I hated training with Stolas. It was like I never got a break. Day after day, I spent learning how to efficiently fight without having my energy drained. But my energy always felt drained. I wasn't used to exercising this much. My muscles were being used in ways they were never used before. Not only that, but my mind felt like it was melting as well.

Stolas didn't pad his words. He spoke from his mind. His words were exactly what he thought. And he thought I was nothing more than a useless excuse of a war elf. I was starting to believe him as well. Of course I've always been aware of my lack of talent in combat. But Stolas seemed to love pointing it out. I thought I could've made up for it in making people happy with my music… but that wasn't enough.

"Another disappointing practice."

"Ugh…" I was sprawled out on the ground.

He scoffed. "At least you've gotten better."

My nose scrunched up. "Somehow, it makes me feel worse when you say that."

My muscles ached as I struggled to sit up. First it was hand to hand combat. Then it was clumsily training with Stolas's staff. That was quickly vetoed by Alder when I had come in for lunch with several bumps on my head from whacking myself. Now, we were on to using daggers. Not actual ones, of course. Neither Stolas nor Alder trusted me with those. They were carved of a light wood. Made by Alder. He even carved my name into the hilts. It was cute.

What wasn't cute was the fact that I knew Stolas was right about me. I was privileged. I may not be some spoiled rich brat, but I didn't realize how lucky I was that my parents didn't force me to fight. Or unlucky. I had almost got beaten to a pulp by Vurg and almost died once now. If I had known how to fight, I could've avoided all of this. If it wasn't for Stolas finding me, I probably would've died somewhere in this dense forest either by some creature or by my own doing. It was so irritating that he was right. That stupid raven.

Stolas crossed his arms and looked down at me. "That's all for today. We'll do more exercises tomorrow."

"You're going to kill me, Snappy."

"Go eat something." He walked off.

I huffed as I finally stood up. Leaning against a tree was my flask and a small cloth bundle. I took the flask and chugged until it was completely empty. I tucked it under my arm before grabbing the cloth bundle and opening it. A happy noise left my lips as I revealed the meat pocket. Alder's cooking always gave me energy after a training session. I took a bite, the juicy meat and bold flavors melting over my tongue. During this time, I usually took a walk while I ate. Alder said it was good to either sit up straight or walk while I ate so I wouldn't get an upset stomach. So that's exactly what I did.

I had familiarized myself with the area around the giant tree that doubled as a dwelling. The area was relatively safe due to Stolas's protection and several paper charms that Alder had placed around the area. I ate as I walked, trying not to pay attention to my aching muscles. I usually took this time to empty my brain and not think. Not thinking was good. Not thinking was fun.

My walk took me to the river. I had finished my meat pocket and I sat down, taking off my boots and socks. A sigh of relief left me, my body deflating as I put my feet in the water. It felt like I've been doing nothing but getting my ass kicked by Stolas. Both mentally and physically. The cool water felt nice running over my sore and aching feet. I leaned back, closing my eyes. This was my way of relaxing. Sitting out here, enjoying nature, and being alone.

I opened my eyes again, taking in the sights of the beautiful forest. It was in moments like these that I was grateful to enjoy the forest without worrying about dying. The birdsong was a nice background. The greenery and patches of flowers painted a nice picture. Even the black goop that was bubbling against the trunk of a tree was pleasing to the eye.

Wait.

My eyes widened as I looked back over to the tree across from me. What was that? I quickly hopped through the river and towards the tree. I crouched down, my hands on my knees as I took a closer look. The goop was a thick consistency, way thicker than syrup or honey. An odd smell radiated off of it. It was a mix of wet dirt and something rotten. My nose scrunched. I've never seen this type of… thing before.

I picked up a stick. When you don't know what something is, you always poke it. So that's what I did. The sludge almost seemed to suck the stick in. I tugged on it. It tugged back. That was so weird. Was it supposed to do that? I tried tugging again. I couldn't get the stick out, so I let go. I watched with wide eyes as the stick slowly melted into the substance. That was kinda creepy. It wouldn't hurt to touch it… right?

"STOP!!"

I turned around to see Alder running towards me. And then he was gone in a greenish cloud and leaves. A small poof and a petrichor smell appeared next to me. As did Alder. I could only stare up at him. He tugged on my sleeve, pulling me back. His eyes were wide with alarm. I lost my balance and fell back. He helped me up without another word. He looked from me over to the black and bubbling slime.

"I didn't know you could teleport like that." I said, still looking at him in surprise.

He looked over at me. "Yes, I can. Only short distances."

"Nice."

"Don't touch that."

"Why not?" I tilted my head.

"Just… just don't." He sounded serious.

"What exactly is that?"

"Well…" Alder seemed to hesitate. His hand clutched mine as he took me several steps back. "It's a disease."

"Oh. How do you cure it?"

"Do not worry about it, little blossom. Just know that it is dangerous to be around. Understand?"

I didn't understand. He was hiding something from me. I could tell. I looked back over at the supposedly evil black gloop. It was obviously bad enough that it sent Alder into a panic. I don't think I've ever seen him frazzled like this. I wanted to know more about whatever this stuff was. It wasn't a simple disease. If it was, I don't think he would have reacted like that.

"How about we start training in magic?" His soft voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

My eyes went from the black gloop over to Alder. "Really?"

"Yes. I keep my promises. Shall we start?"

I didn't have a chance to answer before Alder started to drag me away from the goop and back towards the tree. He sighed in relief as it finally went out of sight. His hand was calloused yet firm against mine. Well, if he didn't want me to worry over it, I wouldn't. I focused back on him and the fact he was going to teach me magic. Excitement started to buzz in my fingertips. This was it. I was finally going to learn something I had an inherent skill for. My mind started to flicker through the different ways I could learn magic.

We soon made it back to the tree. Instead of going inside, Alder sat down on the ground. I followed suit, sitting across from him. He grabbed both of my hands. His eyes crinkled as he gave me a smile. I could feel the tips of my ears turn red. I quickly looked away. It suddenly felt hot. My hands were getting clammy. Was it necessary for him to hold my hands?

"Since you've been training hard and you're probably tired, we'll do a light lesson. Nothing extraneous." His thumb rubbed against the back of my hand.

"O-Okay."

He leaned forward slightly. "I can feel the excitement running through your hands."

"Is th-that good?" I asked. This totally wasn't embarrassing. 

He nodded. "It is. I want you to focus on that energy. Focus on how it feels."

I closed my eyes. Focus on the energy. The buzz started in my fingertips and then spread throughout my fingers. It ran up my hands and through my arms. It was like I was becoming hyper aware of every part of me. My heart was beating hard in my chest. Each beat felt like a little zap of energy. It was the same feeling I got when I played music, but amplified.

"Now," Alder murmured, his thumbs still rubbing against my skin. "I want you to try and calm that energy."

"How?"

"There is no right way. It's how you feel it should be done."

I went to open my eyes. "But, I can't-"

"Shh. Close your eyes. You can do it."

I can do it. Alder's words seemed to soothe me. It should be done how I feel it should be done. Simple. I let my shoulders slowly relax. A low hum started to emanate from my lips. The energy went from a river of electricity down to a low thrumming. It felt like it melted into me and became a part of me. My heartbeat slowed down. The soreness of my muscles evaporated. My exhaustion seemed nonexistent. It had worked. 

"Open your eyes." Alder's voice sounded so far away.

I did as he asked. My skin was glowing a soft lilac color, barely noticeable. "W-Woah."

"Good job, little blossom." He reached out and ruffled my hair. "You did it."

"I did it!"

"You were humming. Did you notice that?"

I tilted my head. "Mmh… kind of? It just felt right to do."

"Good." He let go of my hands. I wanted to grab them again.

"Are we done?"

"Yes, we are done. You need some rest." He stood up and reached his hand out.

I grinned and took his hand. "I also need a snack."

He laughed and pulled me up. "I have some cookies, if you're interested."

"Yay!!"