, the meat stall, a bright smile spreads on her face as she sees the vendor"s daughter working today. Walking up to the stall and leaning against it, watching the girl who shared the same age as Juni; the vendor owner comes up and gives her a gruff look…
"Here to ask for my daughter"s hand again? I already told you, if you want to prove to me that you"re capable of taking care of her, then you will have to bring me a prime buck." The muscle filled dwarf huffs before leaning on the stall; Juni staring him in the eyes with a determined expression;
"As soon as my brothers are able to leave the walls, then I shall bring you your buck. Then I"ll come back and make Krana accept my proposal for marriage." As the the dwarf and Juni glare into each others eyes, Kana walks up to both of them with a sigh; slamming her cleaver into the wood block. This causes both of them to jump and give her nervous looks…
"Father, leave Juniper alone already. If you truly worried about me with her, then you wouldn"t have made the deal in the first place." Kana turns to Juni, blushing slightly with a smile; "What can I do for you today? Does Indra have anything in mind?"
"Um… yeah… Mom wants to use some rabbit meat for a stew tonight; I"ll have to buy a lot from you today… the old bear is eating with us tonight." Juni smiles like a goof and makes her order, which Kana quickly goes to get prepared, with the thoughts of the Jarl eating it as well.
"Heh, glad to hear the Jarl is back in town, maybe I"ll have a proper drink with someone after these weeks. The lousy adventurers they have in the guild these days; weak little p.i.s.sants." The old dwarf spits on the ground, looking a little p.i.s.sed about something, but Juni is ignoring him as she watches Kana working with the cleaver.
Juniper"s affection could easily be seen from anyone who looked at her, and they would be able to see as to why she held such feelings for the gentle girl. She might not have much muscle ma.s.s as the feral girl herself; but she would grow into an ample woman if her mother was any hint. There"s also the skill of her cooking and how she carves an animal up for its meat, this girl had a delicate touch to her. Course, her old man might be a dwarf; but her mother is an Elven beauty of some renown who works in the guild hall.
No one has any idea how the gruff man managed that.
So the tender points of a dwarf merged with that of an elf; a once in a lifetime merging of two distinct races who sort of dislike each other… how could Juniper"s untamed heart resist. She didn"t mind anything else, as long as she could see this beautiful woman smile every so often; then she could easily grow stronger.
After a bit of time, Kana finishes with Juni"s order of rabbit meat; giving it to her in a rather large basket since it has to be a large order. While her father is preoccupied, Kana leans in to whisper to Juni…
"I added a little extra in there, since it"s you." She blushes slightly, with a soft smile. Luckily for Juni, the feelings that she has for this adorable woman are mutual.
With a wave and a goodbye, Juniper heads off to finish the rest of her shopping before heading back to the longhouse to help prepare dinner for the growing family. There is a noticeable spring in the young woman"s step, and with that smile on her face; Indra can"t help but tease her dear daughter about the love she picked up.
…
…
This girl is now living a happy life after her destiny had deviated from what it originally was; this deviation was of course caused by that white hair boy with amber eyes of starlight. Something about his destiny… I don"t know what it is about it… but it has devoured one"s chosen destiny; forged for them a new one, which is much better than before. It makes me want to keep my eyes on him even more, just to see what he will do.
Right… he had also deviated the destinies of two more from the moment of his birth… the ones called Yehai and Nihilis, his twin brothers. Just from how he acts towards them, and they him, it is apparent there is a strong bond between the three. One could even say that this bond of theirs is the destiny they all share…
Well; let"s find Yehai and see what he is up to right now…
…
…
Yehai could be found in the training yard this day, as with every day; currently taking on tutelage from the captain of the guard about proper combat tactics. Since he was a growing boy, no crafter in town would make armor for his size, but he was able to get his hands on a decent spear and a shield. Since his brother had handed him the spear that time, he did his best to learn everything he could about how one fights with one; though he also had skill in swords, axes, and maces. One could never be too sure about the weakness of the enemy… that is what their father once said.
His training was nothing too much right now, just how to utilize the shield and weapon as one, making it so a proficient user could utilize them as a dervish of killing. At the moment, Yehai was just able to block the weak attacks from the captain, while trying to touch him just once with the spear. The weapons were blunted of course, but the feeling of a real weapon in his hand did make it apparent that he needed to do some strength training.
"Alright young lord; that should be enough training for today. Good job for the progress you made, once you gain your cla.s.s and level it up; feel free to join the Guard." Cedric bows politely to Yehai, who gives a nod of affirmation. Yehai was quite cold to people, though that doesn"t mean he"s doing it in a disrespecting fashion; he"s just a cold person normally. Though there was one person who could make him show his emotions quite easily… well… a few people. However, there was one that made it far too easy, and it was his older brother who spent his days doing nothing but still growing stronger.
This was one of Yehai"s regrets, that he couldn"t fully grasp how his brother was doing this… but from their father"s conjecture, it would have to be his ability of Life"s Guide. He could just be cheating and asking the Patron on how he could do certain things… but that was just a strength. The young dragon was slightly jealous of how his brother was able to absorb and gain four mana spirits… when he hasn"t been able to find a single one. Older brother has stated he"s willing to help; but then smiled right at Yehai before spouting…
"But Yehai would probably never accept my help; it"s there if you ever need it. We"re brothers born the same day, I"ll do anything to help you succeed." Before pounding his chest with a small chuckle; "That"s what brothers are for, right?" Though he was correct… Yehai himself has yet to ask of his older brother any advice… he was too proud for that. Zeriq never asked for help from anyone, how could he do something that counter acted this.
Returning the training spear and shield, Yehai makes his way to quickly take a bath and get rid of the grime on his body; sweat had collected and he did not like the feeling. This has become a habit for the young boy, as he can"t stand the feeling of being dirty. His brother has told him that this is something called OCD, which makes it sound as if there"s an issue with him; but has been told it"s not so much that.
That brother of his… he infuriates him to the point that they can"t help but argue; what makes it worse is that Zeri doesn"t seem to get annoyed during the arguing, and instead finds it fun. This makes him more infuriated, which causes them to go out to the training field so he can get it out of him. So far to date… the record is equal at five wins and five losses.
After he usually cleans himself, he goes to help his parents with whatever it is they need this day; shopping, gardening, and any form of cleaning that needs to be done. Though there are days, such as today, they really have nothing; so he decides it"s best to go and find a place to silently meditate on his teachings. What he has learned to date, what he has learned this day, what he wishes to learn years from now. This thoughts all circulate through his mind. To him, this solitude is what he enjoys the most; too much noise is annoying to him.
Of course, all peaceful moments have to come to an end…
"Yo, Yehai, reflecting on everything again?" A twitch on his left eye, as he hears the voice of his older brother… disturbing his peace and quiet. Yehai opens his eyes from where he was laying in the gra.s.s, to find the ever smiling face of his brother Zeriq peering down at him… while hanging upside down in a tree by his legs. Another twitch, seriously… does this brother of his ever fear the repercussions of what he is doing…
"Oy, do you mind not bothering me too much; I"m trying to take a nap." He sighs softly, then stares back up at his brother, "Also, better not let mom see you doing that… she would worry too much about your safety." That was not a lie… whenever Zeri does something like this, their Mother would throw a fit about his safety… course Nihlis or Yehai would get the same treatment, their mother just worries that much… "What are you doing anyway?"
"Gathering Chloro mana, though it"s kind of lacking here today. Then I"ll go carve some more." Of course, Zeri doing whatever it is he wants to do… does he know that their cla.s.s selection is coming up… the first cla.s.s is always the most important. At least that is what everyone is always telling them; "Then I noticed my tough little brother relaxing, how could I not decide to bother him? Thought maybe I should offer once more to help him if he needs it." Yehai is slowly developing a slight twitch in his left eye from this b.a.s.t.a.r.d…
"For the last time… I do not require your help, dear brother. Is it not strange that you keep offering, you should just take no for a no." Of course Yehai had his issues, but he wanted to get over them himself… like why it was no matter how hard he tried, he couldn"t sense Mana… why his reserves were low…
"It"s due to the fact you"re trying." Yehai quickly snaps his eyes to glare at his brother…
"Explain…" He didn"t want to ask… but… that was too odd of a statement not to ask…
"The way you"re thinking of sensing mana is… in a way… very forceful. Spirits of mana don"t like to be forced to do anything; as they are as alive as you or I." Zeri quickly moves so he can easily slide down the tree with his claws, "The way things are, you"ll be taking too long to sense mana, let alone gather it to summon a Spirit." This brother of his, sits down next to him and stares off into the distance, staring at Freyjan; "I know you don"t want my help, but I can"t keep watching you do this; and the frustrated face you make when you can"t do it…" Wait… was that a frown that just pa.s.sed Zeri"s face… this was a first for Yehai, as he has only ever seen a smile on his brother"s face.
"So what do you recommend?" Yehai sighs, why not just take it this once…
"Stop trying." Eh? The matter of fact way Zeri said that… Yehai turns to look at him;
"So give up?"
"When did I ever say to give up? I said to stop trying; Mana is a very princess like creature. If you try to drag it to your whims, it won"t follow them, and then laugh at you as you grow frustrated." Zeri smiles and gives a nod as he thinks about this a bit; "The best way to draw mana to you, and to feel it; is to just let it happen naturally. You"ve gained the first rank of Mana Regen when you woke up your dragon heritage; use it." Of course, Zeri means the Draconic horns that grew on Yehai"s head when he woke that day; and the scales he has spread over his body in patches…
"I thought that the trait itself only allows you to regen mana quickly…" Yehai starts to say, but then his brother stops him with a hand gesture;
"Mana Regen is a trait that shows the level of drawing points you have open. For us, our first rank opens our mouths, nose, and horns to pa.s.sively absorb the mana in the air. I have the second rank; so my feet are able to draw in mana just by walking around." Of course, his brother is much further along than he is, causing Yehai to sigh; but he wasn"t finished with explaining… "This is how I"ve been bringing in the mana for my Spirits, since that is how it is done. It"s just natural." Zeri then pauses before staring down at his brother; "What spirit would you like to start with? Anything in particular?"
"Well… I never really thought about that… something strong and useful would help; to increase my defense or attack power--" Again, Yehai is stopped…
"That way of thinking isn"t wrong; but at the same time it"s not correct. But, if you want something that offers both of those, then I would suggest Terra. It strengthens the defense by allowing you to create shield spells, but at the same time you can use it to attack. Plus, Terra spirits are usually very calm and unchanging, so they"re good to start with." Before Yehai could ask more, Zeri stands up and stretches; "Just walk around, Terra Mana is plentiful in Freyjan. Let it slowly absorb into your forge… only then will you figure out how to properly sense it." Then with a wave, Zeri begins to walk away as suddenly as he showed himself…
Truly, this kind of brother annoys Yehai the most… but only because he speaks too much.
…
…
What a strong willed child this one is; but the fact he is constantly around his older brother who seems to get stronger by the day, drives him to do the same. With his brother next to him achieving the things he does; then it would not be too far fetched to say that he will achieve greater things to surpa.s.s him. This is one of the better training methods of this world, and for it to be with family is even better.
Of course there is the other side of that coin… the younger brother doesn"t really try to grow past his brother, but at the same time he grows stronger with his own ways. What is mainly different between the middle brother and the youngest; he goes to his eldest brother for advice on how to do certain things.
Oh, there he is now…
…
…
Nihlis currently is walking around the courtyard of the Haruk"s longhouse, looking around for a certain someone to ask a few questions. His face is devoid of emotion as always, choosing not to show them on his face as it just makes it easier; unless it"s for his mother. Making his way to the place his brother usually is at this time of day… and there he is, as always… feeding the Hoppers he caught so long ago.
Seeing as he is busy, the young angel takes a seat somewhere and waits for his eldest brother to finish with his task, not wanting to interrupt what he was doing. This child has always been a kind and considerate child, always waiting for others to finish before talking…
"Nihls, you know you can just ask. I"m only feeding the Hoppers, you don"t have to worry." Zeri turns to look at his youngest brother, smiling at him without a care in the world. This was one of the reasons why Nihlis looked up to his eldest brother, as it seemed no matter what, he would continue to smile with a carefree att.i.tude. "Though that is like you really, being the more polite brother. I could learn a few things from your example." And there he goes praising Nihlis again, even though the young boy is only following the example of his brothers and father.
Even though he was given permission to talk, Nihlis stayed silent while his brother worked to feed the Hoppers, looking at the insects as they ate away at the magic gra.s.s. For the last few years, Zeri had been feeding these creatures while taking notes, seemingly doing some form of research on them. Their father had some questions, but no one really bothered to stop or commend the eldest on this; thinking it to just be an idea for him.
After a while of simply feeding the Hoppers, Zeri then gave them each a small stone and changed around their bedding; watered and closing the cages symbolizes he is done with his ch.o.r.e. As the two brothers look at each other, Nihlis will stand up and give a slight form of greeting to one of higher standing… which Zeri laughs about;
"Seriously Nihls, you still do that to me even after I ask. We"re the same age and standing, why show that much respect?" Zeri laughed some more, before looking at his youngest brother; "Alright, so did you have a question about something? I"m all horns."
"I need help with something; there"s this issue I am having with a girl from the town who has been following me. She seems to be adept at using the stealth skill. Do you have an idea how I can counteract this?" This was a bit of a dilemma for Nihlis, as he has seen a weakness in his development; he needs some form of perception skill that would be of use… why was Zeri smiling like that?
"So, my little Nihlis is growing up. Oh what am I to do, should I teach my brother the secret to Mana Perception… or should I let my adorable little brother continue to have a secret." Zeri couldn"t help but give a chuckle, both brothers staring at each other before Nihlis gave a sigh to his eldest"s teasing, shaking his head before continuing.
"How would one learn this… Mana Perception?" It sounded rather good, and was indeed a decent ability to have for a hunter out in the woods. Too much foliage would hide things from his vision, and with the echos one cannot reasonably rely on their ears to listen either.
"Of course the best way to wake up to Mana Perception; is to first gain the ability to manipulate your mana itself. Since you already have Mana Manipulation, then you can just work on gaining the perception part." Zeri takes a breath as he begins to think about things; "All you have to do is spread out your mana, in a way that feels natural for you. I cannot give you those answers, as this is something that comes from you yourself." He then walks up and pets Nihlis on the head, with a simple smile; "You"re my brother, I know you"re able to understand these things. I can"t wait to see how you grow."
With that final word, Zeri walked away while giving a wave to his youngest brother, leaving Nihlis to his own thoughts. This could be complicated, but with the determined look on Nihlis"s face, he will more than likely figure things out. Even with the shadowy girl that peers at the angel boy from the shadows a bit far off.
…
…
Well, I guess that is how the siblings are growing for now. Finding love, taking advice, and figuring out how life works on this world that they find themselves on. They will slowly change the events of this world, for the better… for the worse… that is what time itself will tell.
I"ll continue to watch over them, maybe even take some time to try and materialize to interact with the demon boy personally; even though it"s against the rules.
But isn"t that one of the many spices of life?
By the way, if you"re wondering who I am… that is a secret.
End of Chapter 23