Staring off into the distance, the sun ascending to the sky, enveloping the war-torn field with light and sunshine. Orpheus stands there, surrounded by a crowd of adoring faces. Unable to speak or move to clear up the misunderstanding. "Hero?" He whispers under his breath, prompting a scowl. "How did this happen; I came here to burn this town to the ground, now I'm their saviour?" Contemplating his new situation, eventually he comes to the next logical step, given the circumstance. "Well, I'm out of here." He says to the adoring crowd, before summoning what little magic he has left.
"No great hero please stay; we wish to bring you before our lord so he may reward you for your bravery." The town's spokesperson now pleading with their supposed hero, gaining the agreement of all present.
Ignoring the townie, he chants quickly. "Subcinctus Egomet." Soon after he vanishes, imagining the last location of his belt bag and sword.
The townspeople are in awe at his sudden disappearing act. "Where did he go? Incredible. Amazing." These are some of the words of the peasants, remaining in awe at the sight of a man vanishing before their eyes.
The townsfolk, still star-struck by the feat barely notice when Orpheus materialises twenty feet away. His exit from the void lands him halfway between his equipment and them. "Ah crap, that didn't get me far." Muttering under his breath, he silently creeps towards his equipment. Moving carefully, to not alert them to his reappearance. After some long steps, he reaches for his sword, bag and torn cloak.
Desperately he opens his bag, looking around for some more potions. Searching through it, he feels a sharp object cut his finger. Looking down, noticing all the potions shattered and their contents spilling. Sighing dejectedly, he grabs the only viable potion, containing a small amount. In an instant, he quickly consumes its meagre holdings.
With a small supply of mana rejuvenating his already exhausted body. He summons up just enough for a single spell. "Veni Forth Porta." Manifesting a small portal, from his tired chant. The dimensions were barely his height and width. Immediately the portal starts to close, just as quickly as it was formed.
Jumping through before it closes, he lands roughly into his lair. "Oh my god finally, I wasn't sure that would have held open long enough." He thinks before getting his bearings. Looking around to see his old lair with a table in the centre. The table is surrounded by four chairs, occupied only by Aria seated on the left. She is desperately reading a leather-bound book whilst squinting at the pages.
"Orpheus, sir your back... I'm sorry!" Standing up abruptly, Aria lays the book down. Placing her hands towards her stomach she looks down with a fearful expression. Her posture resembles a frightened child expecting a scolding.
Orpheus pays her no mind, proceeding over to the left side of the room, reaching an indented wall. "Praestrigiae Revelare." The spell transforms the wall from a solid rock into a hanging board. The board has various notes, maps and interconnected strings denoting some form of large complicated plan.
Reaching out to a piece of paper pinned to the board, he inspects the contents written upon it. The paper has a rudimentary drawing of a cloaked man, with a mask and staff. The picture is accompanied by a notation, the word Mavrath is written clearly below the image. Pealing it from the board he proceeds to tear it to pieces, tearing it apart in a fit of rage.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it!" Repeating to himself over and over, he completely destroys the paper. "How dare they call me a hero, what bullshit is that... It enrages me to my very marrow!" Spitting those words with utter contempt, he barely keeps his blood from boiling.
Aria still frightened by the act of aggression, sums up the courage to ask him a question. "Are you ok, what happened?" She asked meekly, before settling into a defensive posture as if expecting a violet rebuke.
Orpheus turns to her, anger still radiating from his eyes before replying. "I'm fine and I don't want to talk about it." Drawing towards the table he notices the closed book. Walking over and picking it up. "The fundamentals of magic." Casting his gaze to the cover and reading out the title. The book is simplistically designed and grey leather-bound. Turning to Aria with speculation and curiosity. "Got an interest in magic, do we?" He queries with a slight smile.
Aria looks down in embarrassment but ultimately raises her head, responding to his question. "Yes, when I saw you do those incredible things, I wanted to learn about them and when I saw your library, I took this one... I'm sorry." Dipping her head to the floor, ashamed and barely meeting his gaze.
"It's fine, I told you guys to make yourself comfortable, this entails that and there is nothing wrong with taking an interest. If you have the aptitude for it of course." Orpheus comments, giving the book back to her. Eventually, he pulls out a chair, directing her to sit. Aria seats herself as he pushes in the chair, laying the book in front of her. "Please continue." He directs her, gesturing for her to have at it.
"I would but it's a bit blurry, I don't have my glasses." Blinking her eyes, trying to focus on the first page.
"Hmm, I think I have a solution for that." He remarks before walking over to his desk. Pulling open a drawer and grabbing an old pair of glasses. Returning, he hands them over, planting them gently in her hands. "Try these." He comments, glancing at her face to gauge her response.
"No, I couldn't possibly accept this." She replies, deeply flustered.
"No please I insist." Countering her words, he pressed his insistence. She attempts to reject his charity, eventually resigning. Opening the glasses, dropping them firmly on her nose. Looking down to see a slightly less blurry page, still difficult to make out. "Still not working huh... Well, let me help with that." Raising his hand to her face, he directs his palm to the glasses. Concentrating on the lens, he begins chanting. "Mutare Speculum." The lenses start to shimmer before curving ever so slightly inwards. "Say when." He remarks while slowly turning his hand clockwise. Aria's vision slowly becomes clearer until she can see perfectly.
"Oh my god, I can read it.” She exclaims with her gaze darting back and forth across the page. Her gaze hungrily devouring every word, like a starved beast of knowledge. “It's as clear as day, thank you!" Overjoyed at her newfound sight; she gleefully thanked him.
"Well, that's not exactly when, but it's a good response." Dropping his right hand causing the glasses to cease shimmering.
"That was amazing how did you do that?" She asked, her eyes glittering with curiosity.
"It's nothing special it's just a simple transmutation spell, tailored for manipulating glass-based materials." He comments as if it was a minor feat.
She looks at him inquisitively before making her next inquiry. "Transmutation spell, how does that work, what are the limits in terms of the materials you can manipulate, can you transform one material to another and..." One query after the other, she frantically asks questions until she is interrupted.
With his hands raised in a calming gesture. "Woah calm down with the bombardment of questions." He steps back a single step as if the rapid-fire questions physically moved him.
"Oh, I'm sorry sir." Aria replies with her head bowed, reminiscent of a child being scolded by a parent.
"It's ok, don't be sorry for your inquisitive mind; it will be your greatest asset in the years to come. Nurture it as much as you can and also stop it with all the sirs. Just call me Orpheus." Replying with some sincere words of encouragement. He intended to soothe her fears and concerns.
In response she raises her head, meeting his eyes. Both of them smile at each other, falling into a genuine moment. "Yes, I sure will sir... I mean Orpheus." She panics at the verbal tick, yet ultimately complies with the suggestion.
"Well, close enough." He comments, pulling out the chair just to the right of her. Now both are seated at the table. Soon the conversation begins anew. "So, Aria how much of the Fundamentals of Magic have you sifted through?" He asks, genuinely curious.
"Oh, not much just the first seven chapters." She replies as if the monstrous number of pages was nothing much.
Visibly taken aback by the statement, he pondered how she could do so with her terrible eyesight. "Wow you're a fast reader, impressive.” He stated, not really taking it seriously. “I'd take it you have already read the chapters covering mana manipulation and control?" He asks with trepidation in his voice.
"Yes, I understand the theory of it." She answers, placing both her hands on the book, overlapping.
"Well, then since you were so interested in that transmutation spell maybe you want to give it a go?" He queries with a trace of expectation on the edge of his tongue.
Her eyes widen at the suggestion and soon joy washes across her face, obvious to anyone. "Oh yes please, I was always curious about magic but my family would never let me and ever since I saw the incredible things you can do, I've wanted to learn it even more." Returning his question with another series of rapid-fire responses. Her glee became infectious, causing a small smile to peak on his face.
His face lights up from the enthusiasm, the nostalgia invoking memories. "Very well let's begin then." He holds out both of his hands as if holding a spherical object. With his left hand on top and right on the bottom, chanting softly. "Veni Forth Elementum Terra." A wave of energy emanates from the centre as a small piece of coal slowly forms.
Aria amazed, eagerly watches the conjuration of a material out of thin air. "There we are." Moving his hands away, the lump of coal drops to the table. "Now take this in your hand." Lifting the coal, he places it gently in her hand, closing it tightly. "Now close your eyes and picture energy flowing through your body. As you inhale the energy is taken in, exhale, it is drawn out." Explaining the finer points of magic, he gestures for her to act.
She closes her eyes, complying with his instructions. Breathing heavily in and out, she tries to act in accordance with his suggestion. While she is concentrating, his voice echoes clearly in her ears. "That energy is your mana; all beings possess it. Some have more than others. As you control your breathing, focus that energy and move it from your centre down your arm and then your hand." Following him, she pictures a wave of energy as an ethereal shapeless form. It twists and turns collapsing in on itself. It acted as if desperately trying to escape confinement. The energy enlarges with her breathing which soon becomes louder and heavier. She desperately tries to focus and guide the energy to her hand.
"Calm yourself, you need a level head to command magic or else it may manifest in destructive ways." Commenting quickly, a trace of anxiety begins to emerge.
Struggling, the energy amasses in her hand, shaking it slowly but violently. Orpheus spots this before lightly grabbing her shoulder as if to steady her. "It's ok, Aria you can do this." Speaking with a soft tone in a vain attempt to comfort her.
Instead, her mind trails off before a memory flash skews her focus. Shifting to horrific images of monstrous beings tugging and pulling, dragging her to unknown destinations. These memories haunt her mind and so the energy increases, surging into her palm. The power erupts, causing the coal to violently explode.
Orpheus ducks, dodging the debris before slowly sitting back up. He looks over to Aria, distraught, her hands shaking with fear. She then drops the ashes of coal onto the table. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Desperately apologising, she continues to shake, still fearful.
"It's ok, there is no need to apologise, that was very well done actually. Most untrained mages would barely make it shake, you on the other hand summoned mana so strong it crushed pure coal." Explaining her impressive feat before turning his gaze downcast.
Her hand stops shaking as he consoles her, successfully chasing away her fears. "Well, what do we have here?" He queries before casting his gaze on the remains of the coal. Spotting a slight sparkle from within the rubble. He reaches over, clearing it away to reveal a crudely formed diamond. Picking it up, he presents it to her, clutched in between his two fingers.
"It's so beautiful." She exclaims, her eyes widening at the sparkle.
"You see what you have created, now you may have violently birthed it, but destruction isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it can be used to create something as beautiful and immaculate as a diamond." Explaining, he passes the diamond to her. She continues to look at it with awe, an expression he couldn’t help but smile at. "Don't let this experience deter you, continue learning as much as you can. Perhaps this was a bit early but it did reveal much to me and I am most impressed." He spoke, genuinely impressed at the feat.
"Thank you, I will try my best to control it next time." She replied with renewed confidence welling up. Standing up from his seat he looks around the room as if searching for someone. "Is something wrong?" Aria asks, casting her gaze around in a similar manner.
"Where are Yvette and Susanna?" He asks while frowning in concern.
"Susanna is in your library and I think Yvette is with her." She replies while gesturing deeper into the cave.
He nods, bidding her farewell, leaving down the cavernous hallway with a fork at the end. He walks away, while she continues to admire the diamond. Leaving her his mind turns to what he has just witnessed. "Incredible, her magical power could be even greater than mine. Such raw potential, if tended to well enough she could become a powerful mage.” He muttered. “Useful but dangerous, I should be careful with her." Further stating, his spine felt a slight shiver. Shaking off the sensation, he moved on.
Glancing back at Aria he continues down the hallway. Moving through the cavernous hallway, stretching out unnaturally. The hallway seems to be rudimentarily carved as if constructed by a mason. Eventually, he comes up upon a left turn, glancing down, witnessing a short corridor with three doors to the right. The doors are spaced at equal intervals. Deciding on his direction, he moves over to the first door. It is of simple design, composed of wood with a dusty handle. Reaching the handle, he pulls it open and proceeds into a lit room.
Closing the door behind him, he turns to see Susanna. She is pulling aside several books from a wide shelf containing many others, looking around the room, spotting a small table with a candle occupying the centre. To the right, another frame filled with various books and towards the end of the room, another smaller shelf.
"Having fun perusing my little library, are we?" He asks with a slight tinge of sarcasm.
"Yes, I am, thank you for providing them to me." She responds with a cold yet vacant expression.
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"Providing them to you, I don't recall providing such things." Orpheus glides over to rest beside her, inspecting her selection of literature.
"You said to make yourself comfortable, I am quite comfortable perusing your library unless you wish to retract your prior statement?" Responding to his verbal banter with a query of her own. She can't help but reveal a slight smile. It quickly disappears, walled behind another layer of indifference.
He smiles in return before grabbing one of the books and raising it up for his inspection. "Military Strategy by General Atrius Harlow, interesting piece of literature you have chosen." Remarking with a truly curious gaze, he lays the book back down. Tapping the cover lightly, he looks back at her, catching each other's gaze.
"It's an interesting subject especially how General Harlow equates military strategy to politics, personal and familial relations." She places her pile of books on the table and then seats herself whilst directing Orpheus to do the same. With her hand gesturing, he complies and sits. "May I ask you a question Orpheus?" She asks calmly.
"Fire away." He replies nonchalantly, crossing his legs and leaning back. Directing her to ask away with a slight nod.
"Why did you free us?” She queried, still retaining that cold indifference. “That particular action doesn't seem very logical considering your current position and personality." Following up her question with another statement, she awaits patiently for an answer.
Shuttering at the question before contemplating his response. "Current position... Personality... Where are you going with this Susie?" He asked, still thoroughly confused.
"Please, call me Susanna, I would prefer it." Frowning slightly, she replies calmly.
He smirks at the comment before returning a snarky response. "I'll take it under advisement." He says with a smile.
She is unamused by the comment but ultimately lets it go, resigning to the consideration. "Well, as I was saying, you don't seem like the person to help those in need. Represented by the zeal and brutality when you kill. Also, your position as the current ruler of the goblins. Oh, how did your little campaign against the Theavalon Kingdom go?" Rattling off several points, she retains her calm while listing her facts.
His eyes widen with concern before giving a response to her statement. "What makes you think I want to attack the Theavalon Kingdom?" He asked with a slight degree of trepidation.
"Well, it's obvious, isn't it?" Replying swiftly, she pauses for a moment.
Orpheus looks with scepticism. "It is?" He stated simply, tilting his head to the side.
"You took control of a goblin army within Theavalon territory, near a town under their control. It doesn't take a genius to figure out your target." She explained as if it was supremely obvious.
Contemplating internally, a slight tremor of fear starts slowly ascending up his spine. "How does she know that; did she somehow uncloak the board. If so, how much does she know and if not, does that mean she figured out, all on her own." Thinking carefully, his eyes narrowed to slits.
Leaning forward, with her hands clasped together and her elbows gracing the table. "Based on that reaction, I'd say I'm on the right track. But why, personal grievance perhaps, conquest maybe, do you seek to conquer the kingdom claiming it for yourself? None of this explains why you freed us and killed your own newly acquired soldiers?" Moving from point to point, she lists various reasons before asking a question, her gaze firmly locked on his figure.
Amazed at her perceptiveness and ability to almost read his every intention. "Huh you're so perceptive, you tell me." Speaking up with a slight tinge of sarcasm, he bids her continue.
Leaning further forward, resting her chin on her hands, she contemplates carefully. Her eyes dart back on forth, and the churn of her thoughts seems to emanate from her intelligent gaze. After a few moments, she rises to answer. "I'd say you were either attempting to gain our allegiance with the gesture or you yourself have experienced similar abuse?" She asks allowing a solemn tone to edge upon her voice. Orpheus reacts only slightly, a glimmer of truth amidst the lies. Attempting to conceal his reaction, remaining as calm as he can be. "I'd say abuse, that level of violence and the glee at which you act upon it suggests that." She adds to the end of her statement, making a quick and intelligent judgement.
Staring at her with a cold expression, raising his hands to clasp them in front. Slowly he starts to clap, congratulating her achievement. "Well, done that was incredible, your perceptiveness is truly an amazing thing to behold." He continues clapping for several moments before stopping and placing his folded hands on his lap. "Yes, I do have aspirations for conquering the Theavalon Kingdom and the goblin army was the first step in a much larger scheme. But I am curious of one thing, what are your thoughts on my plan?" Asking with a neutral expression wiping away any sarcasm and descending into a serious pose.
She thinks for a moment, with little to no emotive reaction. Raising her head, she coldly replies. "I'm assuming that your general strategy is most likely fear based, as you were probably going to establish yourself as some sort of threat and promote fear within the capital?" She states her speculation before requesting confirmation.
Giving off another slight smile, pleased with her assumption. "Right again Susanna, are you sure you're not telepathic, I have read of individuals possessing such mental abilities, but never met one?" He inquires, genuinely curious.
"No, I'm just observant." Replying simply, she descends into another bout of thinking. Orpheus smiles as his concern was proven false. "But your plan intrigues me, alas there is a flaw if I might add." She remarks, pulling his gaze to hers. His brows furrowed in response, and his curiosity peaked. "Ruling a kingdom through fear is ill-advised, all though it is effective to quickly ascend someone to power, it alone is not enough. In fact, love from the people is required to remain in power." Explaining the idiosyncrasies of rulership, she ends on a slightly lighter note.
"Love?" He queries, disdaining the notion of being loved by the Theavalon kingdom.
"Yes, love is indeed a requirement, if you incorporate that into your plan, you will surely achieve victory." She explains, enticing his eyes to brim with curiosity.
Soon after he starts contemplating her statement, whilst Susanna observes his reactions with her cold and calculating expression. "Intriguing idea, but that leaves me with a singular question." He asks, lowering his voice.
"And what is that?" She asks curiously.
"Why would you help me with my plans, if you are aware of who I am and what I will do?" Leaning in towards her, dropping his gaze to ask her.
"Well, that's simple, I think you would make a better ruler... With my help of course." Orpheus, taken aback by her statement, he never expected such an utterance.
Gathering his composure, he gazes into her eyes. The eye’s almost as cold as his and asks a simple question. "Explain what you mean... I'm very curious?" Ending his query with a slight chuckle.
Ascending from her seat, she starts to pace the room as she monologues. "Well, you see I think you would make a much better ruler... You are obviously a very powerful sorcerer, you don't shy away from taking lives, and the zeal in which you kill is something this weak country needs. So, I think you would make a much better ruler then those cowards seated upon the throne. They let the nobles get away with anything while they argue about diplomacy and peace talks." Walking back and forth, she moves from one subject line to the next. A slight tone of disdain can be detected in her voice.
"Hmm, you are a very interesting woman, perhaps... We could work together." Susanna smiles at that notion, returning to her seat. "Oh, by the way where is Yvette, Aria mentioned she was with you?" He asks, segueing into a new line of questioning.
"I'm not sure, she is likely around somewhere." She replies without much care.
He leans back to peer down at the table, contemplating Yvette's current location. Standing to quickly move to leave, opens the door halfway before turning back to give one final word. "We will talk about this later, ok?" He remarked, expecting an answer and waiting patiently for one.
"Agreed." She replied.
Orpheus leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Susanna reads one of her selected books. Turning his head to the left, walking back down the hallway past the main area. Walking past, he glances back to see Aria still seated and reading a book.
Passing into another hallway, several wooden doors appear on each side. Continuing down his head turns to the left and right as if looking for someone. Turning to the door on the right at the end of the corridor. He opens it, walking inside with a confident strut. Emerging into a room akin to a laboratory. Before him are desks each littered with beakers, measuring tools, empty potion racks and alchemic compounds.
"Hmm not here." He thinks before a small creaking sound can be heard behind him. Prompted by the noise, turning around to inspect.
The blade of a dagger soars to his neck, firmly placing itself centred just a few centimetres away from his jugular. The blade almost to the point of slicing his throat is grasped by a woman's hand. Looking up at his attacker and his eyes caught the figure of Yvette. Her eyes gleam with murderous intent.
"How do I get out of here, I have explored this entire place, there is no visible exit, can it only be exited via magic... Tell me how!" Letting loose her words in a rush, she presses her point with deadly intent.
Smiling at the dagger, piercing his flesh and drawing a meagre amount of blood, staining the blade. Yvette presses the weapons closer to his neck, emphasising her point.
Unfazed by the act, keeping his composure. "If you wanted to leave. All you had to do is ask, I can open a portal and you will be on your way." Giving his explanation, she withdraws her dagger to the side. Turning to leave, signalling her desire to leave her confines. "But you will regret it." He stated, prompting her return with interest. Her face was enveloped in disbelief, leered sceptically, listening to what he had to say. "You could leave if you like and take your chances with the outside world. Maybe you'll live, maybe you won't... But stick with me, I'll make you the deadliest woman alive and you will never, ever have to suffer at the hands of others. Because they... They will be suffering at yours." Her eyes widen at the prospect laid before her, an offer from a stranger.
The offer was intoxicating if his words were true, she gives her response. "What did you have in mind?" She asks with a tinge of interest.
Orpheus smiles at her response before slowly approaching her, standing just a few feet away. "Hmm..." He looks down at the dagger and points at it. "Do you mind if I have a look at that dagger?" She brings up her hand, placing the dagger in his palm. Inspecting the weapon intently, his curious expression, focusing on the blood staining the blade. "You seem to be somewhat attached to this knife?" She nods in agreement with a subtle smirk. "Would you permit me to make a little improvement?" He queries, gesturing to the blade.
"Improvement?" She asks, confused yet intrigued.
Continuing to inspect the blade, contemplating the potential enhancement. "You'll see." His expression of curiosity ceases, adjusting the dagger sideways. "Folded steel, leather handle, with a few notches carved into the handle, perhaps a kill count." He looks closer at the blade and counts the number of deliberate scratches "Only three, pathetic but all in all a decent blade, it will definitely do." Raising his right hand over the blade, he starts chanting. "Incanto Sanguis Remotis Visum." The blade starts to shimmer with magic. The blood stain lightly glows for only a moment.
"What did you do?" Yvette asks, wondering what she has just witnessed. Requesting an explanation, right when returns the dagger.
"Here you go." She looks at the blade, dumbfounded.
"I just placed a unique enchantment. I just made up right now in fact, you can try it out if you like." Explaining his actions, he hands back the blade.
"An enchantment, are you saying this dagger is now magical and you're giving it to me?" She asks incredulously.
Orpheus nods, before getting ready to explain how the enchantment works. "Hold it in your hand like this. Now focus on all the blood you have shed with this dagger." He directs her to clench the weapon, tightly.
Yvette stares at the blood faintly seen along the blade. Focusing on it, removing all other senses, the environment around her grows dim. Suddenly the blade glows a dark crimson. The room that once surrounded her vanishes without a trace. Replaced by a strange sense of another location. Her senses grow dim, and light appears before her, growing ever brighter. Feeling the very fabric of her mind, pulled towards it.
Suddenly propelled towards that light the scene shifts to a dark forest. Looking down from above is a ditch filled with goblin corpses. Attempting to focus, her vision slowly recedes from a blur. The corpse of her abuser, coupled with others, appears lifeless amongst the dead.
"You see it don't you, that blade now has the power to reveal your enemies. Where they are, what they're doing, dead or alive. Anyone's blood that stains the blade you will be able to see them." Orpheus walks and traces a path around her, his actions akin to a predator assessing prey. Instead of a predatory gaze, his eyes sparkle with interest.
Her vision suddenly changes, now observing Orpheus and herself from above. "Well, that's weird." She states, just as her vision becomes clear. The oddity of sight from above her own self was quite jarring.
"What's weird?" He asks, tilting his head to the side.
"I can see you and myself, it's very strange." Replying to his query, she staggers back, unnerved by the out-of-body experience.
"Ah the blade, it has my blood as well, that may be an issue." He explains with slight concern in his voice. "Obstructionum Visum." He chants, fluttering his hand, producing a slight shimmer from his fingers.
Her clairvoyant vision immediately renders to darkness. Confused for a moment but eventually, she comes back to her senses. "What was that it just went completely black?" She asks while getting her bearings.
"It's a simple obstruction spell, it keeps others from viewing me, I'll have to manufacture something more permanent, another time." Explaining swiftly, he inspects his fingernails.
She continues to observe the dagger, gleefully inspecting its magical capabilities. "You're saying, with a slight pinprick of blood I can track anyone, no matter where they are in the world?" With a slight smile and widened eyes, she queries.
"Essentially, and it's all yours." He affirms her question before gesturing to the dagger.
Initially confused at the charity, she ultimately succumbs to altruism. Placing the dagger in its sheath, attaching it to her belt. "Thank you." Nodding her head, expressing her gratitude.
"You're welcome, now I think I know exactly how to help you with your predicament. I believe I have the best method to assist you in achieving your full potential." He smiles, his statement igniting a plan within his mind.
Sometime later Orpheus stands at the centre of a platform. Surrounded by runic carvings etched upon its surface. Each and everyone is arranged in a meaningful fashion. Standing upright, donning his now repaired cloak. At his side a runic sword and belt bag attached to his waist. His staff clasped in his hand, resting on the ground.
Patiently he waits for another's arrival. "You done yet; I'm waiting." He says impatiently, listening for the sounds of shuffling, just down the hallway.
"I'm coming just a minute." Aria's voice echoes from afar, followed by rustling noises. Sounds akin to many objects shifting within a container.
"All right then." Orpheus states, his eyes rolling back in frustration. Deciding to wait for a few moments longer. Some time passes until Aria, Susanna and Yvette come walking down the hallway.
Aria is wearing a mage's white cloak, her hood draped down revealing her long flowing blonde hair. Her bright green eyes were obscured by glasses. She is desperately packing books into her satchel, to the point of overflowing. Once done, she makes her way to him, accompanied by her companions. Susanna is wearing an all-black pantsuit, brown leather boots and a small waist pouch strapped to her side, inside her jacket. Yvette beside both of them is wearing a dark surcoat, and black leather boots, wielding her dagger sheathed to her belt. Concealing her hair is a black hood, almost concealing her face.
"I think I've got everything... Maybe I left something." Aria says, desperately looking behind her.
Susanna places her hand on her shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "You have all you need; don't be nervous you will do fine." She says with a smile, brightening up Aria’s face with a visibly blush.
Finally ending her endless pursuit of more literature and closing the bag. All of them eventually walk in unison over to the waiting platform. Stopping right before him, witnessing his sigh of relief. "Took you long enough." He speaks up, a voice tinged with annoyance.
"I'm sorry there were many books, I wish to take with me for my studies." Aria chimes in with a soft smile.
Orpheus looks back at Aria, his short smile reassuring her. "It's alright you can take as many books as you can carry... I understand if you are nervous but don't worry you will do fine." His words ease her nerves. Stepping forward to pull up the labouring satchel from her arm to her shoulder. "Now have you guys said your goodbyes if so, we will be off." All the women look at each other, nodding in agreement.
With their signal, he begins the chant for the portal spell, to travel to a new location. "Veni Forth Porta." A large fissure in the skin of reality forms. Aria gives both Yvette and Susanna a hug before stepping through the portal with Orpheus next to her. As they exit the portal it seals up behind them and dissipates along with the image of Yvette and Susanna.
With this, a new environment lies before them, consisting of a pristine garden area and a platform similar to the previous. Before them is the academy's entrance, down a pathway to the left. The pair stepped off the platform, making way for the entrance with haste. Reaching the door, he opens it, directing Aria to walk ahead of him. Now inside the building, a reception area is displayed. A man stands behind a desk ready to receive them. Aria turns to face Orpheus, still nervous about the situation.
Orpheus witnessing this attempts one more time to reassure her. "It'll be fine, I'm certain of it, now here is an enchanted crystal that will allow us to communicate, letter of recommendation and your enrolment papers." Handing her two rolled parchments, one signed and sealed and the other tied with a bow. The next item is a small blue crystal, shining with a slight iridescent glow.
She grabs both of them before leaping into his arms for a tender hug. Burying her face into his chest, she holds him tightly. Initially hesitant, he slowly reaches one arm around her acknowledging her affection with some of his own. "Thank you so much... For everything, I don't how I'll ever repay this." She speaks on the verge of tears, still resting in his arms. He begins to pull away, casting his gaze down to eye level, noting her face tearing up.
Quickly raising his hand, he wipes away a small tear before looking her straight in the eye. "You can repay me by being all you can be and never letting anyone, ever hurt you again. Ok, you must learn to accomplish this do you understand." His voice transforms from stern to compassionate, his attempt eliciting a slight flinch.
"Yes, I will try." She replies nodding her head.
Finally, Orpheus smiles, now with the answer he desired. Prompting her to go, she turns around and walks over to the reception desk. Once arrived she places the two parchments down on the desk. Turning she gives a short glance back to Orpheus as he walks out the door, closing it behind him.