The Thrilling Adventures of Salathorn

[Izaneus Phortea]

Awakening can have different meanings throughout one’s life. Awakening to a new talent, a realization. Yet, as the sunlight struck my face through my window, I was painfully reminded of its most common usage.

Morning.

With a swing of my hand the curtains closed themselves. Sweet, silent darkness. There was, however, another problem at large. The chilly air of the day’s beginning permeated my room like a poison, drawing a myriad of bumps of chill arrival across my skin.

To combat this growing pestilence, I rose my blanket over my head, and tucked the ends beneath me, trapping the warmth of my body and the air within, around me. A sigh as I perfectly defended against that threat escaped me.

“Sally! Are you almost ready for school?” A commanding feminine voice called from below my chambers, a deep hum of annoyance then also escaped me. Lifting my veil of warmth I call back as loudly as I can manage without giving myself a headache.

“Must I today Mother..?” My voice echoed slightly through the walls and hallways, a few moments of silence later, I received a hefty knock on my doorway, followed by My mother opening the door, and greeting me with a warm smile, and bright ocean eyes. Blonde hair traveling down to her chin in thin strands that were outliers from the bun her hair was in.

“C’mon! I made breakfast~” She teased lightly, her voice gently pitching upward as though to emphasize the last word of her sentence. Which, as much as I hated to admit it, was very tempting…

Bah, to hell with my comfy confines.

With a grunt and another swipe of my hand I was free of my bed. The chilled morning air already beginning to strike at me once more.

“Ignatum”

With the verbal component activated, a swath of orange enveloped me gently, acting as a mediocre shield against the air. Gentle tendrils of warmth, traveled up and around my body, causing me to pleasurably sigh, ever so softly.

Though, it was frustrating to have to use magic in such a way, when my blanket could have easily sufficed.

Ah well, who truly cared? It was past time I got some food down my gullet.

 

[Izaneus Phortea]

Throughout my brief time on this earth if I was to be questioned on my experience, I would kindly respond thusly.

“Pancakes are delightful”

Delightful pickings for a morning’s start, however unwilling the start may have been, always served to liven my mood up these days. My mother, with her delightful smile and kind nature, always served to motivate me. Even when I believed myself to be magically linked to my bed pillow.

It was truly a decent life I lived. One that I believed to be taking for granted now and then. There wasn’t a soul alive who could claim differently. Yet, I was content to revel in my niceties, enjoy the company that surrounded me, my mother, my father, and my little siblings. Though one could certainly call them “ Exotic”. They were my family, and I loved them dearly.

“So! Sally! What kinda formula’s you plannin’ to cook up today?” Called my younger sister, her jubilant tone, though contrasting my own. A smile still found its way to my face.

“Not particularly sure Feyl, was largely planning to see if I can’t create a rune or two, the way they influence spells and magic in general is invaluable knowledge. If we can decipher how to create them ourselves..” I droned, and soon stopped upon seeing my sister’s lost expression.

“ I’ll.. demonstrate later.” I spoke, she nodded thus after, and the dining room table was caught with an awkward silence, which my father broke with a stern cough. “ You are prepared to demonstrate your findings this weekend, correct?” I had to stop myself from groaning.

“Yes father, I am preparing a suitable demonstration for the attendees.” I repeated, trying to hide the venom in my heart as I spoke. Must I waste my time preparing idiotic entertainment for guests who likely won’t be paying attention? My father has assured me time and again that yes, this is a worthy goal and use of my focus.

It didn’t feel that way.

“ Very good, I expect nothing less son.” He voiced, continuing with his meal.

As though he could truly expect anything of me. Delegating me menial tasks more suited to a servant than an Heir. It would be embarrassing if I were to do anything but excel. No matter how annoying it was.

I chose to remain silent, feeling that if I were to open my mouth for anything but another bite of food. It was to sigh in frustration.

I finished my plate not soon after. Though I’m not sure that this breakfast, save for the feast itself, was anything less than tiring.

I’d just gotten up, and already I wished to go back to sleep.

 

[Izaneus Phortea]

My breakfast both proving both delicious due to the expert care my mother took in her cooking, and soiled due to my father’s expert care in being a detriment to my mood. I finished my plate, and exited my home. Believing a walk to my private study would provide ample time for my mind to temper my heart.

“ Salllyyyyyyyyy” I heard the definition of hyper call after me. Turning around to affirm my suspicion, I let out a huff of air as my younger sister slammed into me. “ You’re not going to meet with your giiiiirrlfrieeend are youuu?”

With the amount of surprise my younger sister just punched me with, I choked on my own spit.

“ What?? Feyl, she and I aren’t a couple, you know this.” I admonished, my face already flushing with heat. Why did my family insist on embarrassing me wherever I went??

Her eyes narrowed as her mouth curled into a mischievous smile. “ Uh-huhhhh, sureeeeeee.” She hummed playfully.

Somehow I got the feeling she had evidence to the contrary… It was best to change the subject.

WIth a clear “Ahem” to clear my throat and break whatever sentence she was about to spout next. I spoke. “ Is there something you want Feyl? I was about to head to my study.”

There was a clear look of confusion on my younger sisters face as she tried to compute the word “Study” in her carefree brain.

“But.. you have a study in the hou-...” Her eyes narrowed once more as she frantically worked her brain. I could almost hear the cogs turning. “OHHHHHH, That study.” She finally caught on, I nodded thusly. “ Indeed, plenty more resources to work with and experiment on… “ the chill of excitement I could feel creep up my leg and across my spine.

“ Sorry Feyl, I do need to get going. I’ve got a lot to do today.” My voice was urgent, and quick. I turned to leave, only to feel a small hand tug at my clothes before I began to run in stride.

“ Wait! Can I come with? Watching you do magic stuff is really cool! I like the pretty lights..” She stated, her voice drifting off. “ Feyl… Magic isn’t just lights, you know. Some of my experiments can be pretty dangerous.” I warned, thinking back to the time I nearly set the forest around my study ablaze.. I still count myself lucky, had I not been able to quell that flame in time, I'd have had to offer a hefty explanation...

Well, the keyword was "Nearly" in any case

“ Oh come onnnn, you’ll protect me won’t you?” She pleaded, her eyes shining brightly with curiosity and yearning for magic. Reminding me of how I used to plead my mother to let me attend lessons… before those lessons became too slow for my liking.

“...Well, I’m largely just experimenting with runes today.. And source crystals…” I stated in contemplation.

What was the likelihood for something horrendous happening? Given the uncertain nature of creating runes, and the fact that this is my first time attempting such an invention.. Take my skill with the arcane into account.. And a large room for error..

Roughly sixty percent? Precautionary measures put in place.. Suitable abjuration spells.. Antimagics..

“Hm.. I suppose you can come, but only if you do exactly as I say alright?” I stipulated. Making absolutely sure I wasn’t going to take her otherwise. With a pout, and puffed cheeks, as though to show her frustration, she reluctantly nodded.

“Fiiiiiiine, I guess so.” She huffed out, to which I then motioned for her to follow. “ Good, I’d rather not have to explain how you got grievously injured while wanting to see the ‘pretty lights’” I said, with a small chuckle, and feeling a tiny hand hit my back.

Not enough to hurt, but more than enough to elicit a laugh from me.