I’m surprised how cheerful everyone is this morning. Despite last night’s discussion. I settled down for breakfast and watch them. I don’t know why exactly, but since the first time I approached Lady Breeze, back at the ship, I have always felt at ease around her. Regardless of how nerve wrecking the interrogation was.

“Has there been any word?” Sir Crile asks Glen.

“I’m afraid not. We’ve expanded the search. I had some of our men set out to the border of Cornutora, as well as their Capital. I understand our guests will be staying with us for a bit longer. It’ll allow us more time, we’re bound to find something, regarding young Ether.”

“Good job.” The Sir praises the guard.

“Thank you.” Glen nods and leaves the room the same way he entered – through the shadows. Meanwhile the rest of the guards go out the old-fashioned way – through the door.

“Don’t tell me I’m holding you up?” The Lady steps down to join us after finishing feeding the twins.

“Not really.” Sir Marcus shrugs his shoulders.

“Enjoy.” Sir Crile gestures to our morning feast. Well, lunch, to be fair, we ended up talking longer than expected last night. As well as sleeping in nicely.

“Now then, where did we finish last night again?” Miss Laira asks helping Ether with his plate.

“Before that. I wanna know what is up with this.” The Mage grabs my hand and pulls the sleeve up. The mark gets exposed to the fullest.

“Damn, Marcus beat me to it. I’ve been wanting to ask that too.” The Sir mocks me.

“I figured he’d tells us himself, but seeing how easily he gets side-tracked…” Not miss Laira too…

“Well?” Lady Breeze stares at me softly.

“It’s the name of the guide who helped me in the Archives.” I slip out of the Mages grip and fix my sleeve. “Apparently, it was the fifth time she introduced herself to me… I kept forgetting her name…” I feel my face burn up and gaze down into my feet. Please let the earth open and swallow me whole like now… Pretty please… I hear laughter. Pretty please…

“I can’t believe you…” Sir Crile…

“Was there really no other way?” Miss Laira…

“I couldn’t think of anything better at the time…” I confess…

“Somehow, I’m not surprised.” Huh? I look up. The Lady smiles at me. “It’s very, how to say this, Percy like.”

“Unconventional you mean.” The Sir corrects her.

“Exactly.” She agrees. I feel the tension ease up on my body. I straighten out.

“Anyways, we were discussing the trip to Ballista. Speaking of which. I’m surprised that all this time Ravos have been using only one type of Vines.”

“Come to think of it yeah, why hasn’t there been any that can cure poison or something?” Thank you, sir Marcus.

“I guess because the Vine practice is fairly new. Well, for a Noxian lifetime, anyways.” Miss Laira answers.

“Our Druids have been experimenting with a bunch of different plants, trying to find a way to contribute to the people and the world. Our predecessors worked hard to find a way to be useful and Vines were the product of that effort. They say they even tried to use their connection to Nature to speed up the growth of the crops. However, that was a huge failure.” Lady Breeze explains. “So, we stuck to the Vines and perfected their medical application.”

“Do you know why they failed to speed up the growth of the crops and such?” I ask.

“We are able to force the plant to sprout, from the seed. However, once the mana runs out – the seed dies. It’s lifeforce is not enough to sustain the magic.” Miss Laira answers me. Hmm…

“Oh no, he’s thinking again.” I hear a voice.

“Percival?” A male voice. A deeper one this time. I feel a nudge. Miss Laira’s hand is on my shoulder.

“Yes?” I look around.

“We lost you there for a moment, didn’t we.” Sir Crile holds my confused gaze.

“Ah, yes, I may have thought of something… Now’s not the time. So. As suggested yesterday, we should travel to Ballista to seek aid with growing the new Vines. If I may, how are the Vines different from other herbs and plants?”

“We have Cleansers purifying the seeds of the regular healing herb, that’s mostly used to treat flesh wounds. However. We grow them in an extremely controlled environment, to prevent contamination. Once the Vines grow to a certain size, they are harvested, together with the pure soil, they were grown in, and then are kept alive through mana. The thing is, as Breeze mentioned yesterday, Vine manipulation is only possible for Druids because of our connection to Nature. We see the plants differently. That’s the difference between us and say Earth types.” Miss Laira explains it to me again. “It is similar to how Mages see their Force of Choice.” She adds quickly.

“About that. Marcus, would you mind indulging us there, I have to confess, I’ve always been curious about that.” Commander says.

“Sure, no problem. See for Mages it’s not about picking our attribute, it’s more like it picks us. Mages are born with an affinity. We are able to see our Force of Choice. That’s why we can manipulate it. Of course, it’s a tad different in my case.” Sir Marcus smiles.

“Is it because of your Reflector ability?” I ask.

“Yup. The Mage nods. My vision resembles a kaleidoscope. It’s a bunch of different tiny lights sparkling inside my head.”

“Have you ever considered using the herbs? For your spells I mean? You know? Like a Shaman?” I ask sir Marcus.

“I thought that using herbs for the four elements is considered to be wasteful?” Sir Crile asks.

“For Shamans yes. But for a Reflector this would give an upper hand. It could allow Sir Marcus to kick start a spell himself when going up against another Mage or even provide defense against a different opponent. I mean Shamans are only considered Shamans after undergoing the Overtake challenge. Essentially Shamans are merely a more advanced form of a Mage, since using herbs allows the Shamans to add that little something extra to their spells. However. There are only so many forces that the herbs can be added to. I mean you can't infuse rock with herbs, so. Any Earth Mage can become a Shaman just by obtaining Overtake. Although, as Tonso explained it, it's easier said than done. That's the only reason why Earth Shamans never use any herbs for their casting. I think that Sir Marcus is in the perfect position here. The Reflector's biggest drawback is being unable to cast any spells themselves, but what if you add the Shaman ability? It's not the same as the exclusive birth rights that Druids or Necromancers have. Although, we still haven’t found out why or what is needed for one to be a Mancer...” I shake my head. “Never mind. Point is. Anyone can learn it. I did. I learned a lot from Burla. It's quite simple once you get the hang of it. The only problem is the practical application in stressful situations. Especially during battle. I found out that the hard way myself. It proved to be quite difficult to be going back and forth between the herbs and all that. But in any case. I believe it may be worth your while and why is everyone looking at me that way? Did I say something stupid again?” I stare at the four pairs of dumbfounded eyes, glaring at me.

“Percival! You SON OF A GENIUS!!” Sir Marcus jumps me. I stagger in my chair. Totally lost. “I could kiss you right now! Can I kiss him?” He looks at Miss Laira. “Imma kiss him!” He turns back to me.

“Please don’t!” I push his face away from mine.

“Come on! Pucker up, you clever devil!” The Mage persists. Laughter fills the royal bedroom.

“I'd rather not. Truly. I prefer women. No offense.” I push the roused mage off myself. He laughs loud.

“I am at a loss for words.” Miss Laira continues to stare at me without blinking.

“How did I never think of this!!” Sir Marcus finally sits back down in awe.

“How did nobody ever think of this?” Lady Breeze shakes her head.

“Leave it to the boy wonder.” Sir Crile laughs. “Here I thought nothing can surprise me anymore.”

“Percival. I don't have the words to express my gratitude.” Sir Marcus nods to me.

“I haven't done anything...” I look down and notice little Ether hiding under the table. Guess the sudden commotion scared him. I gesture to him to come out. He thinks about it and crawls out. Miss Laira takes a napkin and wipes off his little hands. The boy goes back to his meal, keeping an eye on the Mage still… Meanwhile Sir Marcus finishes cooling off in his chair.

“You've given me hope.” The Mage looks all serious at me. “Finally! For over two decades I have been beating myself up for being utterly useless on my own! Finally, I have something tangible to work for! Laira is my reason for fighting, but now! Thanks to you I'll have the means to protect the things precious to me too! Thank you! Truly.” Sir Marcus bows his head to me one more time, before taking miss Laira's hand and kissing it, with tears in his eyes. I want to say something, yet I find myself struggling for words… Someone say something, please…

“Well then, here’s another reason for you to visit Cobalus. The herbs bought there are much cheaper, compared to Astri or Araneum.” Lady Breeze comes to my rescue.

“We should decide on your trip. I figured Laira and Percival would be enough. I assume it may be a bit too much for the young Ether.” Sir Crile takes over.

“Well, yes, I actually was leaning towards the same idea.” Miss Laira agrees.

“On the other hand, nobody’s telling you to leave first thing tomorrow. You may speak with the locals here first then decide.” Commander adds.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I would think so too.” I finally speak again.

“Perfect. Maybe seeing the Vine growth in process will inspire you for something.” Sir Crile winks at me. Warmth floods my blood and I nod, with my eyes to my feet.

“OH! That's right, thanks to Percy's arm I remembered! How was the wedding?” Miss Laira asks

“There was no wedding.” The Lady answers.

“We made a public announcement for becoming the King and Queen…” The Sir stops mid-sentence.

“You make it sound like it was no big deal and yet you made one Hell of a statement.” A voice reaches us from the open door. A divine figure stands in the doorway. Pale blue skin with long white hair... The Priestess! I quickly jump off my chair and bow. So does Sir Marcus.

“Lady Devona!” Miss Laira walks over and hugs the Priestess. I carefully raise my eyes. A man stands behind the woman. Dark blue skin with a dark grey short crop and deep green eyes... He doesn’t look any older than Sir Crile. But the vibe the Noxian gives off has a hint of seasoned vet in it...

“Good to see you, child.” The Priestess greets the Miss.

“You've grown quite beautifully, Laira.” The man hugs the Miss as well.

“Whereas you haven’t changed a bit, Sir Ira.” She hugs him too. Sir Marcus and I straighten out and continue standing still.

“No need for ceremony.” The Priestess waves us off. “We're all family here.” Royal! Royal family!

“I see the tiny one is unsure of us.” The woman says looking at Ether, hiding behind the Mages chair, yet again...

“It takes him a bit to warm up...” Miss Laira explains.

“So we hear.” The Priestess does not push the matter on the boy further and continues acting as if the little Cornutese is not even there, to ease the pressure on him. Sir Ira does the same, although the eyes give his concern away. A warm smile flashes on his face as he redirects his gaze over to Sir Marcus.

“Am I to understand this is the infamous Primerian who stole our little Lairy?” Lairy? I steal a glance over my shoulder. The Lady has a coy smile on her.

“Please, I'm not a child anymore.” Miss Laira blushes lightly. Sir Marcus freezes in place. I think he forgot how to breathe...

“Sir Ira. It's an honor to meet you.” The Mage finally snaps out of it and bows again.

“Percival, Marcus, meet my self-proclaimed father.” Sir Crile says to our backs. Say what now?

“It's truly an honor, Sir.” I bow too.

“Ever the brat.” Sir Ira says.

“I learn from the best.” Sir Crile mumbles. Ok then...

“Now then, back to business.” Sir Ira stares our Mage down. The young man holds his ground.

“What makes you think you are good enough for our Missy here?”

“I'm not. I'm fully aware I'm not good enough.” Sir Marcus answers. “Even my life span is not good enough.” He pauses again. “However. Because of it. I will love her and care for her like there's no tomorrow. I may be only a fraction of her life, but she is my entire to me and I will do my damnest to make her happy.” I was not prepared for something like this. Nobody says anything.

“If you would allow a selfish act of a fool in love. I ask that the both you give us your blessings, to live a long and happy life.” Sir Marcus kneels in front of the royal couple.

“Is he always like this?” The Priestess asks.

“He kneeled for Emerald too. Twice.” The Lady answers teasingly. Sir Ira laughs. He puts his hand on the Mage's shoulder. The man looks up.

“You'll do just fine, kiddo.” The Noxian say with a fatherly smile. The Mage stands up.

“May the Stars shine upon you.” The Priestess bows her head to the Mage.

“Thank you.” Sir Marcus nods and turns to the Miss. She's doing her best to hold back the tears as she stands there in awe.

“Would you like to join us?” The Lady stands up, approaching Sir Ira for a hug.

“Naah. We won't be long.” He smiles. “Simply wanted to say hello to another lost lamb of ours.” He winks ant the Miss.

“How are they?” The Priestess approaches the cradle.

“Just perfect. They eat well and sleep well too.” The Sir answers.

“Happy to hear.” The Lady's mother gazes at the twins for a moment longer. Sir Ira leans in over the shoulders of the two women.

“I can't believe it. You managed to do a great job after all, Cri.”

“Don't call me that.” The Sir growls. The Mage holds back his laughter.

“Is the boy wonder always this shy?” Sir Ira looks at me.

“I'm pretty sure you’re too intimidating.” The Priestess answers him, turning around. She walks over to me. I feel my heart pulsing inside my chest.

“You have my gratitude.” She bows her head. “Thank you for bringing my child back to me, alive.” She raises her eyes again. I manage to nod only.

“Always.” I hear my voice let out a single word.

“Who's here intimidating again?” Sir Ira mocks the Priestess and winks at me now. I smile.

“Don't disappoint them.” Sir Ira tells his son, as he walks out the room.

“It's been a pleasure to meet you all.” The Priestess smiles to us before leaving the chamber as well.

“Stop by anytime.” Lady Breeze tells them as the doors close shut again.

“Cri?” The Mage does not waste a moment.

“Call me that again and I'll break your jaw.” Sir Crile answers.

“Roger that.” Sir Marcus nods. “Does that go the same for Lairy?”

“I wouldn't take it that far." The Miss smiles. "It's been forever since he called me that...” A nostalgic note slips its way in the Miss’s voice…

“I can call you that, if you want me to.” The Mage winks at her.

“No thanks, I feel like if you called me that you'd just be making fun of me.” Miss shakes her head.

“Who? Me? Naah... Ok, maybe a little bit.” The Mage confesses. Light laughter rolls over us.

“Sir, may I ask?” I look at Sir Crile.

“He took me in, raised me and taught me everything I know, as well as give me his last name. He also always makes a point to mock me or insult me whenever he can. Can't say we're particularly on perfect terms, but I do trust and respect the man, even if I can't stand him most of the time.”

I smile. It was an obvious question, after all... “Thank you for your honest answer.”

“Well, that explains the slight tension.” Sir Marcus agrees.

“Ira has been a father figure for us all, really. He's the best friend of the late Sir Vykren.”

“Breeze's dad?” Sir Marcus asks.

“Wait, I thought Sir Ira...” I carefully look over at the Lady. She shakes her head.

“My father died a week before I was born.”

“My condolences.”

“It's ok, Percival. Thank you though. I agree with Laira. Ira has been the closest thing I ever knew to a father. I am grateful to him for making the effort for someone who's not even his...”

“It seems to be a habit of his...” Sir Crile mocks his father.

“Regardless of your personal opinion, we like him.” Lady Breeze says. The boy finally decides to come around from behind the Mages chair. Ether crawls into the Miss’s lap and falls asleep after a few strokes of her hand.

“I wish they would have stayed a bit longer though.” Miss Laira sighs.

“You'll see them again. Since they're happily retired now, they spend a lot of time lazing around.” Commander answers. “Especially if you're staying longer.”

“Sounds good.” The Miss smiles.

“Sooo, where were we again?” The Mage reminds us of the original topic of this gathering.

“The trip to Vine-yards and Ballista.” The Sir answers.

“Right. Breeding new type of Vines...” The Miss seconds

“About that. I was thinking. Can't we use Ravos to simply use the herbs instead of Vines?” Sir Marcus asks again.

“I wish. Unfortunately, the Enchanted Herbs used for Shamans are imbued with mana after harvesting and preparing them. The quality of the Enchanted Herbs is based on how long it took to make them. The longer it takes to infuse them with mana the pricier they are. As a result of that, their effectiveness is also determined the same way. Without the enchantments on the herbs - the plant itself is nothing more than another piece of everyday garden variety weed.” I answer.

“Ah, shoulda figured it wouldn’t be that easy...”

“Yes, well, the only reason why I am able to manipulate poison is because the Enchanted Herbs have been made mandatory for all poison. It is truly the herbs I am manipulating, not the poison itself. Apparently, it's an old tradition that was established by the Shamans long ago. Burla taught me that.” I explain.

“She was from a family of Shamans, wasn’t she?” The Lady asks me.

“Yes. She was well versed in the History of it. Well. As much as she had learned from her parents before their untimely demise.”

“I see.” Miss Laira averts her gaze. Throughout our ordeal with the Rebirth, there was always tension between her and Burla. I never figured out why though... But now I feel like the miss might have some lingering regret...

“How does your poison manipulation work, exactly? As far as we know, Temeros are the only ones who can manipulate the state of the poison.” Sir Crile asks me.

“Oh yes. There is a chant for that. The more mana I use when casting it, the closer together the herbs come together, making it look like the poison has hardened. If I'm more lax with the casting, the herbal dust won't be able to bind that tightly and it will appear as gas.”

“If you’re supposed to use the herbs to make the poison then how do you explain liquid poison?” The Mage asks.

“We still use herbs for that. It's either mixed into the liquid. Or slowly seeped into it and filtered out. The Sir answers.

“Exactly. Because of that, the qualities of the herbs get mixed in and are fused together. So even if there are no actual herbs in the poison that is being used, say on the blade, the qualities remain nonetheless, hence why I can manipulate it. For instance. I can make a dust cloud spread out and make it look like gas with the help of the chant. But if the dust gets into contact with water, it will turn into a poisonous mist.” I take over with my explanation.

“Makes sense.” Sir Marcus agrees. “So, without the herbs the poison would only be plain poison? You wouldn't be able to manipulate it?”

“Correct.” I nod. “In that case only the antidote would work.”

“I don't know what’s more a pain in the ass. The magic poison or the plain one?” The Mage thinks about it.

“Well, either one is troublesome. The magic one allows you to even make weapons out of it. Death Bringers love using them as such for close combat. As it does not require a different weapon, but it does need skill with casting. But at the same time - it can be removed from the system without an antidote, if treated on the spot. Old fashioned poison is not as creative in uses, but it is more difficult to treat.” I explain. “See this is quite similar to how Earth Shamans in Ballista are able to manipulate sand - hardening it and such. Water conversion to Ice requires an additional force, which is the change of temperature, as it happens in nature, of course, through the help of mana it is possible to covert one into the other. Not the point. I mean…”

“You mean to say that Earth and its byproducts are easier to manipulate in regards to their structure since there is no need for change in the composition.” The Sir finishes it for me.

“Exactly. Although, even after Overtake Shamans are unable to turn ground into sand and vice versa. They can make a decent density brick from a pile of sand that will rival the hardness that of a stone one, yet it will be a brick of sand still. With enough water it will weaken.”

“If that kind of a manipulation was possible it would be too easy...” The Mage sighs.

“After all, it would be going against Nature itself.” The Lady adds.

“So anyways, we need mana for the curse. A cure for the disease, which we can’t make. And a way to hold the poison at bay? Which we may not be able to do, or rather it too needs a continuous casting, like the cleansing of the curse? Is it just me or does this sound nearly impossible?" Sir Marcus says looking at the marble ceiling…

“We'll take it one step at a time.” The Lady says.