(Asher)
Asher’s wooden blade clashed with Nadia’s for the ninth time since Berin Setric began teaching them. He’d lost all eight battles with Nadia thus far, but they were far closer than his battles with the invincible Vladimir. Every time they matched up, Asher at least felt like he had a slim chance at victory.
The other Setrics cheered fiercely for Nadia, with the exception of Vladimir and Berin. Vladimir screamed supportive words to Asher. Meanwhile, Berin watched impartially while his hand thoughtfully stroked his salt and pepper beard.
Nadia ducked under Asher’s practice sword and thrust the tip of her blade. Deftly twisting his wrist, Asher narrowly parried the strike. With both of their sword arms flailing back from the recoil, Asher used the opportunity to slam his fist into Nadia’s midsection.
The eldest Setric daughter winced in pain from Asher's punch. However, she didn’t let up her flurry of attacks for a second. Asher was physically stronger but struggled to consistently parry Nadia's lightning-fast strikes. Asher felt the wooden sword graze him every so often. Were it a real battle, Nadia would be tearing him to shreds.
“Come on, fake Setric! Have you forgotten from the aptitude test how much higher my magic factor is than yours?” Nadia taunted. “If you can’t beat me in raw swordsmanship, imagine how pathetically one-sided this fight would be if we were using magic weapons.”
She’s older, more experienced, and she’s even faster than some of the violet blades I’ve seen, Asher thought. The two oldest Setric children really are on another level.
As Nadia parried Asher’s next swing, she rapidly twisted her blade to pull Asher’s own sword around in a circle and out of his hands. Nadia caught the flying sword mid-air and pointed both weapons at Asher. "Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Asher sighed. “You’re better than me… For now.”
“Forever,” Nadia replied, “you may have quickly overtaken Bjorn and the other oafs, but you’ll never touch me or Vlad.”
Aside from Vladimir, the Setrics all snickered at Asher and whispered to one another. Asher, fuming, could only stand still and take the embarrassment. He hardly had a favorable record against Bjorn; Asher'd begun to wonder if he would ever be good enough to beat Nadia.
Berin Setric shook his head in shame, turning to the class of all ten Setrics from the youngest generation. Berin walked to the far right of the practice room, lined with wooden swords, and began tossing practice weapons at the other Setrics. “All of you need a lesson in humility. Despite his diluted bloodline, this young man is trying to be a proper warrior. Not to mention, he has Vladimir’s respect. Do you think you know more than the future head of this family? If so, you should prove it with those swords.”
Varis, Nadia, Bjorn, and the other Setrics knew Berin’s invitation was a thinly disguised command. If they backed down from the lone Vladimir, they’d never hear the end of it. So, to their own dread, the eight Setrics all charged Vladimir at once.
“Eight against one? Father, how cruel... to give them such impossible odds,” said the disinterested Vladimir, shattering Varis’s incoming sword with a swift backhand.
Vladimir deftly picked up his young brother and swung him around, knocking down three other Setrics. A roundhouse kick to the face went directly through Bjron’s sword and into his shoulder, knocking the giant brute into a wall. With two fingers, Vladimir sent the next Setric flying. Next, the eldest Setric child reclined his back, pressing his head to the floor to dodge a lunging attack. Vladimir's lungs filled with so much raw magic that his exhale alone knocked the attacker into the ceiling. With seven Setrics down, all that remained was Nadia.
“I hope you’re taking a good look, Asher,” Berin said. “This young man is the result of the Setric philosophy: breeding only with the world's top warriors. Considering your blood, you've grown into a great warrior. However, Vladimir was born special.”
Vladimir caught Nadia’s sword between his fingers like one would hold a pencil. The Setric prodigy channeled magic through his fingertips, moving them to create friction with the wooden blade. Then, in the most miraculous display of raw human magic Asher had ever seen, Vladimir set the wooden blade ablaze from tip to handle.
Not even a second after the panicked Nadia dropped the blade, her brother raised his fingers to her forehead and unleashed a flick that sent her flying into the prone Bjorn.
“My masterpiece,” Berin said with a sinister chuckle, "If only his mother and I could have had a few more before she left Solluna."
None of the Setric children ever met their mothers, Asher recalled. Setrics pay for incredible warriors of the opposite gender to mate with them and then they go back to their original nation. This family is completely devoid of love.
The other Setrics helped one another and walked away in shame, leaving Berin with Vladimir and Asher. Berin’s eyes looked down on the smaller Asher. While Asher didn't require Berin's approval, he couldn't help being irked by the disappointment on the diamond blade's face.
“It isn’t like I can’t see your potential. It’s been half a year since you arrived in Solluna, correct?” Berin asked. Asher nodded. “It’s impressive that you’ve beaten all the others at least once. Still, I don't see you beating Nadia any time soon."
“I’ll work harder,” Asher replied. “I’ll get a win against your daughter someday.”
Berin stayed stoic. "Well, then. Do your best." Then, with a curt nod, the diamond blade left Asher and Vladimir alone in silence. Asher felt Vladimir’s hand on his shoulder as the boys walked toward their pre-planned destination. The day had finally come for Safreya’s visit to the Sollunan Zoo. It had initially just been a fun trip for the three from Mazgrove. However, Kylie had other plans for the outing.
“Is Kylie sure that this plan is going to work?” Vladimir asked. “Your theory about Iliastyr and Safreya already sounds pretty insane.”
“It’ll work because Kylie came up with it,” Asher replied. “It’s that simple.”
Asher was always amazed that such an intimidating young man could gush over romance. Yet, sure enough, Vladimir pulled Asher closer and affectionately tussled his younger cousin’s hair into a mess. “Wow. You really adore Kylie,” Vladimir said. “Like, really, really adore her. What a cute little pair you two are.”
“Alright, Vlad, relax,” Asher laughed, playfully pushing his cousin off of him. “But yes, of course, I like her. Kylie and I were practically attached at the hip as kids, and she’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”
“Well, that isn’t true,” Vladimir scoffed. “You’ve met me.”
This time it was Asher’s turn to rough up Vladimir’s hair. The two boys went back and forth, shoulder to shoulder, while they nudged and teased one another. Every day, Asher regretted that he hadn't Vladimir growing up. After a journey full of playful roughhousing, they stumbled into the zoo entrance.
"If you love her so much, why don't you tell her?" Vlad asked.
Asher hung his head. "I don't know. I'm too afraid of her not feeling the same way. I guess I need a little push."
“So, when did these feelings start?” Vladimir asked.
Asher hardly considered himself a gossiper, but Vladimir frequently brought new sides out of him. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “Our friendship and these feelings all blur together. We've been friends since we were toddlers, so it might just be something ingrained in me. I breathe, I eat, I sleep, I love Kylie."
“That simple, huh?” Vladimir shrugged. “So… bigger question... why?”
“You're really in the mood for twenty questions today, aren't you? Why I love Kylie...” Asher asked. “I could keep you here for hours talking about that, but I guess one reason matters more than the others... Growing up, I had to be so strong for my younger siblings, supporting them financially, emotionally, however I could. The twins started leaning on me for everything. I’ve had the stress of being their father figure since I was old enough to pick up a sword.
Kylie… the time I spent with her took away that pressure. When I’d go out to find anything sellable to provide for my broken family, she tagged along and turned them into playful scavenger hunts. She taught me to love dancing and music. The two of us would even put on little shows to help earn some extra cash. Every day, she turned what could have been a horrible, stressful life into fun and games. She was the sole reason I had anything resembling a normal childhood. Above all the thousands and thousands of other reasons, I think that’s the number one reason I love her so much. I mean, that's the type of person anyone would want to marry, right? Someone who turns life's biggest challenges into something fun?"
The taller Vladimir’s hand grabbed the back of an emotional Asher’s head. Vladimir pulled Asher into him, letting his younger cousin's head rest on his shoulder. Vladimir was only beginning to understand that his and Asher's childhoods had been nothing alike.
“Those two years without her must have been hard. I’m glad you two have each other again," Vladimir said. "I know firsthand how hard it is to be away from someone you love... Oh. Look alive, Cousin! Speak of the dragon, and she shall appear.”
Before Asher could ask Vladimir what he meant by firsthand, the Novadancer herself arrived at the zoo. Kylie had sprinted to the occasion after back-to-back classes in the bard’s college. Her slipper and violin badges shone brightly on her light dancer’s uniform: an asymmetrical red dress slanted to the right.
“Aaaaassh, my hair is in a state,” Kylie panted, fanning herself as she adjusted the guitar hastily strapped over her shoulder. “Could you braid it, please? I’ll owe you one.”
Asher complied with Kylie’s request, separating her hair into three strands. He missed braiding Ashleigh’s hair but occasionally got to use his skills on Kylie and Safreya. Of course, it felt totally different when he touched Kylie’s hair. Asher couldn't help but feel there was a level of intimacy to the simple act.
“I miss doing your hair and makeup before performances,” Asher reminisced, layering the hair parts one after the other. “Now you have a professional.”
“But she still doesn’t do it as good as you,” Kylie winked, forcing a familiar ruby rush in Asher’s cheeks.
Vladimir, who still hadn't properly introduced himself to Kylie, held out his hand. "Nice to meet you, Novadancer!" Vladimir exclaimed. "I'm Asher's cousin, Vladimir. I've heard so much about you."
Kylie and Asher rubbed their necks simultaneously and let out the same embarrassed laugh. Vladimir made it no secret that he was relishing in their discomfort. "Good things, I hope," Kylie said, shaking Vladimir's hand.
“Of course. That’s some grip you’ve got, Novadancer,” praised Vladimir. “Firmer than some of my cousins.”
“I’m honored that the strongest Setric of my generation speaks so highly of me,” Kylie said, bending her knees into a curtsy to show respect to the nobility before her.
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Vladimir held out his hand disapprovingly. “Warriors don’t bow their heads to equals,” he scolded, “and any friend of Asher is equal to me. Speaking of Asher's friends..."
Mallea arrived in a solemn strut as she briefly waved to the group. Asher felt sorry for the blacksmith. The day was supposed to have been a celebratory adventure for the Mazgrove trio. Instead, they were plotting a breach of Safreya’s trust. Everything will be fine, Mal, don’t worry, Asher thought. He trusted that Kylie wouldn’t go too far. They just needed information.
Finally, Iliastyr and Safreya made their entrance. They acted like their typical selves. However. liastyr’s body language wasn’t lost on Asher. The young man ensured he was always between Safreya and the others.
“Welcome to the zoo, Iliastyr,” Mallea said, her hand anxiously pressed against her own cheek.
“Why bother? No magical creatures at the zoo will match the fine eastern firefox with us now,” Iliastyr said, enjoying the sight of Mallea nearly keeling over from the comment.
Asher figured that Iliastyr’s flirtatious, arrogant personality would always be the same regardless of his true identity. Asher still wanted to believe in his bunkmate, no matter what happened later that day. Even if he is a faellarin, he may not be the one mentioned by the diamond claw: Rylarleo. Asher reminded himself. Those two could be completely innocent.
A man in a wooden booth, with two security men on either side, lazily held out his hand. A thrilled Vladimir reached forward to shake the man’s hand with verve.
“Your money,” the worker replied, swatting away Vladimir’s hand. “Ten solar coins a person.”
Ten solars? Asher wondered. Steep. Orange blades don’t make much, but I suppose I can swing it.
Asher and Kylie each reached to take ten dollars but were cut off by Vladimir and Iliastyr. The two young men each held sixty solars in their hand, enough to pay for the entire group’s entry.
“It’s a nice thought, but let nobility pay for it,” Vladimir told Iliastyr with a smile.
“No, no, your money‘s no good here,” said Iliastyr with an even wider grin. "I'm high-ranked in so many guilds, after all. I've got coins to spare.”
While the two men argued, Asher and Kylie awkwardly placed their ten solars on the counter and walked through. Mallea andSafreya, more willing to be pampered, stayed behind to let one of the others pay for them. After an intense debate, Iliastyr paid thirty solars for himself, Mallea, and Safreya. Vladimir paid for himself and strode through the gates into the zoo.
“The best route is to start with the snowgoyles and end with the baby crimson wyrms,” Vladimir said, “we can get the freezing area out of the way early and end the day nice and warm.”
Iliastyr made a series of tsk sounds, wagging his finger at Vladimir. “Sure, if your goal is homeostasis. If you prioritize fun, it’s best to go kingdom by kingdom. We start with the Sollunan merffalo, and end with the Nihiyan giant kappa.”
Nihiya was the easternmost kingdom and the homeland of Mallea’s ancestors. It was also home to some of the most dangerous magical fauna on the planet. Not only does Iliastyr’s route sound more interesting, but we still need to butter him up for Kylie’s plan, Asher thought. Sorry, Cousin.
“I vote for Iliastyr’s route,” said Asher. Kylie, Mallea, and Safreya all raised their hands in agreement. The disappointed but supportive Vladimir accepted the group’s majority and followed Iliastyr’s lead across the zoo.
The first major kingdom exhibit, their home kingdom of Solluna, began with the Sollunan merffalo. Merfallo were semi-aquatic scaled buffalo with water magic. Merfolk, one of the most magical humanoid races, often kept them as pets. Having any humanoid species in captivity was highly illegal unless they were a prisoner. Still, the aquatic exhibit had information cards on merfolk:
Merfolk are among a handful of humanoid magical species that are able to procreate with humans. Other well-known similar species are cubi, alucards, and faellarin.
Asher nudged Mallea after reading the sentence. "Looks like there's still hope for you," he whispered low enough that Safreya and, more critically, Iliastyr, couldn't hear.
Occasionally, an exhibit would make Iliastyr and Safreya share a glance of silent disappointment. The Arukan kingdom exhibit featured a particularly sad-looking Arukan thunder lion with ribs poking out of its malnourished frame. The sight of the poor creature made Iliastyr’s skin crawl.
“Coin for your thoughts?” Vladimir inquired of the clearly disgusted Iliastyr.
“I’m disappointed,” Iliastyr said. “It’s up to the humanoid species to use our power and intelligence to protect the world, and what do we do? Use the beautiful creatures of this planet for livestock, weapons, and entertainment.”
“I can’t say I disagree,” said Vladimir. “I’d heard this zoo focused on conservation and protection, but some creatures are clearly mistreated. I’ll have the royal family look into giving this place the proper funding and management to keep its inhabitants happy and healthy."
A bewildered but impressed Iliastyr shook his head. “Are you and Asher really Setrics? Honestly… Fine. I’ll hold you to it.”
The rest of the day was spent going from exhibit to exhibit, and the sun began falling as the six-person group exited the Nihiyan exhibit. While Asher had enjoyed himself, the zoo was only the prelude. It was time for Kylie’s plan to begin.
“So, anyone up for a game of confessions back at Asher and Iliastyr’s?” Kylie asked with a mischievous glare. “Everyone’s playing it these days.”
Kylie knew that Safreya would follow Iliastyr’s lead, and there was no way that the social butterfly would say no to a party in his own dorm. The gossipy way she'd asked was the key. Nobody would suspect any motive other than the typical reason to play confession: drama. Iliastyr, of course, followed Kylie's lead. His eyes darted to Mallea momentarily, something not lost on Asher.
“Sounds like fun,” said Iliastyr. "I love playing confessions."
“Oh, it will be,” Kylie said, excitedly grabbing Asher's wrist and leading the group back to his dorm.
Once the group returned to Asher and Iliastyr’s dorm, Kylie immediately set up four chairs around a small wooden table. Asher and Iliastyr opted to sit on their beds. Kylie pulled a clear crystal from her purse and set it on the table. “Mallea, do your aunt’s dagger?” Kylie asked. Mallea pulled the dagger from its sheath and handed it to Kylie. The Novadancer sliced the tip of her finger and let the blood drip onto the crystal. The blood was immediately absorbed by the strange crystal.
“For those who don’t know how confession works, this crystal can tell if you lie. We'll go in a circle and ask each other questions. It’s a fun way to learn about each other,” Kylie told the group.
Asher cut his thumb, followed by Mallea, followed by Vladimir. Iliastyr followed suit, leaving the anxious Safreya as the last to enter the game. Iliastyr gave the girl a reassuring nod. Safreya held her hand out, letting Iliastyr make the incision for her. Finally, Safreya squeezed her finger and allowed her blood to drip into the crystal. The game had begun.
“Let’s start with a light-hearted one!” Kylie said. “Mallea… is there anyone you have feelings for?"
Iliastyr and Safreya both leaned forward. Safreya whispered something to Iliastyr that Asher couldn't hear, and the prodigy lightly pushed the younger girl from him with a grimace.
“I, um, maybe. Probably. I'm not sure,” Mallea replied. "But more pressing to me than romance is forging a proper magic weapon for Asher and reuniting with my aunt. Until then, the only swords I’m focusing on are made of metal.”
Kylie giggled at the crude joke as the crystal shone green, confirming Mallea’s honesty. Asher wondered why Kylie would ask such a question, but there was always a method to her madness. Next was Asher’s turn; he had the perfect question for his cousin. He'd been wondering about Vladimir's place in the Setric family for quite some time, and now was the time to confirm his suspicions.
“Vladimir, do you like the rest of our family?” Asher asked.
“Of course!” Vladimir replied. The light went yellow. A half-truth. Everyone continued staring at the increasingly uncomfortable Vladimir. The turn wasn’t over until the light was green. “I… love my little brother Varis, and sometimes I love Nadia. She has a good side, I promise. But... my father... Aunt Brynhyl... They've taken so much away from me, things I won't go into tonight. I'm not sure I'll ever love them.
The light shone green. Vladimir’s words from earlier rang in Asher's ear: I know firsthand how hard it is to be away from someone you love... What did Berin and Brynhyl do to Vladimir? Asher wondered. Embarrassed by his serious response, Vladimir was determined to keep the atmosphere light-hearted. “Iliastyr, which of us do you think would win in a fight?” He asked.
What a Setric question to ask, Asher thought with a chuckle.
“Hmmm, let’s see,” Iliastyr thought, “your magic is more controlled, but I have more raw magic… your scythe against my bow, huh? I’d give it to me, but you’re the only person in our generation who would give me a run for my money,” Iliastyr said confidently.
Vladimir smiled in response, pleased by Iliastyr's answer. The crystal's light shone green. Iliastyr was next. “Safreya, is Mallea a good roommate?” He asked. Asher could tell it was a targeted question. Now, nobody could ask Safreya questions until the end of the round.
“Of course!” Safreya said. “She’s kind, helpful, clean, and isn’t too noisy. She’s the perfect roommate.”
The crystal glowed green, and a guilty frown flashed across Mallea’s face. Neither Mallea nor Asher looked forward to what was coming to Safreya. Vladimir leaned in, whispering a few words to Mallea. The blacksmith giggled and whispered back to Asher's older cousin. The two continued like this for a minute or two until Mallea had settled on her question.
“That’s sweet, Saf… Alright, my question is for Asher!” Mallea said. “Who was… your first love?”
A sly smile formed across Mallea and Vladimir's lips as Asher and Kylie's jaws dropped. Damn it, Mal, Vlad, he thought. Well, this clearly wasn't part of Kylie's plan... Fine. I told Vlad that I needed a push. I guess this is my push. No point in lying to a magic crystal.
“Kylie Novasca,” Asher replied. The light shone in a deep green, but Kylie’s face glowed bright red.
Safreya was the final turn for round one. Meanwhile, Kylie was the only one yet to confess. Without missing a beat, Safreya followed up on the precedent that her roommate had set.
“Kylie, who was your first love?” Safreya asked.
“Uh… Um... I... Jarrard Davinson from my dance classes!” the flustered Kylie said, her scarred eyebrow pressing against her tightly shut eyes.
The crystal immediately shone the deepest red that Asher had ever seen in a game of confession. Aside from Asher and Kylie, everyone in the room burst into laughter. Kylie opened her eyes, saw that she was looking directly at Asher, and immediately shut her eyes again.
“Asher Setric… obviously,” Kylie said through clenched teeth, her eyes still closed.
Asher and Kylie put their heads down, unable to look at each other. But... Asher wondered. Does she still feel that way? How do I even bring up such a thing? No. Not now. Get your head together, Asher. We have more pressing things to worry about.
“You okay, Kylie?” Safreya asked, still giggling.
“No, no, I’m fine; that was a really cute question,” Kylie said, matching Safreya’s increasingly quiet laughter. “But it’s time for round two, and I’ve got a pretty cute question for you…”
Kylie leaned in close to Safreya to the point that her lips nearly touched the panicking girl’s ear. “Are you and Iliastyr faellarin?” Kylie whispered. Asher regretted the wide-eyed horror on Safreya’s face, but Kylie viewed it as revenge for her prior embarrassment.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Safreya said indignantly.
The crystal covered the room in a red glow. Safreya and Iliastyr each took a deep sigh, accepting their circumstances. The magic in the room slowly began to spike, leaving the humans nauseous. Asher had wondered why Safreya’s magic had been so quiet, but the answer was obvious: she’d been concealing it. Her hidden magic also explained her sickness around other significant sources of magic. Still, Asher couldn't have predicted the colossal roar of raw arcane energy that burst from Safreya and Iliastyr.
Safreya and Iliastyr’s skin, eyes, and hair all shifted to the multicolored kaleidoscope look that faellarin were famous for. Butterfly wings sprouted from their backs, shooting through their clothes with the force of an arrow. The kaleidoscope irises inside black bug-like eyes looked back at Asher. The illustration in the book couldn’t do them justice, Asher thought. Faellarin really are beautiful.
“We don’t want to hurt you; we just want an explanation,” Asher said to the agitated pair.
Iliastyr flew over to Asher, but Vladimir quickly got between his cousin and the strange fae boy. The two rival warriors eyed one another, silently determining who would make the first move. Mallea’s hand rested on her dragon scale dagger, ready to hand it to the weaponless Vladimir if need be.
“No need to worry, Vladimir. We don’t want to hurt anyone, either,” Iliastyr said. “If you’ll trust us, we’ll trust you. You were right, obviously. We're faellarin, but neither is the one the diamond claw warned you about. Rylarleo is somewhere else."
The crystal glowed green. Kylie, Asher, Mallea, and Vladimir all relaxed their tense bodies.
Safreya, sure that she was safe, flew to the center of the room. “Alright, Nii’Bru. I’ll explain everything, but they may not like what they hear…”