“They are a mysterious and benevolent race that offers anyone who approaches them the power of levels. They have existed here as long as we have had history and, they have no home nation, instead, they reside wherever a civilized race does,” Cillian told Tygus.
“Is that it? Did they teach you that in school?” Tygus laughed.
“Actually, yeah,” Cillian said with a hint of embarrassment.
“I can’t blame you, but there is more to know to them than that," Tygus explained. "They bestow levels, yes, but they also create items of immense powers that can only be used by those that have levels. The more powerful the item, the higher level you have to be to use it,” Tygus said.
“What happens if you try to use an item and you aren't at its level?” Cillian asked.
“Remember that bag I made you carry?”
Cillian answered with a question. “The one that disappeared?”
“The reason it was so heavy for you was because it's only for use by someone who at least has two levels. That’s why I can use the bag's magic properties and make it disappear,” Tygus continued. “Like that, there are many items whose magical properties can only be accessed through gaining in your level, items much more powerful than that simple bag.”
Cillian thought for a moment about what Tygus said.
“What about those potions you are so obsessed with?” He asked.
“Ah, the Manezans also create items that can be used by even the Unleveled. The potions and your identification crystal are an example,” Tygus dug through his pocket and brought out his pink and orange crystal. “The one that I use is more powerful, but you wouldn’t be able to use it because you’re an Unleveled. Here, try it.”
Tygus handed the crystal to Cillian. Cillian closed his eyes and spoke in his mind the same way he always did.
Me. Me. Me.
When he opened them he didn’t see anything.
Maybe that’s what happened to Amalea. But, my crystal works with me and I’m an Unleveled, so it should have worked with her.
Cillian gave the crystal back to Tygus.
“Though items without level caps tend to be weaker, since everyone can use them they are still very very expensive.” Tygus put the crystal back into his pocket. “The Manezans give you levels after you complete a sort of trial for them. We adventurers refer to it as the Funnel.”
“Why?” Cillian asked.
“Because,” Tygus paused to choose his words carefully. “The pool of those who try it is big, but those who succeed are tiny. Large at the entrance and small at the exit, like a funnel.”
“Okay, that makes sense,” Cillian said. “So, you’ve been through it, what is it like? What kind of thing do they put you through?”
“I can’t tell you,” Tygus said somberly.
“Why not?” Cillian was surprised. “Isn’t that really important information? If you’re going to be preparing me for this Funnel, I should know everything about it.”
“I just…can’t,” Tygus took a long sip of ale. “Enough of this dilly-dallying. Let’s just get started.”
***
“So he made you run all day?” Eliana asked.
Eliana had half of her body submerged in her river, and the other half was resting on the snowy ground. Cillian was laying on the ground next to her.
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“Up and down the mountain over and over again. The entire time I felt like I was going to hurl” Cillian groaned.
“This was a punishment?” Eliana asked.
“No, he said that it’s important to strengthen my body and mind through running. He’s right. I know he’s right, but I think he’s secretly some sort of running demon. That dwarf is obsessed.”
Eliana climbed out of the water and sat beside Cillian. The water shimmered off her blue dress and gave it a captivating sheen.
“Thank you for saving my life, Cillian,” Eliana said as she put her hand on his chest.
Cillian scrambled up to a sitting position. His face was flushed red.
“Y-yeah no problem,” Cillian said looking away from the nymph. “You were the one helping me. Of course, I had to save you. I would be evil if I just left you there.”
“Ever since I met you, I have not been able to stop thinking about you,” Eiliana spoke in a sweet voice. Her tone was almost musical.
Cillian’s face was beet red by now. He let out a nervous laugh while he searched for something to say.
“After Mother left, I have had no use for my words. They would ring in my mind, but my tongue had forgotten its sweetness,” she continued. “I tried to speak to the river, the flowers, the trees, and the beasts that visit, but they cannot speak back.”
Eliana reached out and touched Cillian. “Only you have spoken back to me.”
“There are no other nymphs that live in this river?” Cillian asked.
“No. I am alone. Mother was the only one to be with me,” Eiliana sighed.
“Did she tell you where she went?”
“Mother told me to wait here. I don’t know where she went. It’s been many winters since I last heard her lullaby,” The nymph dipped her toes in the water. “The water always feels cold without her.”
“I’m all alone too,” Cillian said. “My parents died when I was young. My relatives abandoned me. And now, the only family I had left was taken from me.”
Cillian looked up at the sky. The clouds were orange from the setting sun.
“We share the same fate, cursed to be away from those who love us,” Eliana gave Cillian a reassuring smile. “But this period is only temporary. Mother will return for me, and you will reunite with your Amalea.”
“I hope so,” Cillian whispered while keeping his eyes locked on the sky.
Cillian got up and dusted the snow off his body. “It’s going to be dark soon. I have to get going.”
Eliana got up and embraced him. “Thank you for visiting me,” she said.
Cillian was surprised by the sudden hug and he was slow to return the embrace. When they separated Eliana waded back into the river.
“Will you come to see me again?” She asked him.
“Yes, of course,” replied Cillian.
“I will be anxiously waiting then,” She dove into the water and stuck her head out to watch Cillian as departed.
***
“Sir Cillian, you have returned just in time for dinner,” Ravel said, welcoming Cillian into the cabin. “I must say, I am surprised you had the energy to go out after what Master put you through.”
Cillian rubbed his shins as he kicked off his boots. “Me too, Ravel. What’s for dinner? I’m starving.”
Before the towering tabaxi servant could say anything, Tygus stormed into the room.
“The boy has returned!” Tygus exclaimed. He had a mug of ale in his hand. He raised it in celebration and downed the entire thing.
“Are you drunk?” Cillian asked.
“Come here I have to tell ye somethin,” Tygus beckoned with his hand.
Cillian bent down to match his head beside the dwarf’s. Tygus reached up and wrenched Cillian’s head down into a headlock. He rubbed Cillian’s hair with the knuckles of his free hand.
“Very!” He shouted.
Cillian tried to break himself free, but the grip the dwarf had was immovable. Tygus jostled Cillian around more before finally releasing him. Cillian’s hair was a mess, and he didn’t bother trying to fix it.
“Into the mines, into the mines, into the mines we go,” Tygus sang as he wandered into the kitchen.
“He’s a happy drunk,” Cillian laughed.
“Master does love his alcohol,” Ravel sighed. “Come, I’m sure you’re famished.”
Cillian rubbed his legs again. He was becoming very aware of the soreness. It was only the first day of his training, and he already felt that he was being pushed near his limits. He smiled.
I won’t be weak anymore.
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[https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/990816829993811978/1010911629359198228/Bulvos_pink_and_orange_crystal_realistic_3f71ca0c-e4fd-4dcb-b728-2f23983294be.jpg]
Tygus' Identification Crystal