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 Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2023 9:21 pm
It was strange how time would pass so quickly. Days would turn into weeks and weeks into months that stretched into yet another year before Azreal finally finished up more of his studies. The young mage had taken his time in the capital of Zena, studying the arcane and honing his own magical skills, and even his excursions into the northern mountains to try and become stronger had taken him months with only the occasional letter sent home allowing his family to know that he still lived. It felt like ages ago since he had been a child bickering at the sanctuary with his siblings and childhood friend, even the more recent trip to Belrea felt more like a faded memory than an actual event from a couple of years back. Though what frustrated him the most was the fact that when he returned to the sanctuary it would not just be him who had changed. Kuno was apparently off waltzing around with that hybrid girl he had met all those years ago, his brother now working as a guard for some roaming caravan, while his own parents were off traveling with their younger siblings before winter took over again. Where did that leave Azreal? Alone with a couple of traveling satchels tossed over his shoulders, his indigo and silver raptrix having the rest of his supplies as the pair of them walked up the familiar path towards the front gate of the manor. “At least this place hasn’t changed.” The stone building was a comfort, the larger stained glass windows gleaming in the sunlight as the nearby fields of roati continued on as before. Azreal knew that it would be mostly empty at the moment but it was nice to at least have some quiet time to unpack and figure out his next steps. Would….Zakia be nearby? She was still training with that prickly old lady, right? Azreal had exchanged a few letters during his time away but even he didn’t know what to expect from Zakia. All he knew was that he was home and since his family wasn’t around it would make sense to leave behind his supplies and try to track down an old friend. That was all…yep.
“Come on, Tarek. Let’s put these bags down.” Then he would go look around and see if he could find Zakia somewhere nearby. Unless she was already visiting the manor? The place was always open to her after all, especially considering how close of a family friend she was. She had basically grown up with the boys even which meant that Azreal definitely had more reason to want to see her than most. Just to check on progress and what not. How could he not want to show off especially now that he had inherited his father’s taller than normal height, stronger shoulders and handsome features? “Maybe I should just grab some sleep.” Murmured Azreal as he shook off such ridiculous thoughts and continued up the path with Tarek by his side.
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Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2023 4:45 pm
When Zakia started her training with Maud she knew what she was giving up, but hadn't expected the adjustments that came with it. Up until that point any time she'd spent away from her mother had been with close friends in Chibale or at the sanctuary. Standing on her own, with a strange iceling running her through the paces, was as grueling as she'd feared. Maud was relentless. While she wasn't unkind the iceling was a survivalist and if Zakia couldn't keep up then she'd be left behind which forced the more laidback Aishan to rethink her approach to life.
Everytime she went to bed with bruises and an empty stomach Zakia reminded herself that she asked for this. Instead of staying in Belrea with her mother and sister she'd asked for this kind of training so she wouldn't spend another night half dead in the snow. And yet....Goddess, the nights were hard. Still, Zakia grew in those years, physically and mentally, to the point where she was becoming an accomplished huntress in her own right. She'd reached a height that made some Aishans look small and her features had developed in other ways that garnered a few curious looks when she made her way into nearby settlements.
As rare as that was, of course. Maud didn't much care for outside influence and Zakia, as much as she enjoyed the odd break, didn't enjoy the looks.
Despite it all she did make enough trips to the sanctuary to keep her connections. Sometimes Kuno was there, sometimes he wasn't, sometimes he was preoccupied, and sometimes Zakia made a point to talk to his family instead. Even when Mero was at her kindest she was a bit...prickly, so Zakia tried to stay on her good side. And Azreal...Well, she hadn't seen him since the Belrea trip. The letters helped her to stay in touch, but between her training and his studies it might take weeks for her to respond, then the length of sending, then his own delay in response and so on.
So, needless to say, she wasn't expecting to see him anytime soon. Who she had been expecting was an Zenan hybrid named Greer. Greer was a local roati herder who often came across orphaned creatures or those that needed a little extra care. She hadn't come specifically to visit with him, but when he'd walked up to her Zakia flashed the man a smile.
It was hard to deny Greer's good looks. He had all the features typical for a Zenan, but the mark and light eyes of a Geian. When he approached Greer leaned casually on his shepherd's hook, a smooth smile lighting up his features. "Hey starshine~ Didn't know I'd be lucky enough to see you today."
Zakia scoffed, but her cheeks darkened all the same. Namely out of embarrassment. "You're terrible. Have you seen Kuno? I was hoping to catch him..."
"Nope, haven't seem 'im. But...since you're here you could spend the afternoon with me?"
Goddess, but he was brazen, wasn't he?
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:28 am
“Ah, if only she wasn’t otherwise occupied.” Azreal didn’t know what had possessed him but the taller hybrid had taken even longer strides as soon as he had noticed Greer approaching Zakia. The quicker he approached the pair, the better. It allowed him to glower at Greer as he tried to chase off the pesky shepherd. Who did he even think he was to approach their home and Zakia like that? Azreal’s azure gaze narrowed, a storm reflecting in the dark irises, and he took another step forward to cast an imposing presence over the shepherd’s smaller one. “I brought a lot of bags since I’m returning from the academy for a while.” Azreal commented, offering one towards Zakia. “There’s some souvenirs from the capital in there. Help carry it?” He tossed the bag towards her, his gaze narrowing once more as he looked over the shepherd.
“I’m here now so I can handle this. Thank you.” Just like an impending storm the mage held an air of danger and his brows furrowed even more as Greer tried to peek around him towards Zakia. It was a shame that his aunt worked with the shepherd to rehome the smaller creatures that didn’t need to stay at the sanctuary or to get more roati for their own herd else Azreal would have struck him with lightning just for trying to ignore him in favor of Zakia. Not that he understood his own frustrations. Surely it was because he had to trek all the way back to the sanctuary on his own with his family too damn busy to even consider meeting him along the way. Tarek had been a most welcomed surprise from his aunt, a mount to keep him company during the last few years away, but was that enough to make up for everything? Not that they had known he would be returning early after finishing his final year…Azreal simply hadn’t wanted to linger for the parties as for him they were unnecessary socializing events. But was it his family that he was actually angry with? Azreal’s gaze flickered back towards Zakia thoughtfully before he simply nodded his head towards the sanctuary. “Coming along? If you’re looking for something here then I could help in place of Kuno.” It seemed Azreal wasn't the only one who had grown and changed during their time apart, the realization making his gaze linger as he waited for an answer.
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Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2023 12:17 pm
The comment caught both Greer and Zakia by surprise. She took a half step back to turn toward Azreal, a comment on her lips, but the Aishan remained carefully silent. If she hadn't been flushed before hand she would be now. It seemed like time had done them both some good.
Where as Zakia's features picked up a little playful, slightly awkward smile Greer's hardened. Underneath that charming smile were fangs ready to snap at the interloper.
"So glad to know you remembered your favorite pack mule," Zakia quipped, raising one her brows Azreal's way, mostly oblivious to the silent death match between men. If anything she was used to Azreal being as snippy as a teething raptrix so his bristly attitude toward Greer wasn't a red flag. Greer's, though...He'd never been anything other than sociable around her so to see him stiffen up was new. If she'd had irises the Aishan may have rolled her eyes, but instead she settled on taking the pack from Azreal.
"Souvenirs from the capital? Want to unpack them once we get you settled in?" Maybe she could brew some tea or search around for a bottle of something stronger. Zakia wasn't one for liquor, but she knew Kian had to have a bottle of wine stashed around here somewhere. When she looked away from the bag toward both men Zakia...couldn't only see Azreal. Had Greer gone hom-?
Nope, no she saw him trying to peer around Azreal and a firm set to his mouth. Sympathetically, she waved toward the shepherd. "Sorry, he's just come in so I'm going to help Azreal get his things together. I hope you understand."
"Of course," Greer may have seemed sweet, but oh there was something under there. Why was he acting like that? "I'll catch up with you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? You're coming back tomorrow?"
"I wasn't planning on it but,-" With a sharp look at Azreal, the shepard grinned, "-I think it might be best. For the herd's sake."
"...Yeah, sure." Zakia took a deep breath and started walking up toward the sanctuary, putting some distance between them and Greer.
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Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2023 1:14 pm
Oh, he truly didn’t like this guy. There was something almost feral in the air behind Zakia as both men stared each other down before Zakia addressed them. “Of course.” Azreal smirked towards Zakia. “Hard to forget someone who has always been in my life. I thought I may as well bring back gifts since I’m finished with my studies and will be around going forward.” A bit petty perhaps but it was nice seeing how the other hybrid bristled at Azreal’s familiar tone towards Zakia. Just because he had been away for the last few years…some low-life thought it was acceptable to move in? Hah! Despite everything there was only a hint of rain in the air, a static that traveled along Azreal’s fingertips as he kept a calm expression despite the storm that threatened to spill out whenever Greer decided to invite himself over again tomorrow. The insolence of the man! Did he really think that he had any right to even suggest a thing?
“I think we have plenty of roati around already.” Managed Azreal finally with a forced smile towards Greer as he fought to keep his emotions in check. “My aunt takes in plenty of strays so the sanctuary is surely full. I’m certain the fields opposite the village will be better than this area anyway.” Both men knew better than to get into a brawl right in front of Zakia so even as Azreal waved a hand in dismissal towards Greer all the shepherd could do was shoot a sharp glare after Azreal as he walked away with Zakia.
“Is he always around here?” Azreal managed as they got plenty of distance from the front gate, the manor getting closer with every step. How he had missed the cool gray stone of the larger building with its grand windows and twisting garden paths full of various wildflowers and herbs that disappeared into the wild fields and stables scattered behind the house. There was even a faint breeze that seemingly welcomed the pair as the front steps came into view. Perhaps he was romanticizing the property a bit, but there truly was no place that felt more like home to Azreal. “I didn’t realize the local villagers were trying to move right into the area.” He grumbled before shaking his head and looking back at Zakia. “As it is, how have you been? I was surprised to find you here and not training under that insane mentor of yours.”
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Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2023 12:16 pm
It was impossible to ignore the biting energy now. She gave Azreal a skeptical look, but kept her mouth shut for the time being. Why was he being so huffy? It was just Greer of all people. He was a harmless flirt and - No. No he wasn't....was he? No no....maybe?
"I'm honestly not sure. I haven't been around that often lately, but now that I think about it he usually shows up either later that day or sometime before I head back." She wasn't sure exactly how he found out she was in the area, but Greer did make a habit of stopping by. Zakia had always just assumed it was his connections with the herds since what other reason could he have, but now that she was thinking about why Azreal might act up she had to think about Greer too and...
It was weird. When she thought about Greer dropping in for reasons other than work her lip curled a little, but with Azreal it was different. That was much more of a grey area. This was his home, he had every right to be around even if she wasn't, but then...it got hazy.
"Maud's not crazy." She gave into a little laugh, "Well, not that crazy. She's good folk and she knows more about the mountain than most. It was good training with her, but I actually stopped a few days ago. I'm heading back to Chibale tomorrow and I was stopping in to say my goodbyes." Reaching inside of a pack on her hip, Zakia pulled out a letter with Azreal's name written on the outside, "This was getting sent out to you today, but I can just tell you in person."
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2023 11:57 am
“Oh really? I wonder why that is.” Azreal’s gaze hardened, a bit of static lingering in the air by the storm mage as his temper threatened to flare again. “Roati must have some particular grazing schedules.” He continued before shaking his head, the echoing sound of the gate closing behind them and the realization that this Greer was on the other side making him feel somewhat better. Now if he had come home to see that guy and Zakia sharing tea in the kitchen or something then he truly would have lost it! As it was right now Azreal just wanted to protect his own, as ridiculous as the thought could be once he truly processed it, and for some reason Azreal definitely felt like the shepherd was imposing where he shouldn’t be. Of course the concept of jealousy escaped the vain mage because obviously he would never falter or feel such a thing so it was truly a mystery why he felt so heated other than hating strangers on family territory.
His shoulders relaxed a bit at the sound of Zakia’s laughter. It had been months since he had the chance to hear it and the sound was just as pleasant as ever. Visiting once a year or so truly had dampened the chances to interact with his siblings and childhood friend so knowing he was finally home for a time gave him hope to remedy that. “Wait…you’re leaving?” Immediately all the hope was ripped away from him, Azreal frowning as he listened to Zakia’s words. She was done training? Of course he knew that she was an Aishan, but her family never seemed to stay in Chibale for long. Zakia had been in Zena for as long as he could remember, every summer spent together at the sanctuary while they were children save for those few years between preteen and young adult where she had decided to stay in the jungle instead of coming to the mountains. Back then it hadn’t bothered Azreal quite as much, the boy finding it easier to fight with Zakia than simply get along with her, but now? Well it truly was disappointing.
“Of course.” He found himself walking past her towards the kitchens where he left his bag on the table there, looking for an excuse to do anything that would prevent him from slamming a fist into the wall. “So I come home from the academy finally just in time to say farewell to you.” Azreal mused with a glance towards Zakia. “Should I bother offering tea or are you simply here to say goodbye and go along your merry way?” Despite his harsher words the mage was already pouring water into the kettle and setting it on the over, a simple gesture from him lighting the kindling below with fire. “The gifts are in the bag that you took, if you have a moment before going. It’s not something I could use either way so it's best if you take that at least.” Inside would be a wrapped package with Zakia’s name, a set of northern crystal tipped arrows with a matching engraved quiver inside. Of course Azreal made a point to not turn around to watch Zakia open the present, his own disappointment too great for him to cherish the moment. At least he didn’t have to worry about Greer lingering around now. The very thought nearly brought a choked laugh from his lips, but Azreal swallowed the reaction down to focus on making tea in silence.
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Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2023 5:04 pm
"Is it really that shocking?" Why did he look like that? Even though she hadn't visited Chibale in a while - years, actually - she was still an Aishan warrior. Technically. Zakia owed much to her goddess and the sisterhood that raised her so it was only right to take what she'd learned in the North back home. Or did he not think her capable enough to do that? Azreal had always picked at her, ever since they were old enough to talk, but she'd never seen him with that kind of face before.
At least, until it morphed into an all to familiar frown and she huffed, a pensive look of her own taking over the laughing smile. "You caught me." She flippantly raised her arms. "I planned my return trip for the exact day you came home just to spite you." Scoffing, Zakia might have rolled her eyes if it were to have any effect. "Seriously, Azreal? Cut the attitude. Being a brat isn't cute when you're playing grown up."
If snips and jabs weren't so commonplace among them Zakia might have left. As it were she just walked closer, fully intending on having that cup of tea and digging into the bag. She gingerly pulled out the package, one of her brows raising curiously as she set the bag aside to focus on upwrapping it.
She may have been speechless, but she wasn't quiet. Zakia inhaled sharply, her eyes positively glowing as she looked at the presents. He made it seem so blasé, like it didn't matter either way if she took them, but that was just his style. She should have known to expect it, but....How could she have ever expected this? "Azreal...they're beautiful," Her voice was low and full of emotion. Zakia was a mixture of pure giddiness, aggravation at his earlier behavior and so many other things that made her heart so full at the moment that she nearly bounced on the balls of her feet. "I'm scared to touch them..." She let out little laugh, her smile nearly reaching her eyes on each side, "What if I break them?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 6:50 pm
“Perhaps the timing is a bit unexpected.” Replied Azreal, his mouth pressed into a frown as his whole expression seemed like he had eaten a bitter fruit or seen something rotten. It did nothing to convey the depth of his displeasure, the mage truly upset over the whole situation of returning just to see some man flirting with Zakia and then to hear that she was leaving within less than an hour together. Not that he truly knew the extent of why it bothered him, but he blamed it upon hating bad timing and this whole scenario screamed that he had just missed out on something with her leaving soon. It was mostly his fault for pursuing his own studies, so it was unfair to blame her but at the same time it was all he could do in order to process his feelings without acknowledging his fault in the matter. “You could have at least waited a day or so before leaving, even telling me later instead of right away.” It was like she was just waiting for him to return so that she could leave! So much for studying with the iceling woman for a bit longer.
And then Zakia called out his behavior, the mage huffing despite her nailing his exact feelings as irrational as they were. “Like I said, maybe you could have waited to drop that news.” He retorted even though his tone was quiet, the static in the room significantly less as he realized how childish he was behaving…as much as he hated to admit it. Why was he throwing a tantrum anyway? Was it because he had some grand idea of his return when there was actually no one here to even welcome him besides Zakia who was leaving shortly? Azreal tried to swallow the bitter feeling, but once more his heart twisted in his chest as Zakia opened her present and seemed genuinely touched by the arrows. Dammit. She was not making this any easier on him when she looked like that!
“It would be a waste to not use them.” Azreal finally replied, his voice cool even as his spirits lifted at her praise of the gift. Zakia truly seemed happy with them, the thought making his expression soften slightly despite the bitterness of earlier. “I worked with an artisan to make them and they’re enchanted to be sturdier than they appear. I would rather you use them and protect yourself than worry about them breaking. Arrows can always be replaced…” Zakia though could not be replaced and was far more precious than any arrow, the very thought nearly bursting from his lips before he turned away to mess with his belongings instead of sharing his feelings. “So, is it a simple trip to Chibale or a permanent one?” He asked, a distraction from the fluttering feeling that Zakia’s happiness had given him. Though the answer probably wouldn’t please him, her revelation that she was leaving was what was on his mind and he couldn’t help asking the question.
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Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2024 7:22 am
"You wouldn't have been any happier then than you are now." If she waited she would be accused of withholding information and by telling him early she was still in the wrong. She turned an arrow over in her palm, willing herself to stay calm despite the irritation bubbling under her skin. So that was it then? He just came back with a gift, and expected her to stick around without even so much as saying he would miss her if she left?
"You made them?" Now that was a surprise. Even if he had worked with someone else the fact that Azreal had worked on each arrow just made them more special. She really didn't want to use them now and yet...there was a part of her that was eager to see just what they were capable of.
"I'm not sure. I'll be in Chibale for a few years at least, maybe longer if something holds me there." With her mother and sister traveling away from Chiume now that Calixa was older there wasn't a reason for Zakia to travel off the continent. With her spending so much time in Zena she'd lost touch with so many of her Aishan sisters and she just....needed that refresher. "You could visit, y'know. Not Chibale, but there are settlements nearby. You've never been to Jauhar, have you? It might be fun."
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Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2024 12:06 am
Azreal let out a frustrated sigh, the mage running a hand through his hair as he tried to process his feelings on the matter. She wasn’t completely wrong which was even more infuriating but still. “I could have at least enjoyed this moment a moment longer before getting….well, it is what it is.” Was he upset? Disappointed? Did it matter when she was leaving no matter what he was feeling? Probably not, so it was best to just keep a lid on that mess of emotions.
“I had some free time.” He managed after a moment, not wanting to admit that he had spent countless hours perfecting his work before actually crafting the final arrows. The pile of discarded ones up north attested to his work, but Azreal was too proud to even hint at the fact that he had lost quite a bit of sleep stressing over how they turned out for Zakia’s gift.
A few years. It wouldn’t be the first time that they hadn’t seen each other for over a year but the fact that he had been so excited to return home, ready to spend time together, well it was disappointing. What did he even want from spending time with Zakia? His azure gaze studied her from the side, Azreal pondering over everything when the offer took him by surprise. Visit Jahaur? The mage opened his mouth and then closed it again before immediately jumping at the chance. That would look fairly pathetic, wouldn’t it? To be so excited like that, well it would be silly. “I haven’t been, but I suppose I could think about it. I doubt a mage being in the middle of a group of Aishan warriors would go well though. What does one even do in Jahaur?” He didn’t even mean to be rude with that question, it was just an honest concern. Would he be completely out of place there in the jungle? It seemed so wild…the northern mountains of Zena were wild but he had lived in the capital for the most part while pursuing his studies. The difference was a bit intimidating and honestly he worried that he would just be in Zakia’s way in Jahaur. Still, wasn’t it better than not seeing her? Azreal bit the inside of his cheek, refusing to express all of his worries while pondering the option.
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:31 pm
It was baffling how complicated Azreal's emotions could be. In the same breath he could make her feel guilty for having a life outside of him and his whims, while also somehow making her angry for daring to do anything without him. The day she got an answer out of it him that didn't lead to twenty other questions would be the day the world burned!
"I know it's not as sophisticated as what you're used to in Zena, but there are plenty of mages that live and thrive in Jauhar." She didn't know why it bothered her so much, to hear him phrase it like that, but something about it got under Zakia's skin. "Look just - forget I said anything. It's okay; you don't have to come." Even if he hadn't meant to be rude it was obvious that the idea of going was an uncomfortable one for him and - well, that was that, right? It wasn't as if that was her culture or anything and she'd wanted to share some part of herself with him. It wasn't as if she'd spent her entire childhood making this long journey with her mother just to see him and his family only to have him stutter at the thought of making one trip to Jauhar in his adult years when she'd ridden on the back of a radaku-
"I'll just send a letter when I get there and maybe we can meet back up if I come back North."
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Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2024 1:40 pm
Azreal blinked and then pinched the bridge of his nose as he held back his temper. More so that he was frustrated with himself and less with Zakia. It wasn’t as if he meant to insult her with that statement! He just felt a bit overwhelmed, not that he would ever express that towards Zakia. For some reason he could never be straight forward when it came to those weaker emotions around her. Stubborn pride be damned, right? So he just took a deep breath and shook his head as he finally looked back towards the Aishan hybrid. “It was less about sophistication and more so about how some Aishans don’t take kindly to earthlings in their lands. I didn’t want to cause any issues for you.” More so if they were a scholarly mage like him, someone who probably would stand out in the middle of the wilderness of mostly hunters. He fought enough with Zakia as it was, would going into her homeland make things any easier? And just like that she was already shutting down on the idea. Azreal felt his shoulders lowering with defeat as he went back towards the kitchen to begin steeping tea for them. Even if she didn’t want to linger it gave him something to do rather than stand around looking like a lost pup trying to figure out his own path.
“I have to do some work around here so I suppose it’s for the best that I don’t go.” He acknowledged after a moment, a spark of magic causing the water to boil since he opted to not bother with the oven. The glass teapot started to heat, the water bubbling up inside, and Azreal started adding loose herbs to blend in together for tea. “If you’re going to be there for a few years though, that doesn’t mean I couldn’t head that way later on at some point.” He added after a long moment, the hybrid keeping his attention on the tea so that Zakia couldn’t see the conflicted emotions dancing across his own face. What did he even want after all this time? He could always return to the academy in the capital and teach magic there, if wanted. It wasn’t as if he planned on just roaming about needlessly like others and despite everything Zena was the place he considered home the most. That would be the most logical resolution for him, right? After all, would he truly not be a hindrance if he did venture towards Jahaur with Zakia?
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Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 11:24 am
Now that they were properly inside and she was starting to heat up, emotionally and physically, Zakia started to disrobe. Her thicker furs weren't necessary inside so when she peeled back first her robe, then her coat and exposed the loose linen tunic she'd taken to wearing the hybrid let out a contented sigh. A light sweat caused the fabric to cling to her skin, more so to the assets that had freely grown over the years and once she was properly free of her vestments she went to hang them up by the doorway.
The act gave her a moment to think and clear her head without being too obvious about walking away from Azreal. "You wouldn't be in their lands though-," She started to call out but shook her head. Just forget it. He just...didn't want to come and she needed to make peace with that.
As she walked back across the home, this time in just her tunic and woolen leggings, Zakia kept her mouth shut. She sat down at the table, adjusting the chairs as she'd done a thousand times before to accommodate her size, and watched as he boiled the water. Conflicted as she was about the man himself there was something utterly enchanting about the way he could turn such a mundane, domestic task into something ethereal. If she didn't know better she'd think he was brewing a potion and not just tea.
"If it's going to inconvenience you then don't worry about it. We can just... continue on as we have been. Why break what's not broken?" But what about if it was broken from the start?. Oh hush. Desperate not to keep arguing, at least not for the entirety of the night, Zakia quickly changed the subject, "How were your lessons? Did you learn everything you wanted from the masters or will you be returning?"
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2024 9:35 am
Azreal focused on making the tea, the mage only studying the brew more intently after noticing that Zakira returned without her outer attire to be more comfortable. He had grown up seeing her in all sorts of various stages, but now that they were adults? Well, there were some considerable differences and it was an adjustment of sorts for him to try to figure out. It was far easier to focus on the tea and so his gaze remained on the stove after the initial glance her way. His own cloak was still around his body, the material somehow acting like a barrier against the other person in the room as Azreal tried to hide his own flushed skin beneath. It was a mixture of embarrassment, frustration and something else that kept him heated and only the faint traces of cool air from magical influences kept him from completely melting as he worked in the kitchen.
Still, he couldn’t help but to stiffen at the comment. Was it truly not broken? If nothing was wrong then why did things always have to feel so tense between them, especially as of late? And inconvenience him, truly? Azreal opened his mouth before closing it again, opting to place two teacups on the table instead of blurting out any protests or the like. “We’ll see.” He managed, realizing she had tried to change the subject to avoid yet another argument between them. “My lessons concluded and at this point they would rather me be a teacher since the classes cannot do much more for me. You can only learn so much before needing to gain some actual experiences for yourself. I’m assuming it was the same for your lessons with the huntress?” He had excelled too much in them, to a point that only experiences or ancient tomes could probably teach him more. No wonder his father and uncle constantly traveled to unknown places and ancient ruins to continue expanding their own horizons, no school matched those experiences. It was probably the same situation for the Zenan who was teaching
Placing a silver strainer over the teacup, Azreal carefully poured the steaming mixture from the kettle so that it filled the cup with tea that had a deep red hue. He moved to do the same with his cup, taking the strainer from Zakia’s to use for his own drink, and then once the tea had been poured the mage placed the kettle and strainer back on the counter to cool. On the way back he picked up twigs of cinnamon, placing one in his cup and leaving the other on a plate with honey and sugar for Zakia if she wanted. Instead of simply sitting down just yet though Azreal finally took off his own cloak and hung it by the kitchen door, as if it were there for a quick exit, and though he still wore a long tunic with leather braces embedded with runestones the mage’s build was far more easily seen than before. There was much more to life at the academy than simply studying books, the training showing in his frame as he settled into a chair and gestured towards the tray on the table. “If you need something else, I’ll see what I can find.” He kept his own tea as it was with just the cinnamon, relying on its warmth to try and ease that strange, twisting sensation in his chest.
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