❅ Table of Contents ❅ ❣ Table of Contents ❣ Azreal ❣ Relationships ❣ Rps & Adventures ❣ Inventory & Art ❣ Reqs ❣ The Story So Far
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 4:17 pm
Name: Azreal Stage: 2 - Storm Mage & Scholar Race: Ice // Shifter // Wind Gender: Male Base Traits: Meticulous || Haughty/Dignified || Gracious Personality: Azreal is quick witted and enjoys puzzles. He has learned early on that if you want to truly solve something that you must take your time and figure out every possible outcome before committing. This makes him very meticulous when it comes to offering solutions and sometimes he will spend days just thinking about the same problem before finally giving an answer. However, he is not perfect and sometimes a spark of his mother's short temper will shine through and make him ruin his attempts at patiently solving a problem.
He is vain and very conceited because he knows that he is smarter than most. Being spoiled by his family has only heightened his awareness of his capabilities and he is not shy about showing off what he knows. Unless they prove otherwise most outsiders are below his level and he will make certain that they know it. Such an attitude deserves to be knocked down a peg or two in the future but for now he carries himself with pride, lots of it.
Despite his pride, Azreal can be a very gracious child. He does not mind helping out and sharing with those who have less than him. He is kind and charming in front of most strangers as he is eager to show off what he knows as long as they give him the respect he deserves. Praise him and you'll earn a genuine smile from the boy who will help those lesser than him. History: One of the twin sons born to Rhonann and Kian, Azreal was raised alongside his brother Kuno along the borders of Zena and Sauti. Living with his parents along with his father's family allowed him to grow up showered in love. The stone manor was a huge playground for both him and Kuno and while they may have been slightly destructive neither boy was intentionally mean spirited. Both however did have a flare of playfulness and did have a habit of pulling mischief while growing up in Zena. They are also close as twins and Azreal would do anything to protect Kuno from others.
One of the most notable things about Azreal's childhood is when his mother's family friend always came each summer to visit with her daughter, Zakia. The two have butted heads since childhood and it is during those times that Azreal finds himself in the most trouble with his family. Other than that he enjoys studying and mental puzzles are some of his favorite hobbies. He is also very accustomed to animals after living on an animal sanctuary and is intrigued by magic considering that half of his father's family are indeed mages. Admittedly he is is a bit spoiled considering that he never really had to sacrifice anything growing up and was pampered by the family with gifts and attention.
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 4:17 pm
❅ Relationships ❅ ❣Family❣
❣ Kian & Rhonann - his parents!
❣ Kuno - his twin brother who he is very protective of.
❣ Teagan & Branna - his younger siblings.
❣ Talisia & Eresin - his Aunt and Uncle.
❣ Zyphire - His older cousin who makes the best stews.
❣ Yngvara & Ziya - Zyphire's children, his cousins.
❣ Katori & Taaru - Talisia and Eresin's children, his older cousins.
❣ Dris & Her Family - His Shifter half-aunt who he hears about on occasion.
Growth Blurb: Azreal has grown in his studies, but also has matured to the point that he realizes others are just as important as books. While he may not be the best at addressing his feelings, he is taking a step forward to face those that he cares about while continuing his studies and beginning to teach others.
Physical Description: Take inspiration from the following. Just think arrogant mage/scholar living in Zena for the most part so something warm and elegant for his attire. Maybe something even like a black undershirt that goes up to his neck, like a tight turtle neck, and a mage's coat above that with a hood. Layered necklaces as well with some crystal earrings (maybe a crystal dangling from the bottom with a cuff or chained earring at the top of his ears), anything storm or ice related would be great for accessories with runes too. Exact design up to artist with his hair either similar to this stage or slightly longer and tied back in a short ponytail. [EX 1][EX 2][EX 3][EX 4] [Accessory Idea][2][3] Body Type: Lean muscle, sharp features.
Preferred Artists: Kana or Scar [full or collab] WIPs: Sure c:
Physical Description:[Main Inspiration]- feel free to take inspiration from this, just a regal look with a fur cloak or jacket cause it's cold up north. Exact design up to artist. Feel free to use darker colors // Zenan colors with gold or silver embroidery. Can give him earrings and any other accessories. Gemstones or just plain silver or gold works. [Secondary Inspiration]
His hair is still short similar to before/like the main inspiration picture.
Body Type: Slender Preferred Artists: Scar Full or Collab // Any WIPs: Sure!
Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:51 pm
♥ The Story So Far... ♥ ❣ Living at the animal sanctuary in Zena. heart
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2021 11:38 am
♥ Summoner Path ♥ Azreal had been raised at his father and aunt’s estate up in Zena. It was nestled along the edges of Zena’s border with Sauti right below the sprawling forest and hills to the south. Azreal was rather fond of how sturdy the building was with its deep gray stone walls and towering three floors, bigger than any other building he saw in the local village that was only a short hike away, and there was even a large cellar that stretched beneath the building with stables and a forge also on the estate. Azreal personally enjoyed studying in the library that had been shoved full of magical tomes, a result of both his uncle Eresin and his own father’s acquisitions over the years, but more so than the books he enjoyed the arched window that overlooked the rolling fields to the east of the building. He could even see parts of the crystal blue stream that cut through the property and acres of fields that blossomed with colorful wildflowers during the warmer months of the year. Currently a group of roati bounced about and he found himself chuckling at the sight of them and their shenanigans. He truly adored this area of his family home and was thankful that they had opted to build the window here. The giant arched window was surely the pride of several craftsmen who had laid the original stones so carefully before fitting in a window of delicate glass and the natural lighting with the overlook made it a perfect area for the large wooden desk covered with parchment and tomes. Whenever Eresin was out and about on his travels, many of which lasted weeks and sometimes months, Azreal had gotten into the habit of claiming the desk for himself. While he wasn’t certain of what he wanted to become one day the boy had always enjoyed just reading about the possibilities. His uncle’s journals about his mentorship under Nero were fascinating and while Azreal was curious about the missing pages of his father’s own life he was apt to believe that surely they held glorious adventures as well. It was rather hard to admit considering how rarely he gave praise to others but Azreal was very much in awe of the magical feats he witnessed within his own family. Aunt Talisia seemed to almost always shy away from talking about the arts but he had personally witnessed for himself how she referenced the magical arts for healing the injured beasts that came to their manor. His father had even managed to help on occasion with more drastic cases and he had watched his uncle even help construct a brand new building with the help of the elements!
So why was he struggling so much? Azreal sighed and rested his head against the desk. The warmth from his flushed cheeks almost instantly cooled when it touched the smooth wood and he found himself closing his eyes for a moment just to rest. Perhaps just a few moments? A yawn escaped his lips and the teen found himself drifting for a moment. His dreams were flashes of his fears, the nightmares from recent events still haunting him, and Azreal found himself waking up with a gasp. “Spirits.” The teen pushed back away from the desk with another sigh. He really had to get a hold of himself! He wasn’t sleeping well lately and now he was even falling asleep while trying to study? This was not like him at all. Azreal found himself clenching his hands tightly together before he finally raised his hand again to study a pile of books. Eventually after a few thoughtful moments his fingers paused over an older tome that he had noticed earlier. What was this? His midnight blue gaze narrowed as he finally started to browse through the dusty pages, his interest growing by the second. He knew some of his family used archery and magic together and even one of his cousins enjoyed punching things with brute force and elemental magic, but he never saw ideas like this before. A way to use martial arts and magic together? “Tempest…” The word crossed his lips and echoed within his spirit. He didn’t want to be some backline person but rather someone who could charge in and defend those he cared for while also embracing his own magical abilities. It would also look pretty badass as well. The thought made Azreal chuckle as he studied over a few diagrams. He could commission something from a merchant in the town or perhaps even venture towards the capital where an experienced blacksmith surely was. “This really is possible then.” Azreal tilted his head thoughtfully almost as if in disbelief before allowing his decision to truly sink in.
He would become a summoner then and use natural magics and weaponry to his advantage. A perfect challenge for someone as dedicated to him to studying and training both his mind and body. The biggest question now was did he opt for a sword or something more akin to a lance? A scythe perhaps? Azreal’s gaze gleamed as he noticed the final drawing of a scythe decorated in runestones. That could be interesting indeed.
“At least now I know what to train in.” Azreal smirked as he stood up from the desk and started to walk about the study, his prized book now nestled in the leather satchel he often took with him, and once he finished placing back all the other scrolls and books the teen took on final look about the room. He had even dusted and reorganized things so that they would be in place for when his uncle returned in the next couple of days. Surely that would mean that Zyphire would be around as well to prepare a huge meal that they could enjoy together. His older cousin was seemingly up to something lately and Azreal wondered just how much change was on the horizon for their family. His own parents had gone out on some sort of adventure and he hoped that they returned soon enough so that he could tell them about his plans. He wanted to find the best blacksmith that there was to craft his weapon so that he could begin training with it. There was only so much that he could do with the dulled blades and wooden staffs lingering around the manor after all.
He had to become stronger. Intellect was one thing but physically Azreal wanted to be the one to drag someone out of danger if they needed. His mind flashed back to that frozen night after the worst storm he had seen in years and a shudder rippled down his spine. Never again. He would never again allow such a thing to happen when he was nearby. “That reminds me though I should give that raptrix his fair share of treats today.” Azreal forced a small smile as he thought about his familiar, the rather robust charcoal raptrix with azure eyes and silver tipped wings. Midnight looked like a clear Zenan night sky, his silver spots almost like stars and the darkness of his base fur blending into the shadows. They almost had a blue sheen to them whenever he wasn’t completely covered in dirt from rolling about in the fields. Which of course he was now. Azreal let out a sigh as he stared down the giant puppy of a beast. “How is it that you’re the hero here?” He shook his head as he handed over a treat to entice the creature to follow him back towards the stables. Once there he picked up a brush and began to try and get out the clumps of dirt and fur that had tangled together. “Just because it’s a nice day outside...I swear.” Azreal pursed his lips as he started grooming the raptrix. He would need some fresh water and some of those soap flakes for this disaster.
“I should use honeysuckle or some of the more fragrant flowers around here.” He teased as he continued working at the raptrix. Eventually he would have to get Midnight to settle down more so that he could train him as a mount capable of handling a rider who also fought. Whether archery or now magic. “You can handle a summoner right?” Teased Azreal as he reflected once more on his class choice. Already he was planning out his trip to the city and how he would track down someone to craft his weapon of choice. Maybe then he could also unlock some of the more dangerous nature magic including lightning and fire. He just hoped he didn’t accidentally set some fields on fire or damage the manor. How upset would his aunt be if that did occur? A shiver went down Azreal’s spine at the very thought of it. If he had been terrified of potential dangers before then irritating his aunt would be towards the top of the greatest disasters possible. It definitely would be best if he took Midnight out for a flight and practiced in the hills far, far away whenever the time came to truly harness his full powers.
[1538]
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Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2021 12:14 pm
♥ Growth to Stage 2 ♥ He was going to do it.
Azreal found himself pacing about his bedroom for most of the morning as he scurried about to pack his belongings while repeating his speech over and over. He was going to convince his family that it was finally time to let him venture out on a small journey of his own. Nothing too crazy that would take him months to return but a trip towards the capital which he wanted to do on his own with just Midnight, his raptrix. All of his life he had known the manor and been restricted within their local area because of his mother’s worries. Azreal had tried to bring the issue up with his other family members but most kept quiet about why his mother seemed so haunted when she once traveled across Tendaji with his father. What was so terrifying that she wanted to protect him and Kuno from the outside world? Hadn’t they hidden away for long enough? Azreal had that realization when he almost lost a dear friend, admittedly something he didn’t tell others but it was a truth that he deeply cared for the other teen, and he didn’t want to feel useless anymore. It was a changing point for him because he had always held a haughty, superior attitude when compared to others but that very night taught him that he was still weak. He had been pampered by his family and truly wasn’t ready to face the harsher realities of their world. Years of protection in a stone manor without want for anything did nothing to help him even when he did spend hours upon hours studying and training. He simply had to gain the experience for himself and so he had decided to finally take his first step and venture into the harsher northern mountains of Zena.
“A trip to the capital to test myself.” He had studied for so long so why not finally put himself to the test? Azreal glanced down at his hands as if expecting some sort of answer within his own palms. Did he look powerful enough? Did he feel that way? Not lately. The very thought made him grimace as he finally finished packing and started heading out of the manor. A few notes had been written throughout the night and he left them in their respective places as he prepared to depart. If his parents weren’t around to speak with then he would just have to boldly go forward without their blessing and hope that no one came to track him down later without warning. Just the thought made him frown before he left the manor he had known all of his life to head towards the stables and prepare his raptrix for the long journey north. He would get his experience and gain a weapon before coming home once more. Azreal just had to believe in himself more. He could do this and he was determined to prove it to himself so that he could finally chase away the doubts that had been haunting him for the past few months.
No more hiding. It was truly time to go out and face the world.
[532]
Azreal never realized until recently just how sheltered he was from the outside world. The harsh reality has snapped him out of his superior attitude and rather made him doubtful of his own capabilities. This is a huge moment for him because he’s finally leaving that shelter and heading out into the harsher Zenan mountains to test himself so that he can finally start believing in his own strength again.
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
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Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 3:20 pm
♥ The School in the Mountains ♥ A cold wind was not an uncommon occurrence in the northern capital of Zena. However, it was an oddity in the established academy that was nestled above the upper streets of the bustling capital with its plethora of mages and skilled artisans who had made the structure with utmost care and effort. The stone castle wrapped around the cliffs outside of the capital city, the spiral towers along each corner representing some attunement with nature with glass scones reflecting some color of amber, aquamarine, emerald or a soft silver glow against the pale gray stones that the original architect had gathered specifically from the northernmost quarries where few dared venture. The elegance of its design was simply for show in the present day since most classes merged all types of theories and focused more on what one wanted to learn, whether fighting or healing for young mages, with some specialities as the less magically inclined students and scholars studied other topics such as history or mathematics instead. There were even poets and artists now with their smaller groups honing skills to one day bring to the wealth in the capital, increasing the talents found there that would only entice more trade and culture within Zidel. Where once the original founders had forced specialities of elemental magic, now it was common to see a splash of everything as other heritages from foreign lands started to invade the once private halls. Not that there were too many from outside of Zena in the academy, but it was enough of a change that a hybrid like Azreal wasn’t completely out of place as he walked past a group of younger Zenan students carrying their ledgers towards the direction of the mathematics hall. Young accountants probably in training who had goals of either helping maintain a councilman’s coffers or opening their own store or traveling as merchants one day. One definitely was from some sort of merchant family with their Sautian heritage being quite obvious, the only surprising feature being the crimson eyes that stood out from their pale and golden coloring hinting that they too were a hybrid. At least that was Azreal’s assumption as he watched the group disappear around the corner, their steps echoing down the otherwise quiet marble floored hallway. Still, having more students had only opened the academy up to more funding and increased how many luxuries resided within the castle that held over thirty rooms to home those students coming from afar. Even Azreal’s own suite had a plush bed with soft feather comforters to keep him warm enough that he slept without the fireplace lit some nights, a far cry from the meager situation of some lesser boarding schools and better than many taverns he had stayed in while traveling with family. Though his room was a bit more spacious than most without roommates to fight over the rich, solid wooden furniture that Azreal used to store his belongings, it also allowed him to study in peace when he wasn’t in the library that took over a large portion of the lower level of the building. It was something he had earned by becoming a tutor himself over the past year since passing his classes and emerging as one of the top students. Some were jealous of it while others considered it a blessing to not share quarters with the prickly mage with his quirks and short temper. And so as for the odd wind? It was no fault of the architects of the building, but rather his own fault. Azreal hadn’t meant to summon that chill, but once again the storm mage found himself subconsciously warning others to keep away as he continued his own march down that hallway, the hybrid not wanting to deal with gossiping students that seemed to adore bothering him as of late. Even though he was a tutor now and might eventually take over as a teacher here, especially with how much Professor Aspen pestered him about the idea, it did not mean that Azreal was quite prepared to be constantly hounded by questions, especially from the younger students who continued their questions into more personal inquiries. Why any of them needed to know his favorite color or flavors, Azreal did not understand as such things went over his head. Whereas others may have considered it a way to try to flirt with the stormy mage, the man himself was oblivious and thought only of studying. He wasn’t going to be accepting bribes for anything, especially since he did not control the outcome of the final exams and trials held at the end of the year. It was absolutely ridiculous that anyone would think he had such influence here! Even if he did then it would only encourage him to fail someone for not relying on their own merit to achieve the results that they so desperately craved. Work for what you desire - that was Azreal’s motto and the very reason that he had disappeared into the academy for years, visiting family on rare occasion and mostly staying within the confines of the great library to study whatever magical knowledge he could before corresponding with his uncle and father to learn more from them before questioning his professors. It was his uncle’s connections that actually got him into the academy since his father was a wildcard who while helping Eresin out with his relic hunts, had also somehow never truly registered himself over the past two decades while doing so. There was always a haunted look in his father’s gaze though whenever he discussed the capital, but the mystic preferred to brush it off with a joke or similar before moving onto another topic and leaving Eresin alone to help Azreal navigate the complicated city streets and social structure there. At least though his father would linger by the academy, the pair visiting Azreal whenever Eresin dropped off more research that he had discovered while adventuring with Kian. The only other person that Azreal saw from his family that often was Branna since his younger brother had visited Zidel a few times to watch performances together, studying the musicians that played in the grand orchestra there. Other than that Azreal would send out letters more than anything over the last few years to keep in touch save for when he would take leave on the holidays to go to the sanctuary to meet up with family there for a few nights before returning north once more. Azreal was better with tomes than he was with relationships, after all, and so he felt more comfortable hidden in the library here. While this place had not been his original intention when he wanted to brave the dangers of the north, it had allowed him to grow into a stronger mage and for that Azreal was thankful. It was not as if there weren’t dangers though from studying here since he did partake in trials that came up during their yearly exams, the last of which actually took him deep into the northern mountains to fight for his life against other senior students and beasts that roamed there. It was winning such a challenge that allowed him his private quarters now and solidified that he was capable of being a tutor on his own without nepotism giving him the position because of his uncle’s connections. He even sported a nice scar down his left side, the jagged cut starting just by his ribs and ending at his hip bone from an injury he had gained during that time in the mountains. Needless to say, he did not want to ever encounter a feral weywa like that again.
“Azreal.” A familiar voice had the young mage halting, Azreal contemplating if he would rather face that weywa again now that Aspen had approached him. How many times did they have to go over this?
“Yes?” Azreal twisted his gloves back into place before looking at the older iceling professor. Like his strange affinity for nature magic, mostly poisons, the older man’s gaze was a brilliant green that stood out against the dusty blue skin of the Zenan race and his dark blue hair. “I was heading into the library to study more. You’re giving us a botany quiz tomorrow, I believe.”
“Does that stop you from spending some time discussing matters with me over a cup of tea first?” Aspen raised an eyebrow at his student, the mystic studying Azreal for a moment as he waited for an answer.
Azreal pursed his lips, the temperature plummeting around him again before he reeled in his emotions. “I suppose not.” He finally relented before holding up a quick finger at the sight of his mentor’s grin. “However, you already know that I need to visit home before I sign any contracts.”
“Yes, yes.” Aspen acknowledged with a slight nod of his head. “It doesn’t stop me though from pestering you with ideas. I also was hoping to have your input on some applications for next year. You know that our spots here are limited and you have a keen eye for picking out talent…”
“You mean I don’t sugarcoat things and I go straight for the kill with my blunt observations.” Replied Azreal without missing a beat, his honesty once more showing as he refused to try to appear more polite towards the professor that knew him the best. The older man had apparently worked with his uncle’s family before and had even taught his uncle some when he lived in the capital before traveling with his merchant parents for work. Though the Aspen from that time was a much more inexperienced mage when they trained together since there was just a decade or so of an age gap between Aspen and his uncle. He could barely imagine the well versed mystic in front of him accidentally blowing up a merchant’s booth with a spell gone wrong as Aspen fondly remembered, the story one that he always told about his first training session with Eresin. His mentor could be a bit light-hearted and had his moments, but never once had Azreal ever witnessed him falter when it came to magic. While he doubted any could compare to his father’s strength in battle, Aspen would certainly give his father a struggle out of all the professors here. Even Azreal had yet to best his professor while sparring together, his body still aching from their last training session that they did a day ago.
“Well, yes.” Aspen chuckled though as he turned and gestured for Azreal to follow him away from the library and down the spiraling stairs that went towards the main lobby. Past that there was another corridor, a bit more cramped than the big open hallways at the entrance, but it was here that the mentors had their own private quarters with a lounge for meetings. Azreal simply followed and looked at the all too familiar tapestries hanging on the stone walls of the hallway. Beasts of legend, even one of a flaming bird stretching its wings across a snowy mountaintop, and mages in mid battle with some decorated the older tapestries that fluttered as he walked past. There were some old paintings as well, mostly of older mentors who were long gone from this place, and even maps of Zena and the various settlements were tucked along the walls as well. It was a lot of clutter in his opinion, but he knew that there were many decorative pieces like these that repeated throughout the castle with the especially older ones tucked away here in a place that few walked. That old navy tapestry depicting the Zenan mountain goddess with the golden thread of the stars behind her faded from the ages? Definitely one that he could not imagine trusting in a more public space with so many students walking past where trouble could arise. And at least they could have some privacy here, the solid oak door that closed behind them locking in most noise in the lounge to prevent others from eavesdropping easily. It was in this room with its one window looking out over the mountain itself, the edge of the school built on the very end of the landscape to hover over a huge drop towards the city below, that Azreal was comfortable enough to settle in a chair by the long table that stretched across the center of the room. Older tomes were tucked away in the shelves here, some kept even away from the archives of the library, and a model of Zidel was spread out on the table as well for both display and planning purposes. Not that anyone ever hoped that the city would fall under attack, but it was helpful to have should the council need to take sanctuary here at the school where it was higher elevation in the northern mountains. Mostly though the table was covered in scattered notes from the professors who gathered here to discuss school matters and file away contracts for students and new staff. “Tea?” Aspen asked as he walked to a corner of the room and pulled out a kettle to fill with water, the mage heating it himself as he set it down on the stone ledge of the window to finish warming.
“As long as it’s not one of your speciality brews.” The last time that Azreal had trusted such a thing he had slept for hours, the brew far too potent for simply relaxing the mind. “If you have something like dark tea with cinnamon, that’ll suffice.” Something to warm his chest even though he didn’t truly seem to be bothered by the bitter cold that lingered this far north. It was simply nice to hold onto a warm cup, Azreal watching as Aspen grabbed a pair of mugs and followed his instructions.
“You make one strong blend once and they never let it go.” Aspen tsked as he placed the teabags into the cups and poured the now steaming water over them. “Let it stew for a bit and then drink.” He instructed as he passed the cup towards Azreal, pointing out the teabag. “From a local shop in the capital, nothing that I’ve touched.” He reassured him with a soft huff as he settled into the chair next to Azreal.
Azreal even gave the tea a slight sniff, just in case, and once he accepted the tea was normal the mage simply curled his fingers around the ceramic mug to soak in the heat. “You don’t make a good case for yourself, at least when it comes to drinks.” He replied as he settled in more, the younger mage crossing his ankles and leaning slightly back in his chair. “And yet you want to travel the world to retire early and work on tea?”
“Why not?” Aspen grinned as he stirred something that Azreal didn’t even want to guess into his own teacup. “Eventually we all grow too old and traveling then would be such a pain. I figured I might as well do it while I still have some life left in these bones. Maybe I can return to Zidel and open a teashop here.”
“Uh huh.” Azreal quirked a brow at the very idea. “I think the capital may be a bit concerned if you opened a shop here.” He admitted before giving a slight shrug. “But perhaps if you do learn things over your travels that help in your endeavors anything is possible.”
“Ouch.” Aspen shook his head as he raised the teacup and took a careful sip. “I suppose we’ll see if I can get my replacement to stay here so that I can travel.”
“You mean me.” Azreal let out a soft sigh. “You truly want me to start teaching here?”
“Mmmhmm. Certainly Yvala could teach botany in my stead since she already covers the healing arts and is a fair hand with plants like I am, but you’re the best battle mage we’ve had in a while.” Aspen set his cup down after taking another sip. “After what happened in the mountains…well, you definitely proved your capabilities there.”
Ah, yes the mountains. The very thought brought a phantom pain down Azreal’s side where the scar lingered. “I survived. It wasn’t that amazing a feat.” The blizzard, the feral weywa, the unruly classmates who had it out for him…well, that whole mess was something that Azreal did not share with anyone from home. Only Aspen knew the finer details for fear that he would worry his family or even worse set his father off on those who had threatened him in the first place. One had already suffered for trying to set a trap, one of the young mages nearly losing his life that night in the mountains before fleeing instead of facing his punishment with Azreal carrying out the other one who had suffered even worse wounds. He had been expelled and dismissed from the grounds once he could walk again with what leg he had left. But at the end of it all, it was what Azreal had wanted in a trial despite the unpleasantness of the situation. He faced danger so that he could grow and protect those that he cared about. He did not want to ever experience that fear again, not ever since he nearly lost Zakia all those years ago. Whether he realized it or not, it was that memory which made him want to return home before committing to anything here. “Still, I promise I would be interested in teaching…I just need to go home first.” There were quite a few loose ends to figure out and he wanted some time before accepting something that would tie him to Zidel for a few years, if not longer. “You can surely wait a bit longer before traveling, no?”
“Maybe.” Aspen nodded thoughtfully. “I would still like to discuss the finer details of the matter with you now before you disappear back home for a time. Care to review a contract and we can begin negotiations?”
Azreal let out a soft chuckle before nodding. What was the point of even trying to run away now? Aspen truly wanted him to do this and so he should at least discuss matters with the older mystic before leaving. “Fine, but I won’t be signing anything today.” He reaffirmed even as he took a sip of his own tea, preparing himself for a long afternoon of discussion and hoping that at the end of the day he could manage some studying before facing tomorrow’s tests.