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.