Private Tales The Risk of Getting Hurt

[Bliss]

Bliss had been waiting in the open training arena all afternoon, mulling over the beginner principles of warding magic. Not that she needed it, it was a way to adapt herself to teach. When Maester Blodwyn asked her of this favour, it wasn't one to exercise the word no to him.

"You have excelled in your studies for a great amount of time, Gradimir. Would you perhaps meet with my brother and give him a lesson on defensive magicks, so as to see if it is worth him joining the Sentinels too." The query had came after a lesson, and the Maester asked her to remain behind so that he may ask her in confidence and solitude.

She knew why he had asked her. Bliss wasn't the type to stray from instruction, liking order and neatness. Bliss also excelled in the training she received for her interest in expanding her knowledge of spells, and understood the true concern the elder Blowdyn had, for she had seen her own brothers use it between the siblings.

Maester Emris Blodwyn was cautious. He didn't waste time to set this up, although the Convocation had been over a week ago. Bliss supposed the Blodwyns were always to be in the forefront, and garnering all manners of attention.

And so Bliss agreed. Had said she would be here waiting, and the sun was nearing it's golden hour before sinking beneath the horizon. It washed the training grounds in a warm light, although Bliss didn't fret at the idea of curfew soon upon them. The Maester had said he would send a chaperone in his place should they need the extra time to train, but Bliss wasn't so sure they would spend that much time on the first lesson.

"Do you think he is running late?" She inquired aloud. "Perhaps I should offer to reschedule..." Bliss had other things to tend to if that were the case.

"Why don't we give it five more — oh! There he is now, Master Blodwyn!" Beamed Maester Blodwyn's teaching assistant.

 

[Calixtus]

Calixtus had his hands neatly tucked behind his back as he approached slowly. He didn't smile. He gave a polite bow, but his gaze was clearly appraising who his brother had sent.

He knew that Emris had been given the task of getting Calixtus ahead of the class. Whilst he was quite content with the benefits that came with nepotism, he didn't like that Emris sent another student to look after him.

It felt like his elder brother both shirking his responsibilities and sending another student to judge him.

"So you are who he sent?" Calixtus asked, arching one eyebrow.

 

[Bliss]

Turning, Bliss' welcoming smile faltered a touch as Calixtus Blodwyn did not offer a smile. His lack of emotion differed from his brother, with his own presence being something that commanded attention and respect. Calixtus held something more... predatory.

A wolf in sheep's clothing.

She did not let this unnerve her.

"I am one of the tops students of my year." She offered, assessing him. "Defensive magic runs strong in my family also, so I tend to have an unfair advantage."

Bliss pointed to their chaperone. "This is Pip. A teaching assistant of Maester Blodwyn that assists in his fourth year classes."

Pip beamed, the dwarf sticking out his chest.

 

[Calixtus]

"Hmm," went Calixtus.

That did seem reasonable. His brother had chosen someone who was excelling in her own studies and came from a strong background. Perhaps Emris thought if he sent someone pretty from a strong family that he would be more likely to listen. And, perhaps, less likely to try and use them. He smiled at the challenge laid down.

Calixtus offered a small bow to each of them in turn.

"Very well," he said. He didn't smile openly - that would have shown a lack of decorum and character - but the corners of his lips offer the hint of a friendly expression.

"Calixtus Blodwyn. A pleasure."

He glanced around the open training area. Regardless of his brother's choices, he felt he deserved better treatment than the rest of his class.

 

[Bliss]

Bliss tried to keep the frown from her face as he didn't offer a hand along with the introduction of his name. Of course, she knew his name by way of his older brother, the Maester also forewarning her that Calixtus had a lot to lose if he does not succeed here.

He did not say much more than that, but it was all she needed to know.

"Bliss Gradimir." A brow quirked as she watched him a moment. "Have you done defensive spells before, Calixtus? Maester Blodwyn said to me that he helped tutor you before you were invited to learn at the College."

She saw no real reason that would be advantageous, unless Calixtus didn't truly have a great handle on his spellwork. Bliss was not here to judge, but she needed to figure out where to start this lesson.

 

[Calixtus]

It seemed she wanted to get to the point. He could work with that, even if getting to the point meant asking questions about his own abilities.

"I imagine that I know more than youe typical first year," he replied.

That, he felt, was well worded. He didn't want to overplay his knowledge in front of his brother's favourites. He also didn't want to admit that he hadn't paid much attention to those fee lessons administered by his brother.

"We will be doing defensive magic then? Nothing offensive?"

 

[Bliss]

Bliss could not hide her smile. "We always learn Defensive spells before we go onto the Offensive."

They were not Dreadlords that hail from Vel Anir, trained to only be a weapon.

She shook her head, effectively letting her hair fall back from her shoulders. "Defensive magic is actually my favourite strain of magic. Not only are my family gifted at it, it can be offensive when used in a certain way." She smiled. "You just got to be smart about it."

But Bliss had three years more experience and education than Calixtus. She understood they were the same age, but when it came to learning how to control magic, she had a better understanding than him. Would it be too much if she were to reiterate that to him when every Maester would bring it up to every first year lesson?

"Tell you what... I can teach you a spell that will look flashy, but really it is simple. You will learn it in your second year." It meant he could show his class how he took to his studies, that he was operating on a more advanced pace.

 

[Calixtus]

"A second year spell?" Calixtus asked.

Suddenly he seemed more interested. He perked up and leaned forwards.

Something flashy would allow him to show off. Suddenly, his brother's choice seemed to be a wise one. She did have very pretty blonde hair too.

"Yes, this seems an excellent idea. Let's do it."

 

[Bliss]

It was not hard to figure out that Calixtus wanted to be the best. Bliss understood merely by the way Maester Blodwyn described his younger brother in as little words as he could. It was the way in which Calixtus looked at her upon first approach, and just now, how his gaze changed the moment she met his expectations.

"Alright." She nodded, sparing Pip a glance. "Perhaps return closer to curfew?"

Pip made mention of visiting the coffee shop and began to head out that way.

Now, with no other eyes upon them, Bliss assessed Calixtus. "Can you hold magic in your hand yet? Manifestations and control, like this?" And the blonde demonstrated by calling upon magic to gather into a sphere in the upturned palm of her hand between them. It presented as wisps of air, emitting an aura of gold and green.

 

[Calixtus]

"But of course," he said smartly.

His arrogance was not quite matched by his ability. Calixtus hadn't risen to the top of the applicants through his magical talents.

He had presented himself well and written clearly about himself and his intentions for study. The letter had been accompanied by one from his father with a reminder of the costs to rebuild the college.

Calixtus opened his palm. Light flared and vanished. He frowned and cleared his throat.

"I can do this."

With an even deeper frown on his face, he managed to force the light back into existence with stubborn resolve.

"There!" he declared.

 

[Bliss]

Bliss frowned, unconvinced.

"You need to practice that every day. Multiple times. It should be easy, just like being able to breath." She shrugged. "Forcing it will only take up too much energy to hold up pretenses. I want you to coax it out. Patience is always key, otherwise you are forcing something you may not be able to control." Her hand fell over his upturned one, extinguishing his demonstration of magic with ease. Her other hand came up to hold his hand in place.

With a finger, she drew circles around his palm. "You feel that, yes? And when I stop, you can still feel it?" Bliss lifted her finger, leaving the phantom touch of the circle there on his skin. "Magic is just that close. Locate it, feel it, use it."

 

[Calixtus]

Calixtus closed his eyes briefly, the echo of Bliss’s touch lingering like the ghost of a memory across his palm. He swallowed before opening his eyes, a spark of unease mingled with determination settling in his gaze.

“Patience,” he murmured, voice low. It was more to himself than to Bliss. The words tasted strange, unfamiliar. He was accustomed to getting what he wanted quickly. He gaze settled upon Bliss.

He opened his palm again, willing the light to gather, softer this time. His wrist quivered, but a pale shimmer pulsed into being. He exhaled, steadying his breath.

He forced a nearly imperceptible smile, trying to straighten the tension in his shoulders.

“I… I believe that was closer.” The light hovered, fragile. “It felt less like a battle... more like reaching out.”

Calixtus lifted his gaze to Bliss, a quiet earnestness softening his features. “Thank you. I think... Yes that was easier.”

He almost admitted thanks for her help with something he struggled with. Decorum came down quickly to guard him against such an admission of weakness.

He held the glow for a heartbeat longer. Then, with resolve, he allowed it to dissipate. His fingers curled into a fist.

“Every day, you said? Very well. Soon it will be second nature.”

 

[Bliss]

Although he did not utter the words, Bliss could hear the unsaid thanks she would have been awarded had this been anyone else.

As his fist closed, she dropped her other hand that had cupped the back of his hand that held up his manifestation of magic. Both hands disappeared behind her back, clasped tightly.

"I think we should meet once a week." She declared. "That way I can determine your progress in that time. We could meet here, nearing curfew, or in the free hour we get at the end of the classes." A brow quirked, for Bliss was not so sure if Calixtus was interested in being seen hanging around her. She understood they were of the same age, but due to her family's prowess with defensive magic, it was vital for Bliss to study magic as soon as the College allowed it.

She tried not to compare herself to him. The Blodwyns were powerful mages, as Emris Blodwyn reminded them all.

"I suppose it was hard for Maester Blodwyn to tutor you while he himself had classes to teach. Do you prefer learning privately, or has the classes with other students helped you more? If you liked, I would be happy to open these sessions to yourself and friends you have." It was what a dutiful student would do. The reason she was picked out from the others to help show Calixtus how to stay ahead of the curve. If Bliss excelled in teaching Calixtus to improve his skills, it put her in a better light.

 

[Calixtus]

Calixtus let his hand fall to his side, flexing his fingers as though dismissing the fragile glow like it had never cost him effort in the first place. His smirk widened at Bliss’s words, the faintest gleam of amusement flashing in his eyes.

“Once a week?” he echoed, tilting his head, tone laced with mockery. “I daresay that’s hardly enough. Do you really think my progress needs so little tending? Or perhaps you underestimate me as much as everyone else does.”

He took a step closer, circling her slightly as if to appraise her like a curiosity. “Not that I’m opposed to private instruction. On the contrary—” his lips curved in a slow, self-satisfied smile, “—I much prefer having the full attention of my tutor. Classes are so… distracting, wouldn’t you agree?”

At her mention of opening the lessons to others, Calixtus gave a sharp laugh.

“Friends?” he repeated, as though the word were an amusing novelty. “You’re generous to assume I’d share something so valuable. No, Bliss. This arrangement will remain ours alone. I wouldn’t dream of letting anyone else squander your… talents.”

His eyes lingered on her deliberately, the pause making the compliment sound almost predatory.

Finally, he inclined his head just enough to mimic courtesy, though the gesture dripped with smugness.

“So then, near curfew. Less chance of interruptions, more time to focus. And perhaps—” he let the silence stretch, “—a little more freedom to explore… what really makes magic worth learning.”

 

[Bliss]

She blinked, staring at him as he began his appraisal of her. It was there in his eyes, the way he eyed her up as if she were the one asking for further lessons.

Bliss crossed her arms, frowning at him.

"You may be a Blodwyn, but if you aren't here to take your Maester brother's help in getting you well beyond your years in study, then you will be made to look a fool. If I think you do not wish to take my time teaching you seriously, then I have the right to refuse. I will tell Maester Blodwyn that his younger brother is a disappointment." She raised her chin in defiance, a subtle challenge to see if Calixtus would shape up now with that thinly veiled threat she loosed through her lips.

Bliss had plans to become a powerful defender. Her magic was strong, but she knows it can be made stronger the more she wielded it to learn of it. Understand it. And perhaps then, she would be able to wield more, so much more. Her talents would see her serve Elbion, to keep those dwelling in this land safe.

She wasn't going to let Calixtus bloody Blodwyn hold her back.

 

[Calixtus]

Calixtus stilled, her words ringing out between them like a gauntlet thrown. For a heartbeat, silence stretched. Then, slowly, he began to laugh. It was a quiet

“Disappointment?” he repeated, tasting the word as though it were a sweet he could roll on his tongue. His eyes narrowed, sharp with delight. “My dear Bliss, you wound me. Do you really think running to my brother with complaints will earn you favor? If anything, it will prove you’re far more invested in me than you’d like to admit.”

His smirk returned, crueler now, but laced with a strange kind of charm. “You can posture all you like, chin raised and eyes blazing… but we both know you wouldn’t dare throw away the opportunity to prove yourself."

"Blodwyns do not get left behind. And neither do those clever enough to stay close to us.”

 

[Bliss]

Close to the Blodwyns? Bliss snorted. "You mean friends of your family? The Gradimirs already have relations with another House." She was unsure why she needed to say that, to put distance from herself and him. The comment of how he could read her so easily didn't sit well with her, and even with her years of study putting her as the more adequate mage, Calixtus has pride and pedigree on his side.

His brother was a skilled Maester, which meant that Calixtus could reach such lengths one day if their bloodline was strong.

But her bloodline excelled in defensive magic.

Bliss rolled her wrist, her palm upturned as magic swelled around her. It blew at her ashy blonde hair, as if she were commanding the winds. Surrounding her was a force of magic, a ward meant to stop anything getting too close to her. Bliss canted her head, watching the Blodwyn student. "If I were to tell Maester Blodwyn of your laziness, it would be to embarrass you and I would be forever unchanged. My talents would be put to another student that is more deserving of my precious time."

Unspoken was a challenge.

 

[Calixtus]

For once, Calixtus did not answer right away. His pale eyes tracked the shimmer of her ward, the way it bent the air and whipped her hair about her face. He almost looked impressed—almost—but the smirk on his lips betrayed him too soon.

“Well,” he drawled at last, tone deceptively mild, “it seems the dutiful Gradimir knows how to bare her teeth after all.”

His gaze swept over the ward, then back to her, lingering with a hungry kind of curiosity. “Perhaps I underestimated you. I do not mind being proven wrong when it’s done with such style.”

He stepped no closer, this time respecting the distance her magic carved between them. The gleam in his eyes suggested it was not out of deference but calculation.

“Very well, Bliss. Keep your shields high and I'll be your student."

She didn't understand yet how well she had motivated him.

" You've made this little arrangement far more… entertaining.”

He wouldn't break her defenses today.

He regarded the magic around her. There was no obvious flaw. Calixtus took a step back. His determination was far stronger than his innate talent. He fashioned that into something made of magic and hurled it against her shield.

 

[Bliss]

"Good." She frowned. "Go on then. Bring up a shield. However big you can manage, and hold it."

She could extend her wards, but she did not just yet. Bliss did not wish to show all her prowess to him just yet. She had met an ex Dreadlord once, one that served before their revolution, and the bit of information relayed to her was to keep her extent of skills under wraps. If her magic was made for defensive spellwork, then her training had to be done in a similar fashion.

One day, she would serve as a great defender of this city she called home.

Teaching Calixtus Blodwyn how to wield wards was just another skill she could add to her roster.

"Any shield you conjure, you need to keep it up and not waver on it's strength. Don't worry, I won't throw rocks at you until I am certain you can take it."