Off days from the academy were good days especially for Melryn who when not training. Would spend most of his time walking the streets of the city of Alistri. The grand old city with its high walls and streets full of merchants doing their daily business. Created an atmosphere in which Melryn thrived having no other obligations tying him down he walked throughout the streets whistling as he went. Examining the many different shops as he passed them by the merchants attending their merchandise smile to him as he passed.

Patronizing these local shops had become part of Melryn's daily routine only difference today was he was alone. Any other off day he would have six or more young women trailing after him trying to gain his attention. As such these merchants had grown accustomed to the fourteen-year-old boy's presence and prepared accordingly. Gems of all kinds gleamed with intense beauty further a field a silk merchant had laid out exquisite gowns that impressed Melryn.

'They all have prepared well today a pity I am by myself.'

Turning so to make his way down another street the young man felt something odd was happening further down this street. Confident in his capacity to defend himself if something did happen Melryn felt the disturbance again coming from the inside of one of the cafe's that marked this street in particular. The Cafe was call Lenhym's eatery, a strange name but Melryn was not going to stop him from investigating what was happening inside.

As the door swung open a fire spell came flying in his direction. Moving with no effort at all the orb flew past him exploding once thirty feet out the door.

'Okay, that would have been unpleasant.'

Turning his attention from the blast Melryn saw a young woman who looked two years older than himself preparing to deploy another spell.

"Let's not say I did." [Melryn]

Moving quickly inside the next spell split into twelve bands of intense flame all traveling at great speed in the direction of two men who seemed agitated by the action. Dodging quickly the spell again came towards where Melryn had been. Watching the entire interface being blown apart with this strike the young man was moved by the precision and power of the spell.

"My lady your mother gave orders for you to be delivered to the academy here. There was no instruction on allowing the child to stay with you."

"You will not touch him Leave now before I do something I may regret."

Hiding behind the young woman looking frightened was a small boy. No more than a year old Melryn could see that the situation was not going to end well unless someone acted swiftly.

'Many will perish if she launches another attack like that. There is also something important about this child why else would she be so defensive.'

Moving slowly forward Melryn placed himself quickly between both parties prepare to do whatever was necessary to prevent more damage.

"Step aside boy you have no business here."

"Yes well, I could say the same for you as well seeing as your presence is causing much property damage. I must insist on your leaving these premises immediately." [Melryn]

Bearing no sign of fear on his face melryn did not look behind himself to see whether he had impressed the young woman behind him. His training dictated he incapacitate his target before any other action. This would allow him to bring his full abilities to bear against his target as quickly and efficiently as possible.

That being said he took no stance nor did his potential opponents who seemed to have lost all interest in the situation.

"I shall report to your mother what has happened today my lady prepare to meet her displeasure."

Retreating for the time being both men left the cafe as if they had anticipated this result. As they departed from Melryn's site he loosened his grip on the release for his limiter. If something had happened there would be two bloodied bodies on the ground before him now.

Turning he saw the all the anxiety drain out of the young woman's face as she began to calm down. Still keeping the child behind her as she moved towards Melryn both stood silently for a moment as the rest of the cafe's patrons returned to their interrupted meal.

"I thank you for assisting me I could not let them take Uslign from me."

Bowing towards Melryn the little boy mirrored her action quickly.

'Uslign that kind of name comes out of the Grymerth kingdom.'

"I only caused more trouble than both of them wanted to deal with. That aside may I ask why someone from the other side of the Boulicanth river has come to our fair country?" [Melryn]

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Displaying a serious expression upon recovering from her bow the young woman took the hand of the child then made her way out of the cafe.

'A mystery I like mysteries.'

Turning his head slightly he watched as the two left before hurrying after them. Rarely during the end of the springs, six-month period did foreigners ever enter the country.

"Forgive my rudeness I meant no offense in my questioning." [Melryn]

"There was no offense taken however if you know enough to guess where we have come from then our safety in your presence can be seen as questionable."

The possibility of ulterior motives in any other situation like this would almost always be likely. A beautiful lady from a powerful nation and with the strong clan connections always had to be careful. Knowing this Melryn had to move quickly so to not seem dangerous.

"I have no interest in your clan position or anything else you might be thinking I simply wish to help." [Melryn]

Staring him in the eyes with a deadly stare that made Melryn step back the young woman let her defenses go.

"My name is Illtris Yuikra I have come to this city to attend the academy here as my mother has ordered." [Illtris]

The Clan name struck Melryn like one of his teacher's punches. The Yuikra Clan sat in the up echelons of human society. which transcended national borders. As such while the Strentolos clan which Melryn was part of was the most powerful clan in the Empire of Baetlire in the actual ladder of clan power they sat nearer to the bottom.

"I am Melryn Frenost Strentolos I am pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Yuikra." [Melryn]

"Is that so to think that I would stumble upon a son of the strentolos clan I wonder if I can truly trust you." [Illtris]

Sighing heavily Melryn moved a little closer to Illtris who moved the child further behind her.

"While I do bear the name my allegiance lies with my older brother you have nothing to worry about." [Melryn]

Illtris did not look impressed by his defense it was rare for males to not completely be tied down with loyalty to their clan.

"If you are willing to provide the two of us with a meal I will think on whether to trust you or not." [Illtris]

This request was something Melryn could easily perform all he would require is an open cafe and at the present time, many were closing for the day. Walking up the street a ways a cafe with a patio was still open.

"Let eat out here the day his still warm enough." [Melryn]

Illtris nodded to his suggestion placing Uslign on the chair next to her they both waited for Melryn to return. The time spent in the cafe was not that long for Melryn but having completed the task of having the place stay open longer both he and a waitress arrived.

"Thank you for coming to eat this evening here are your menu please take your time I will return in a moment."

Sitting in silence as three together ordered and began to eat their meal to Illtris's surprise Melryn ate with a degree of bearing that surpassed many young men she had dined with back in her home country. From the placement of his utensils to the way he would clean himself after every bite the regimentation of his every action was to put it simply frightening.

"May I ask who it was that taught you to dine in this fashion while I am sure that it is taught amongst the daughters of the clan it is not something that sons could successfully be taught to perform." [Illtris]

Wiping away the last pieces of debris from his face Melryn did not feel offended by what Illtris had said. It had been well practiced for thousands of years to raise sons solely for the bringing forth of the next generation and therefore any further teaching would not be required at least when it came to clan etiquette.

"It was my brother Lanthim Frenost who when I was at a young age saw that myself and my younger brother Aldain carried learned such things." [Melryn]

"I see to have such a teacher you will find a wife quickly if there are no takers already." [Illtris]

I the end that was the case being the most eligible male close to marriageable age even his own mother was coaxing him to find a good match early so when he turned seventeen he could  like his brother had done marry quickly.