"So, Aren," Valerian began, his voice smooth as velvet. "Today, we shall delve into the fundamentals of Ether manipulation. In particular, we'll be focusing on how to channel Ether through your very being. Think of Ether as the lifeblood of this world, the energy that courses through all things. Our aim is to learn to tap into that flow, to shape it, and ultimately, to command it."

Valerian gestured for them to assume a meditative posture. "Leo, you are already familiar with the rudiments, but do attend to my instructions and follow each step with care. There's no need to be hasty."

"The first step," Valerian continued, "is to clear one's mind. Cast aside all distracting thoughts, all worldly cares, and focus upon your inner self. Imagine yourself as an empty vessel, prepared to be filled with Ether."

Right, just like Eastern meditation back on Earth. Something I always struggled with.

Aren tried to clear his mind, but found it surprisingly difficult. His thoughts were a jumbled mess, especially considering his unique situation. Focus, Aren, he told himself. Lifeblood. Energy. Empty vessel.

"Now, I shall saturate the space with Ether, to make it easier for you to sense and draw it in." Valerian closed his eyes, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword. An aura of Ether enveloped his body, and the air grew heavy as he slightly furrowed his brow, as if the gravity around him had intensified. He continued without opening his eyes.

"A stream of my Ether now surrounds you. Sense it flow through your lungs, into your blood, into every cell of your being. Everyone absorbs Ether differently, so if you find it difficult through the skin, try breathing, sight, smell. Vary your perception of what you absorb; sense the softness, fluidity, hardness, heat of the Ether."

Aren closed his eyes and tried to imagine the Ether entering his body. He expected to feel a surge of energy, a tingling sensation, something. But all he felt was a slight dizziness and a growing sense of impatience.

Leo, on the other hand, seemed to be in his element. A translucent aura began to form around his body, a shimmering, ethereal glow that pulsed with gentle energy. His face was serene and focused.

"Once you sense the Ether permeating your being, begin to channel it through various pathways. Envision a network of unseen conduits within you, and guide the Ether along those routes. Commence with the primary channels, those that traverse your arms and legs, and then proceed to the more intricate ones that pass through your internal organs and, indeed, your brain."

"And the final stage, direct the Ether into your muscles to fortify them. Visualize the Ether infusing each muscle, rendering it stronger and denser."

Aren hadn't even gotten to the absorption stage yet, which was frustrating, but he desperately tried to switch from sensation to sensation.

Suddenly, Leo flinched and snapped out of his meditation, his face contorted in pain. "Ouch!" he exclaimed, clutching his arm.

Valerian frowned, concerned. "What is it, Leo?"

"I usually strengthen the whole body, focusing on the muscles, I missed the balance and seem to have damaged my arm."

Valerian sighed. "Even the most basic techniques can prove challenging. Do not be discouraged, Leo. It requires both time and practice. Focusing Ether where you require it for strengthening is far more effective than merely circulating it throughout the body."

"So, uh," Aren began, scratching the back of his head. "I don't think I can even get the Ether into me."

Valerian chuckled. "It requires time and practice, Aren. No one masters this on their first attempt. Ether manipulation is about control, not brute force. Sense the energy within yourself, allow it to flow naturally."

Aren tried again, focusing on Valerian's words. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine the Ether as a river flowing through him. He pictured himself guiding that energy to his fingertips, shaping it with his will. But all he felt was a faint tingling and a growing sense of inadequacy.

Suddenly, he felt a light touch on his head. He opened his eyes and saw a beautiful yellow bird perched on his head, chirping at him. Definitely not a species from Earth.

Valerian smiled faintly. "It seems even animals sense your unique potential, Aren. Who knows, perhaps you possess a talent for communicating with them."

Aren waved his hand, trying to shoo away the bird that had started strutting across his head. Don't interrupt my training, you little rascal!

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The training continued for several more hours, but Aren made little progress. Leo, despite his initial setback, continued to meditate in his usual way.

"That will suffice for today," Valerian announced. "Rest and allow your bodies to recover. The Duke has instructed that you have a hand-to-hand combat training session without Ether this evening. Aren, you will demonstrate your techniques for us."

Aren stood and stretched, loosening his aching muscles from sitting for so long. "Alright."

"Do not fret, Aren. It took me months to master the first step of absorbing Ether, and that was from childhood. Everyone remarked on how quickly I progressed. Patience, my friend."

"It's not needed in the tournament anyway, so I'll bear with it," Aren muttered to himself, because patience was something he lacked.

They headed back to the castle for lunch.

Lunch in the castle dining hall was a welcome respite. Aren, Leo, Kira, and Isla sat together at a large, polished table, servants bustling around, preparing the table. Darius and Lady Oriana had left the castle on business, leaving Valerian in charge, but he didn't join them for lunch either. The atmosphere was light and friendly, filled with laughter and casual conversation.

"I'm telling you, it landed right on his head!" Leo was recounting the training session. Aren just listened, Let the boy enjoy himself.

"Yellow, you say? Must be a Goldion. I've read they are quite curious," Kira lost her constrained tone, only after hearing about the bird.

"So, Aren," Isla said, her voice warm and inviting. "How are you finding the castle? It must be quite overwhelming, coming from... the library far away."

"Overwhelming is one word for it," Aren replied, spearing a piece of roast meat with his fork. "Maze-like is another. I swear, I get lost every time I try to find the lavatory."

Isla giggled, a melodious sound that made Aren pause. "Perhaps I could give you a tour after lunch? Show you some of the castle's hidden gems?"

Hidden gems, huh? Sounds intriguing. "I wouldn't want to impose," he said, even though he had nothing else to do.

"Nonsense!" Isla exclaimed. "I'd be delighted. Besides, you must feel a bit lost in such a large and unfamiliar place. I'd be happy to help you feel more at home."

After lunch Isla led Aren through a labyrinth of manicured hedges and fragrant flowerbeds. She pointed out various landmarks, recounting stories of the castle and her ancestors who had once lived within its walls.

"And over there," she said, pointing to a crumbling stone fountain, "my great-grandmother supposedly had a secret rendezvous with a wandering bard. Scandalous, I know!"

Aren chuckled. "Sounds like she was quite a troublemaker."

As they walked, they ventured into more secluded areas, such as hidden courtyards overgrown with ivy and ancient libraries filled with dusty tomes. Isla seemed to know every nook and cranny of the castle, her enthusiasm infectious.

Aren couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of affection Isla was displaying. She often brushed lightly against him as they walked. She held eye contact for a fraction of a second longer than necessary, her eyes sparkling with warmth. And she seemed genuinely interested in his thoughts and opinions, hanging on his every word.

Is she... flirting with me? Aren wondered, his mind struggling to process the possibility. He had long forgotten what affection felt like. Love was associated with tragedy for him, so he had long buried it deep inside. She's probably just being polite, he told himself. Don't get any ideas, old man.

As they strolled through a secluded rose garden, Isla's expression turned serious. "Aren," she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I have something to tell you. Something I haven't told anyone else."

Aren's heart skipped a beat. This young body is our of control, get a grip, you fool! "What is it?"

"I've been doing some investigating of my own," she confessed, her eyes darting around as if she expected someone to be eavesdropping. "And I want to find the bastards who send the mercenaries after me."

Aren exhaled, expecting a different conversation. "Go on."

"I believe the mercenaries were sent by someone within our Dominion. Certain nobles have held a long-standing grudge against my father."

Aren listened.

Isla hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I can't go into details right now," She paused, her gaze meeting Aren's. "That's why I need your help."

Aren blinked, surprised. "My help? What can I do?"

"You can clearly stand up for yourself, at least against ordinary people. I need you to accompany me to a couple of places where it might be a little dangerous."

Aren hesitated. He knew that getting involved could be risky. It could potentially put him at odds with Duke Darius, the man who had taken him in and given him a new life.

"I don't know, Isla," he said cautiously. "I don't want to go behind your father's back."

Isla waved away his concerns. "Father will be too protective," she said. "He'll lock me in my room and forbid me from doing anything. I can handle this myself, with your help."

Aren bit his lip, weighing his options. Another dangerous adventure was very appealing to him. He was drawn to Isla, to her intelligence, her courage, and her unwavering determination. He wanted to help her, to protect her. But he was also wary of getting involved in a potentially dangerous situation without Darius's knowledge.

"Alright," he said finally, his voice laced with reluctance. "I'll help you. But on one condition: you have to tell your father about this. I'm not going to participate in anything that could jeopardize your relationship with him."

Isla sighed. "I knew you'd say that," she said. "But I'm telling you, it's not a good idea. He'll only make things worse."

"Then convince him otherwise," Aren countered. "But I'm not going to do this behind his back."

Isla stared at him for a long moment, frustration etched on her face. Finally, she nodded sharply. "Fine," she said, her voice tight with suppressed anger. "I will do it alone then!"

And with that, she turned and ran, disappearing quickly into the maze of rose bushes. Aren just stood there, a sigh escaping his lips. He knew that now was not the time to try and convince her to abandon this endeavor. Her mind was set.

Okay, how am I gonna get back to my room now?