Training over Time

The room is nice despite the snow falling outside. Must be some kind of enchantments around the buildings to keep the interior a certain temp. Better than a heater, those always made me feel bad. But kotatsu were nice to sit under.

“Water can be combined with fire to make steam.” I mutter aloud. I am the only person here, possibly in this world, that can combine the effects of any element so it is helpful to think about how each can interact with the others. “Water combines with earth to create mud.” I mutter.

“Doing your self study I see.” Birta’s voice interrupts my thinking. I open my eyes to see my roommate closing the door to our room. “Why water this time?” She asks stepping over to her bed.

“Snow outside just made me think about water., I answer while cracking my neck. “How was your workout?” I ask the teen as she bends down to stretch a little. I eye the curve of her hips, realizing what I am doing I quickly close my eyes. Seriously? This is so irritating.

“It went well.” She responds before sitting down on her bed. “Learned a few grapples today. Wondering when I’ll get to actually use them though.” She continues with a sigh. I open my eyes once more.

“That’s a good question.” I reply while focusing on creating an orb of water. “I understand they want to give us at least basic training before we go on even a practice hunt.” I explain as water forms in between my hands. “But there’s only so much we can do without actually testing these skills.” I finish, the water slowly begins to flow in a small circle in the air.

“Of course you’d be so patient granny.” The teen replies with a chuckle. I glare and groan at her to let my annoyance be known. I am not that old!

-- -- --

The wind is crisp and refreshing albeit a little cooler than I would prefer. The blossoming flowers and trees brighten my vision with their kaleidoscope of colors. I take in a deep breath, enjoying the cool air and smells of spring. The crowd of applicants in the courtyard was rather ruining the moment though.

“I am aware you all have been curious when you will get to participate in a hunt.” Xentel says to us from the dais. “Well in a few days we will be conducting your first practice hunt!” The troglodyte announces to the crowd. Many in the crowd begin to look around at each other and mutter in response. “You will be randomly put into groups of four. One applicant from each division.” He continues. “An apprentice level threat will be released into the wilderness around the hall for each group. They are all different so you will not be able to ask a group that goes on the hunt before you for any answers to your quarry.” He explains with a smirk. What is he happy about? The anti cheat? That has to be it. “You will be notified of who your teammates will be at some point this week.” The guild master adds.

-- -- --

I look at the blossoming trees whilst sitting on a rather uncomfortable bench. I look down at the brick path with a frown, no cherry blossoms though. A gentle breeze blows at me, this is definitely magical.

“Your team has been decided.” A voice in the breeze breathes into my ear. I shiver from the sensation. Note to self, only use air messaging if I absolutely have to. “Meet at the coliseum at nineteenth wai.” The voice continues in my ear. I shiver once again. Please stop, it feels so gross. The breeze dissipates.

“Thank god.” I mutter with a sigh of relief. Nineteenth wai? That’s like, six o’clock I think. Just to be safe I can eat at the coliseum I suppose.

I stand up from the bench and stretch for a moment.

“Wait…” I say as realization dawns. I stand up straight before continuing “It didn’t say where in the coliseum to meet or who to meet with.” I run off towards the coliseum now just to be safe.

-- -- --

“Well hello little Yamakuma.” Hawthorn greets me in the entry hall of the coliseum.

“Hello apprentice.” I respectfully reply walking towards the food stalls.

“What brings a little applicant here today?” Hawthorn inquires as he walks to my side. “Haven’t seen you around for a bit. Suddenly remembered your favorite apprentice?” The elf snickers walking alongside me.

“I was sent a message to meet here.” I respond ignoring his joke.

The cheering of the crowd floods the coliseum, nearly bringing me to my knees from how overwhelming it is.

“You okay?” Hawthorn’s voice asks barely audible to me over the yelling. Before I can collect myself and respond, the elf scoops me up into his arms and runs past the food stalls to a small room. “You should be okay now.” He says finally putting me down. I thought I was past the age of being picked up but apparently not.

“I’m fine now.” I reply unable to completely hide my annoyance at being picked up. “I’m just sensitive to sounds is all.” I explain with a huff.

“Adorable.” The apprentice says, I hope unintentionally, aloud.

“So what is this room?” I inquire ignoring his slip up and looking around the small room. A small table and two chairs, is this a waiting room?

“Oh! It’s a dressing room.” Hawthorn answers standing up to his feet. “It was built to be relatively quiet but enchanted to block out almost all sounds.” He explains further walking over to the door. “Since you’re feeling better, would you do me the honor of having dinner together?” The elf asks with a flourishing bow. Clearly he thinks this will make me feel better.

“Alright.” I answer. “But you’re paying.” I add walking past the man back into the hallway.

-- -- --

As much as I wanted to have wyvern noodles again, this stew is pretty tasty too. Hawthorn sits across from me and sipping on a mug of ale.

“How’s the rock stew?” He asks me setting the mug down. “Magma elemental ashes and ground elemental dust both add an interesting texture and also a unique taste.” He explains before taking another sip of ale.

“Despite being a soup it feels very hardy.” I say before putting the bowl to my lips and slurping down the last of the broth.

“It is, hence the name rock stew.” He explains with a smirk pointing the mug at me. “Creatures attuned to the ground element often make filling meals.” He says as I set the empty bowl down on the table.

“Interesting, so elemental affinity effects every aspect of a meal.” I reply looking down at the bowl. I wonder what a shadow or metal aligned meal tastes like.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” The elf says before putting his bowl of stew to his lips.

“Thank you for the meal.” I say to him. He finishes his stew and sets the bowl down.

“Not a problem little Yamakuma.” He replies before finishing off his ale. “Thank you for the company.” He adds standing up.

“You’re welcome.” I respond while standing up myself.