Nid opened his eyes, sunlight’s glare mildly stung him. Using his right hand to make a shade, he saw leaves swaying in the wind, and the sky was clear and purplish. He sat down, only to feel water trickling down his body, he looked down and noticed that he had not moved from where the ceremony was conducted. He was still at the pool at the top of Andrasyl’s tree.

“Hey kid! You awake now?”

Nid heard a familiar voice, so turned his head and noticed the usual male suspect, Emerwyn. The wood elf, holding a towel, walked towards the wet dark elf, placed his hand on Nid’s forehead to check on his temperature.

“You’re alright now I guess, here! Use this to wipe yourself.” Emerwyn said as he threw him a towel.

The towel landed in his head and slid down covering half of his face. Nid looked around he recognized everything yet nothing seems to register in his mind. Just then he heard another voice, “Young one, drink this, it will help you invigorate your mind.”

A picture of familiar beauty entered the scene, she emerged from the stairs below, holding a tray containing three cups of what seemed to be tea. Andrasyl’s smile shined in the cool sunlit morning. Nid hang the towel around his shoulders and without saying a word slowly reached for the tea and took a sip.

“My head and body is still throbbing. . . ” He blurted.

“That’s part of the process kid, I remember my advancement was so painful I was out for a whole week.”

“Tis due to the abrupt increase in power, your mind and body are adjusting from the power you just gained.”

Nid stepped out of the pool and started drying himself, he looked out into the forest and saw the beauty of his home. The place he would leave behind, along with the people that he calls family.

“I know I’ve said this before but . . I’m really gonna miss this place.”

The figure of his brother figure emerged by his side. An arm wrapped around his shoulders which gave him a light squeeze.

“Come on. It’s not like you won’t be back. Haha.”

The presence of his mother figure slid closer, with her never ending smile.

“He’s right young one, this is your home. You can go back whenever you feel weary.”

The simple bliss of having a home and family to go back to made Nid feel like he was on cloud nine. He, however, knew himself enough to know that if he dwells on this feeling any longer, he might lose his desire to go out and explore the world. He broke the monotony of the moment by changing the topic.

“By the way, Is it me or is the mana around here almost gone?” he observed.

“Tis the reason why such ceremonies are done in areas of high magic." Andrasyl answered.

“The magic is taken in by thy body, which then makes thee stronger. However, as you already know, the abrupt change can be taxing to thy body and mind. Tis the reason why the little one was out for days.” she added.

“I see, I see, . . .I wish you would stop calling me a little one though. I’m not a baby anymore!” complained Nid. In the corner of his eye, he can see Emerwyn with puffed cheeks and red face. His hand in his mouth, ready to burst out of laughter. Nid slightly raised his arm and tried to deliver an elbow to Emerwyn discreetly but was blocked by the wood elf hand.

“Niadra Veste, no matter how old you get, you will still be a little one to me. As per your request, I will call you young one In lieu of little one.” Andrasyl remarked. “This one almost forgot, I have something for you.” Andrasyl extended her arm towards Nid and in her hand was a piece rolled paper.

“A scroll? What’s inside it?” Nid asked his demeanor now a bit more serious.

“A gift from the mistress of the forest. T’was a gift given to me by Anitugo I saved in the past. From what this one remembers, the man was a fire mage and he made this scroll of learning.”

Both Emerwyn and Nid jaws dropped, a magic scroll of learning was a rare magic item. It was rare enough that it was the first time for even Emerwyn to see one.

“Are you sure you want to give it to me? I mean that’s really great, but really?” Nid asked.

“Tis fine, tis but an object which are meant to be used. There is also the fact that this scroll is not compatible to be wielded by me or Emerwyn. In exchange, do remember to visit us here in Gar’osi forest, if time permits.”

Nid rushed to Andrasyl with arms wide open, then gave her a tight squeeze. He was not related by blood nor compelled to help him, yet she gave him all that he needed and more. She smiled, gave him a soft embrace.and caressed his hair.

“Besides, my mind will be more at ease if I give you another implement that can aid in thy survival.” she added.

“Thank you so much!!”

“Take it young one.”

“Okay” wiping some pent up tears in his eyes. “What do I do with this anyway?”

“If this one recounts the previous instruction, you only need to open the scroll. On the moment that you open and look at the scroll, the arcane etchings will embed itself in thy mind making thee learn the magic.” Andrasyl recalled.

Upon hearing her instruction, Nid opened the scroll. Light emanated from the scroll’s arcane writings. One by one each symbol faded, etching themselves to the memory of the user. Soon all that remained was the parchment.