Ava rewatched Zerine’s test. It had been a few days and Zerine hadn’t stirred. Raith and Lexi, a healer and her cousin, said Zerine would need rest after the healing of her arm and legs. But they had added she had done something that made it so she would sleep longer, but would make a full recovery. Varino and her new friend, Kimi, were off playing or training, honestly it was hard to tell. So, it left her watching the recording and readings on the island in her study.
Currently, she was watching Varino’s conceptual breakthrough. It warmed her heart when she saw the spirit skipping and twirling, her eyes leaking electricity with a look of pure delight on her face. She remembered her first conceptual breakthrough. That feeling of energy coursing through her, combined with such clarity and a feeling of being whole, was something she would never forget. She laughed, as at one point she could have sworn the spirit was dancing. Clearly during the revelation, Varino had forgotten that a full-on battle was going on around her. For gods sake, she picked flowers as D-rank died all around her. It had come to her attention that Varino didn’t really know what a conceptual breakthrough was.
In short, a conceptual breakthrough was a qualitative improvement to all aspects of one’s magic related to the concept. It was one of the few things that both mystics and mages shared. But mystics used their concepts throughout all their magic, while mages had to use willpower combined with their magic to imbue their concepts. Since Varino’s was the concept of storms, it meant Varino’s understanding and perspective on storms would affect every spell once she used her willpower. It came with many advantages, such as, improve mana expenditure, strength of spells, and allowed mages to create domains. To have a true domain, not only do you need mana of that affinity in enough quantity, but concepts imbued to achieve it. Needless to say, she and Varino had so much work in that area to cover.
She skipped ahead to the last moment before Zerine passed out, fighting the mid C-rank. The image was frozen as a blast of unstable mana tore through part of the Metal Head’s body. Ava had looked at the mana readings recorded, but all they had picked up was a flare of ambient magic. But that made little sense. Sure, you can use willpower to do something like create mana barriers and alchemy. Both simply organized mana and energy, but this…this wasn’t that at all. Unstable mana wasn’t easy to control and would fight to transition into a stable state, which is what mana will always return to. It was one of reasons transmutation worked in the first, that and the law of equivalent exchange of course. But it came down to the alchemist directing and balancing the process to have a successful creation. Another example was the manastones used in mana cannons. The crystal separates affinities that would react to one another, forcing a state of instability, while the cannon simply acted as an outlet for that reaction, so a blast of energy shots out till the mana reached stability once again. These cannons could only work for so many shots before making them useless because forces involved. Mages had tried to control such reactions, but only succeed when one of their affinities was present in a sufficient amount.
All of this led Ava to one question. How could Zerine direct critically unstable mana with no magic or an affinity of her own? Even with those, she wasn’t certain that Zerine could have pulled off what she did. So, how? Despite her disbelief, a blast of unstable mana was tearing through the Metal Head’s body. The blast of energy had every affinity mixed in creating a colorful display. She observed the energy closer, and it appeared to be a swirling mass of unstable mana, nothing more.
“So, it’s not truly under control? But still condensing all that and direct it!? Could she be getting close to her crest or something that only worked because of the mana storm and fighting?” she muttered. “What the heck!?” she said loudly, leaning back.
“Ava,” Sashi Adunita said, swishing into the room. “You will have to wait for Zerine’s side of the story to fill in the gaps.”
“I know, but this was…too close and kinda crazy,” Ava replied, gesturing to the floating image.
“Yes, it was close, but even if she lost an arm, she would have been alright. Varino is a brilliant and powerful storm elemental and would have handled it. Even without Zerine’s near death blow distracting the scout, she could have handled it,” Sashi said, sitting next to Ava.
“Varino has much to learn still. They both do, but I’m proud of them despite everything,” Ava said.
“It seems the group left quite the impression with the family who were allowed to see the trial recordings,” Sashi commented. She made the image skip ahead to Varino and Kimi wielding weapons and magic fighting groups of monsters.
“I won a bet actually,” Ava said, looking a little guilty.
“Oh,” Sashi wondered, rasing an eyebrow.
“The ancestor may have bet that Zerine would fail the test, but impress the family regardless, and I may have joined her side. Mostly because grandfather was convinced that Zerine would fail and suck or whatever,” Ava grumbled, small sparks arched down her hair.
“Hmm, you’re feeling guilty that you didn’t bet Zerine would pass?” Sashi wondered. Ava only nodded. “I suspect that either side would have made the test harder for Zerine. I’m not entirely sure why Zerine has become one of the focal points for the family factions to argue over, but regardless, Zerine and Varino have proven themselves. Few can say they killed a mid C-rank before peak D-rank and none can say that they punched a C-rank before their soul awakened.”
Ava snorted a laugh and smiled. “They are quite the pair…well group. Kimi seems rather attached to the two of them.”
“It appears the feeling is mutual, too,” Sashi said, smiling. “Also, have you met with Kimi’s mother? She is here waiting to thank Zerine.”
“I have been busy, but I should make time since our daughters are rather crazy, friends, and it would be good to forge new connections,” Ava said, sitting back.
“It would help you stop over thinking about the test. But I will say this: you didn’t betray your daughter’s trust by betting with Nyo. You trusted your daughters would go beyond what the others expected, even if that meant failing. If it still bothers you, you can make it up by working with them to improve and encourage Zerine when she wakes. She may need some help and guidance after going through those last few fights.”
Ava hugged Sashi, making the older woman smile.
“I will and thank you,” Ava said, giving Sashi a squeeze.
“You're welcome, my dear. Now you should go to Varino. I believe she is going to show off some conceptual things to Kimi and after meeting that spirit, I suspect she enjoys making a spectacle. She reminds me of a certain Thunder Fairy as a child blowing up a shed.”
Ava half laughed and groaned before vanishing in a flash of purple lightning.
Sashi’s gaze turned to the image, which was showing lightning and wind whirling around a tiny form with green runes flying into the forest.
“What a strange and remarkable group of children,” she muttered.
***
Zerine woke and groaned, seeing Raith’s avatar standing arms fold, giving her a flat look.
“I just woke up,” she complained.
“Yes,” Raith said, the corner of mouth twitching in a fleeting smile.
“I failed the test. I did some reckless things, and I fought a C-rank…like an idiot,” she muttered, still not meeting Raith’s gaze.
“Yes, you failed, but held out. But you did it in a such a crazy manner,” Raith said, her flat gaze warming into a small smile. Zerine didn’t like the small smile sensing a lecture.
“Sorry,” Zerine said, hoping to forgo the imminent lecture.
“Sorry? You have nothing to be sorry about till we discuss the end of your test,” Raith said. Zerine winced. “First you met a Runic spider. A spider that at E-rank has venom that could have killed you in seconds and you choose to befriend it!?”
“Weellll, I sensed the spider was friendly and smart. Or was it curious and friendly? Anyway, technically, it was Varino who made friends with Kimi first.”
Raith facepalmed, then rubbed her temples. “You named the spider too. I forgot,” Raith muttered, then laughed. “You were right, the spider is extremely smart and evolved into a rare Runic Queen variant.”
“Wow, that’s great! They helped so much during the test and fun too. They even taught me some mystic runes,” Zerine said.
“They?” Raith wondered, but once she saw Zerine was confused, she elaborated. “Once a Runic Spider metamorphoses into their cast, they get their gender,” Raith said. “Also, when you were out, Varino and…Kimi learned how to use weapons and a gods damn mana cannon. A mana cannon Zerine!”
Zerine snorted, trying to hold the laughter back, but lost and cracked up seeing Raith’s absolutely confounded expression. Raith soon followed suit, and they laughed for a while.
“Then a Starborn shows up and Varino says you got gifts from it because helped it with something?” Raith said as Zerine swiped tears from her eyes.
“Oh, yeah, a Star Seed. We protect-”
“A Star Seed!?” Raith interrupted sharply.
“Umm, yeah, that is what it called the thing. Did you know they speak with this strange-”
“Zerine,” Raith’s half groaned, rubbing her temples again. “The readings we got from that thing while it was on the island showed it was some sort of mix of a mythical catalyst and natural treasure. That is so rare there isn’t a price I can think of. No wonder why everything on the island that was either a monster or Metal Head came after you! You were just lucky the Iridesium-rankers were keeping each other in check, or they would have been there in an instant!” Raith said incredulously.
Zerine tapped her cheek. “Huh,” she said.
“Huh!? Most people alive haven’t encountered something like that. They appear in intersections sometimes, but are so rare they are considered entirely unique. Gods, Zerine! What did you get for helping it?”
“Rocks? Oh, and a tiny gemstone, Kimi got some sort of crystal called…an evolution stone, I think. Varino got insights into her space and time concepts. Where are my bracelets? I could show you my stuff,” Zerine replied, lifting a hand with some effort, finding no bracelet.
“We haven’t gone through your things. We thought you could do that once you were back to full strength,” Raith said, her contemplative gaze shifted to the ceiling. There was a moment of silence, which was when Zerine discovered she was back home in her room. The two bookshelves drew her gaze. She had a list of research items to get to.
“How long will I be bedridden?” Zerine wondered, breaking the silence. She wanted to know how much uninterrupted reading she could get done.
“Since the healer didn’t have to regenerate an entire limb, but repair bones, it should only be a few days till you’re up and running around again,” Raith said, smiling as Zerine sighed in relief.
“How bad was it?” Zerine wondered genuinely, curious.
“Well,” Raith cleared her throat, and Zerine had a premonition that this was the real lecture. “Your ear drums got blown out, and you had a concussion. Both were easily healed, however. Lets see, oh, yes, a shattered bone in your left arm, both legs had shattered femurs, a burned back, lustrations all over you except the part covered by your dragon armor which by the way showed signs of repairing itself,” Raith took a breath. “Your right hand was a mess from what Varino told us. Broken wrist from you punching a C-rank in the face!” Raith said, as if it was the craziest thing she had ever heard. “Oh, and bruised ribs. Varino kept your legs from becoming infected and needing to be amputated because of the shattered bones fragments, by the way.”
“Oh,” Zerine said, wincing.
“You were lucky that Varino is a great healer. She redirected the healing pill to help with the most severe injuries and saved her energy for fighting and keeping your legs together.”
“I will have to thank her and find a way to repay her,” Zerine said softly.
“I don’t think Varino will see it as a debt, because you two share quite the bond, even without the official union contract. Being grateful and thanking her probably will be enough, I think. But playing a game or two won’t hurt,” Raith said with a gentile smile.
Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
Zerine nodded. The memory of Varino in her arms made her clench the blanket tightly for a moment.
“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad right after you woke up. But I only have so much time right now before my avatar will fade.” Zerine stiffened at that. “Only for a few days as I go out of range.”
“Are you going to be safe? And I thought that this avatar thing would allow you to do this over longer distances?”
Raith smiled. “This area is magically protected, so I guess that wasn’t exactly a correct statement. And yes, I will be safe. Now tell me your perspective of the craziness. Especially about the Starborn and that final part with the C-rank.”
***
After Zerine had spoken with Raith, she talked to her parents, who weren’t as mad as she had expected. But she did get a lecture about safety and choosing her battles better. After they left, she slept the rest of the day away.
The next morning, she found herself eating far more food than she had expected, but Kelly explained that it was her body replenishing the energy used to help with the healing magic. Varino and Kimi had payed a visit after her meal. It was so nice to the see them. They taught Kimi to play a board game, while Zerine admired Kimi’s new appearance. Eventually she had fallen asleep during their visit, but woke to an empty room and currently was reading a book.
A knock on her door made her look up from Mystic Runes. A book Vinyáya had given her a while back.
“Come in,” she called.
Naro poked his head in and smiled, which made his teal eyes shine. “Hey sis, you’re up. Do you feel good enough for a visit?”
Zerine raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to ask me to look over your homework, aren’t you?”
Naro chuckled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. “Kinda, but I also wanted to hear about the trial. I will have to do that when I turn fifteen too, you know.”
Zerine smiled. “Well, you won’t have a mana storm, Metal Head horde, and mass monster manifestations to deal with, but then again, maybe they will just drop off in the middle of the winter or something to make it harder.” Naro stared at Zerine wide eyed. “Yep, all of that happened. Take a seat and I’ll tell you about my experience while I look over your work.”
Naro pulled up her desk chair and eagerly sat, handing over some sheets of paper.
Zerine smiled and looked over the papers, and she started. “I guess it really started on the second day with this swarm of evil little demon puff balls. Oh, but I guess I should tell you how Varino found and befriended Kimi.”
“Is that the name of the Runic Spider? I think I heard Mom and Dad say that,” Naro wondered.
“Yep, so let’s start there,” Zerine said, grinning brightly.
After the story, Zerine had Naro fix his work, while he asked questions about the trial and homework. During a pause where Zerine drank some water, he asked something that surprised her.
“You said you were afraid. But did you have regrets pop into your mind when-when that Metal Head was about to rip your arm off?” Naro wondered, scowling down at his still incorrect runes.
Zerine blinked. “I-I’m not sure. It’s a bit of a blur to me. But all I can for certain is that something inside me just fought with everything I had. I didn’t think of regrets or think of what could have gone wrong, simply ways to survive were all I could think of. The rest in that moment, I’m not sure.”
Naro was giving her a look of, was it pity? Worry? Zerine wasn’t sure. His emotions were a mix of, well, everything, but she focused on deciphering them.
“I don’t know if I could do that. I’ve been thinking about what I want to do, and I think I want to work with Dad in the Navy. Does that make me a coward for not becoming an adventurer?” he asked quietly, looking down at his work.
Zerine found his hand, giving it a squeeze. “No, it’s not. You love the ocean, and the Navy still fights monsters and does other tasks. It’s in no way a cowardly path. It’s also not easy either, you know,” she said, giving him a wry smile, which she got a shaky smile in return. “I would say being in the Navy is equal to being an adventurer. And before you say the family won’t like it. Trevels help others and isn’t that what the Navy does when not at war? I also know Mom and Dad will accept and support you and the path you choose, so don’t worry.”
Naro squeezed her hand back, giving her a genuinely grateful smile now.
“But I also know there is more to this. Tell me what the other thing is that’s on your mind,” Zerine said, a mischievous smile crossing her face, knowing it was related to a who, not a what.
Naro groaned. He had forgotten how his sister had the knack for guessing such things. Honestly, it was like she could read his mind.
“I…I met someone a little before you left.”
“Ooh?” Zerine probed. She recalled Naro had gone with her father to a merchant event three weeks before she left. Dad went so he could keep an eye on the nobles and to ensure no deals that could undermine the reconstruction of the region could be formed. It also was a perfect time to set up deals for the city.
Soo, either he met a noble woman or merchant women…or wait. Does he like men? she thought.
“I met this noble lady who is around your age. And we have been spending our free time together. And-” Naro hesitated, clearly embarrassed.
“Aannd you two are thinking of officially courting, I take it?” Zerine said, filling in the gaps. She tapped her check and Naro just knew that look meant she was rapidly solving the problem in front of her. In this case, his love life. “And if you become an adventurer, the rules of the family require you to give up your nobility title. You need the title to be considered a good match this early, at least. And you want to still help people and the Navy is better than the army because…like I said, you love the ocean,” Zerine said, a grin spreading across her face. “Well well, Naro, you fell in love earlier than I thought,” she teased.
“Nothing is set in stone, you know. She will still become an adventurer and we are still young, so it would be tentative until we are both eighteen,” he replied, fidgeting under her gaze. She had a huge grin plastered on her face.
“Hmm, you know I have a good sense about people and,” Zerine leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. “You’re…in…looove.”
Naro starred wide eyed at Zerine. Zerine had put it all together so quickly. How could he have forgotten how gods cursed fast his sister’s mind worked at?
Of course, it was her instincts making it clear just how smitten he was, let alone all the other swirling emotions that she sensed thanks to the impressions from her sometimes-annoying ability. He was feeling love for that someone, happy that she was doing well, mortified that she figured out everything quickly, and the usual insecurities everyone had.
Gods, he really is taken with that girl. And was really worried about how people would react to his plan. I bet Mom and Dad already know about the early courting, but the Navy idea will come as a happy surprise, I suspect, she thought as Naro appeared to be stunned, staring blankly at his hands.
A knock on the door made them jump.
“Come in,” Zerine called.
A woman Zerine had never seen before peered into the room. She had black wavy hair and purple eyes with full lips that turned into a smile.
“Ah, there you are, Naro. Your friend Shara is searching for you. Something about homework you two were supposed to do together,” the women said, her voice soft, but full.
“Great grandmother!” Naro said, standing up quickly.
Zerine’s mind went blank hearing those words. There had always been some sort of scheduling conflict, but Naro, Estel and her parents had told her about the women standing in her room. She knew her great grandmother was someone extremely important in the Triarch Coven. She was also Iridesium-rank, something that still made Zerine’s mind spin. Most people considered silver and gold-rank as the highest achievements, while reaching Iridesium-rank was only a dream even for those at the peak.
“I think you should grab your papers before you run after your friend,” Sashi said as Naro made quickly for the door.
“Umm, right…see you at dinner, Sashi. And great to see you’re doing better Zerine,” Naro said, hastily grabbing his homework before nearly running out of the room.
Strange reaction, Zerine thought. She sensed her brother was still reeling from her words and didn’t want to impede their first meeting.
Lady Adunita sat with perfect posture, her staff floating next to her seat.
“This has been long overdue, and I’m sorry about that. But I am Sashi Adunita and your great grandmother,” Sashi said, bowing her head.
“Nice-” Zerine paused and cleared her throat. She was suddenly nervous, and her throat was becoming a little dry. She gave Sashi her best smile and tried again. “Nice to meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you over the years.” Sashi’s gaze shot down to her neatly folded hands.
Shit, I didn’t mean for that to be rude, she thought, feeling the woman’s apprehension grow coming in loud and clear thanks to her instincts. Zerine concentrated and forced her instincts to dull and push its information to the back of her mind.
“I’m glad we finally get to meet. The only Iridesium-rank mage I have met was Tristan. I mean grand elder Tristan, and he is rather intimidating,” Zerine said, her voice a little high and tight.
I’m babbling now and doing a lousy job at hiding my awkwardness, she berated herself.
Sashi gave Zerine a smile. That was when she realized her great grandmother looked around the same age as her mother and was just as beautiful, if not more so.
Gods, is that what’s waiting for me when I get my crest? she thought. Then again, she wasn’t sure if she wanted those beautifying effects. She never really cared about her appearance. Zerine knew she wasn’t ugly; but wasn’t gorgeous like Mili. Nor did she wear fine clothes or robes, only wearing what was practical and comfortable. But she suspected Sashi would stand out in a crowd wearing rags unlike herself.
Sashi’s smiled grew, revealing laugh lines. Her smile was warm and despite her shoving the information aside; she felt affection, something she truly didn’t expect from someone who wasn’t part of their household. At that thought, her throat tightened, and her stomach clenched.
There are the people at the temple that like me too, she thought, fending off feeling sorry for herself.
“This might come across as a surprise, but I’m not a mage, but a mystic or,” Sashi frowned slightly, “what many call a witch.”
“Really, a Mystic!?” Zerine said, leaning forward eagerly. “I was reading a book that a mystic from the temple of Magic and Knowledge gave me. I was busy with alchemy, so didn’t get to it. But I met this Runic spider, called Kimi, who showed me some different runes. I still don’t fully understand the different bases for magic. Probably won’t till I get my crest,” Zerine said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “But I started reading the book, it's fascinating how concepts are woven into everything. It seems far more integrated into your magic than how mages use concepts. Then there are the complex affinities…”
Sashi’s smile only grew as Zerine asked many questions about the Triarch and mystic based magic. It was an easy flowing conversation that shifted into getting to know one another.
Ava was right, I just had to get her curiosity going and she would do the rest, she thought, amused. From what Naro and Estel had told her, Zerine was reserved and shy. But it was Ava, Raith, and Cal who said Zerine was actually quite sociable. All you had to do was get past was either the polite barrier she usually had or get her to stop overthinking. The best way to do both was to shift her mind to topics that interested Zerine.
They chatted for so long that Zerine yawned, nearing the extent she could stay awake for the day. It was only her second day conscious, after all.
“It appears our time has concluded for the day. I’m glad you’re so interested in the mystic arts. Most find it strange or unnatural, even though it’s still magic,” Sashi said, getting to her feet. “It was a pleasure talking. I-”
“You're not going to leave today, right? We can talk more tomorrow or another day?” Zerine wondered, interrupting Sashi.
The older woman blinked, startled for a moment. It had been many years sense anyone had done such a thing or even acted casually around her. Even family treated her like she was so far above them, she might as well be a god. Granted, Ava’s family and friends treated everyone the same, no matter what, something Ava’s mother and father had done as well. At the thought of her late child and her son in law, her throat tightened, but it was an old wound, so it passed quickly.
“I don’t plan on leaving, although I have started the process to ascend, which cannot be stopped,” Sashi replied. Zerine’s eyes turned as big as saucers in shock and awe. “We can talk about that more another time. Oh, you need your sleep aid. I’ll get Kelly. Good night Zerine.”
“Umm, good night,” Zerine said, still clearly trying to process Sashi’s words.
***
Sashi smiled to herself. It had been quite the interesting first meeting, and it was insightful too.
What a complex ability, she thought. Mystics not only have more complex affinities, but generally more concepts connected to their magic, which at her rank could give her insights on people’s abilities that were connected with her concepts. Zerine’s ability had quite a few concepts intertwined with her passive ability.
Not uncommon, for such passive ability, even that spirit has something similar. But there is more to it. Is it turning into its final form before she gets her crest? Or is it evolving into something new? She wondered. Sashi’s smile grew. Her dwindling time in this world seemed like it would be relaxing and intriguing. Plus…
“Falkor, I sensed your gaze during her trial, but why do you watch now?” she asked the air.
A blue draconic eye made from water appeared in front of Sashi.
“I keep an eye on my hatchlings friends and the children of my friends,” came a deep voice. The sound would have echoed in the halls, but Sashi had made it so they could have a private conversation.
“Is that all? I know it’s you and the Lord of Fire’s turn to propose a chosen for the new era.”
“There has not been one for many eras. No chosen has been needed nor passed our trials,” the dragon said. The eye narrowed its gaze.
“You and I both know fate doesn’t just get as messy as it is without massive changes on the horizon. And you all are always part of such events. I know the fairies are preparing for the changing times, so what are you all up to?” Sashi said, not intimidated by the sharp gaze the eye was giving her.
“One such as you cannot demand answers from us. You won’t be around to even see the events play out.”
“Fair, I will ascend, but am still curious. Esteron has started causing trouble along our borders and in the Great Forest as well. They lay the groundwork for their next war and seem to target mystics. The war to come will leave nothing untouched, especially if Corruption and Chaos’s agents are involved.”
“Yes, well, just know we have our plans and will aid the fairies when the time comes. But the Lord of Fire has already proposed a chosen where I have not.”
Sashi's gaze narrowed. “It better not be any of Cal’s children. And are they any good?”
“Judgment has not been cast. And as for my chosen, there is still time. Since you will be around, I plan to visit with my kin and some fairies in the coming days. Share some tea with me and your kin and we can talk about matters then.” Before she could say more, the eye vaporized.
Sashi sighed, sensing the dragon’s gaze shift. “I just don’t want you spying on my family. Or throwing them into the chaos that is certainly coming,” she muttered. But she knew the dragon cared for Cal and his family deeply. He was the dragon that helped raise Cal, after all. Hell, all the dragon lords like Cal, which was a very rare position to be in. But saving a group of hatchlings and a dragon lord’s mate from necromancers would have that effect.
***
Zerine woke, feeling her bed shift. She worked to lift her head. It was so hard the sleep aid was doing its best to force her back to sleep.
A soft chime from Varino apologizing made her flop her head back on the to the pillow. The sleep aid was making it hard for to think straight, but she wanted to say something. When Varino visited she had always been accompanied by Kimi or with mom. This was the first time it was just them.
“Y-you,” Zerine’s words came out a mumbling slur. “Are my best friend and mmean the world to me. When you got hurt, I was so worried beeecuase I couldn’t help you like you can help me. I’mmm sorry, I will work harder so that nothing like what happened will repeat.”
Small hands patted Zerine’s head. Varino whistled. Saying that both of them will work harder to be ready for anything the world throws at them. She didn't blame Zerine at all, but was quite proud of how Zerine did, despite how many things went wrong.
Zerine gave Varino a tired smile. “Together. We tra-v-el the…world,” her voice trailed off as sleep took her once again.
Varino smiled down at Zerine. She knew Zerine felt like a burden while also harboring regrets about how the island adventure had ended. But she knew it was just the start and they would explore this world together. She didn’t need to sleep much at D-rank, but she missed sleeping next to Zerine and was tired after mom had pushed her magically. Coming to a decision, she nodded to herself and curled up next to Zerine.
One adventure ends, another greater one begins, she thought, entering meditation before slipping off to sleep. Evidently, she was more tired from the training than she had thought.