Serrethis Rhysten was a man tired of battle. He had walked the road of adventure to its end and found it filled with triumph and wonder, and loss and despair, all in equal measure. The physical cost had been far from insubstantial, but experience had shown him the folly of believing that the worst pains one could experience were those of the flesh. Now, he stood witness to another student of life's harsh truths, wishing he had done more to protect her.
"I thought… I thought if we could just buy some time, distract it, the others could defeat it." Tiahla sniffed, her eyes red and puffy. "I knew we couldn't beat it, but we didn't have to. But Taeras…"
She stopped to compose herself. The youthful elf wore her armored vest and padded trousers, her spear slung over her shoulder. Serrethis got the sense that she hadn't even changed to rest, if she had gotten any at all since returning the previous night. He recalled her companion's eager enthusiasm for training, how the two of them had incessantly asked after the apprentice marks he held the power to bestow.
"Taeres fell protecting our home." he said softly. "We can honor and mourn his passing even as we learn from it."
Sunlight sparkled off the nearby stream, reflecting a rare shaft that penetrated the ever-shifting foliage. The two of them stood in a small, secluded glade, next to Serrethis's humble home. It was a pretty place, serene and peaceful.
"What should I have done?" Tiahla asked after she'd recovered. "How could I have stopped this?"
"The ability to discern in an instant which battles should be fought and which should not is an essential skill for any warrior. Momentary decisions are all that separate victory from defeat, and life from death. "
"So, we shouldn't have fought?" Tiahla asked, her shoulders drooping.
"Perhaps your actions delayed the monster before it could reach the village. By all accounts, you slowed it down. Risks are an inevitable part of battle, but knowing when to take them, and when not to, is a skill more important than any amount of martial prowess."
"I-I want to learn. I'm not going to give up." Tiahla said. She squared her shoulders, looking him in the eye. "I never want to feel this way again."
"The path of a warrior is not one of happiness and security." Serrethis explained, for what must have been the thousandth time. The faces changed, but the determined optimism of youth never did. "Determination and willpower are admirable traits but make for poor shields against the perils of battle, despite what stories proclaim."
"That may be so." Tiahla wiped her eyes with the palm of her hand. When she next looked at Serrethis, a new light shone within them. "But I'm not giving up. Taeres would have… He would have wanted me to keep going. I can't honor his sacrifice if I run away and leave it to others to protect our home."
"Take some time to reflect. If you still wish to train after coming to terms with this loss, I will be here. It takes a clear and calm mind to learn."
The young elf looked like she wanted to argue. Serrethis could feel her dissatisfaction through her aura, which wavered under the weight of her emotions. Instead, she reined herself in.
"I understand." She said, unable to keep the disappointment from her voice. "I'll return another time."
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Jade was about to enter the stream-side grove when a familiar elf stepped out onto the path in front of her. It took her a moment to place the girl, but it came back to her when they met eyes. This was the elf she had charmed during the battle outside the stronghold, commanding her to protect Luis while he was recovering. Jade tensed, expecting some sort of accusation, but the trainee just looked surprised. Her eyes were red, as though she'd been crying.
"You're Jade, right?" she asked, looking Jade up and down. She was in her human form today, mostly because the market crowds were hard enough to navigate without managing a set of expansive wings. No one had given her any real trouble regarding her new heritage since they'd returned from the expedition.
"That's right." Jade said. She waited for more, but the girl just kept staring at her. After an awkward pause, she asked. "…Can I help you?"
"How do I get strong?"
The question caught Jade off-guard. When she hesitated, the girl continued.
"Everyone says you took down that monster practically by yourself." She took a step closer to her, an intense look in her eyes. "How do you do it?"
"…I'm not the right person to ask. I've only been in this world for a few weeks. This…" Jade waved her arm in a vague, all-encompassing gesture. "Is all newer to me than it is to you."
"But you did it." The trainee insisted. "What do I have to do to get there too?"
Jade didn't know what to tell her. She had no great insight into what made a good warrior, that's what she was here to learn. Her victories came from a combination of the magic bestowed on her by the Labyrinth, a lifetime of athletics, a penchant for taking risks, and quite a bit of luck. There wasn't anything special about her, other than her exotic race, and she was hardly about to recommend this woman follow her lead in that respect.
"I'm sorry." Jade said, shaking her head. "I wish I could help."
The girl's shoulders slumped.
"I'll figure it out myself…" she muttered, resuming her trek back towards the falls.
Jade watched her go, conflicted. She knew the frustration of giving your all to something and falling short. Hadn't that girl's friend died in the battle? No wonder she was so distraught. But what could she offer other than empty platitudes? Jade had received more than her fair share of those while recovering from her career-ending injury and knew how unhelpful they were.
Before she could come up with anything helpful to say the girl disappeared around a bend in the trail, leaving Jade with her thoughts.
As good with people as always. Great job.
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Jade found the aging elf tending to a garden beside a small home grown into the base of a typically large tree, a short distance from the stream. While only a little removed from the village, the glade had a tranquil beauty to it that had been absent elsewhere. In Lysara, elven magic shaped nature into something more structured. Here, only small tweaks had been employed. The simple home and small, adjacent garden were surrounded by colorful wildflowers, buzzing insects, and the gently bubbling stream.
Entering the glade with weapons strapped to her hip felt like an intrusion. After a moment of hesitation, Jade unbuckled her belt, gently laying her daggers beside the stream before approaching. This time, despite Aylin's warning the previous day, she couldn't refrain from pulling up his status window.
* Name: Serrethis Rhysten
* Level: 51 / (65)* (Mark of the Sentinel)
* Race: Elf
* Class: Blade Dancer
* Advanced Class: Storm Sword
* Origin: Labyrinth Immigrant
* Note: '*' indicates an estimation of the power and nature of this creature's capabilities. This creature possesses non-Labyrinth granted magic. The Labyrinth is not responsible for any errors in this assessment.
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Jade's heart skipped a beat as she skimmed the window. Aylin had said he was 'B' rank, which started in the high 40s, but she hadn't expected his level to be so much higher than that. How powerful was this man? What kind of stats did he have? Her eyes drifted back to his class. 'Blade Dancer' was one of the options the Labyrinth had recommended to her, a class she'd passed over for the more deceit focused 'Shadow Witch'.
"Why is it." The man began, not looking up from his work. He held a pair of small clippers in his hand, carefully pruning a patch of flowers. "That no one who seeks me out does so to learn my gardening techniques?"
The elf's words were tinged with sadness. Jade stopped a short distance away, and the man finally looked up at her. He wore his greying hair in a topknot which, combined with his flowing robe, gave him a distinguished appearance. When she didn't immediately reply, he sighed.
"I have many more years of experience as a gardener than a warrior, you know. But the craft of bringing life into the world has never been as valued as the art of excising it. An observation that has remained true across the many people I have encountered in my travels."
"That isn't a perspective I expected from such a renowned warrior." Jade said. She didn't know what to make of this man, supposedly some master swordsman, and decided that a neutral reply would be her safest bet.
"That which earned me the renown you speak of is what lead me to adopt my current values."
"And what was that, if I may ask?"
"Too many battles to count, the consequences of which still weigh upon my weary shoulders." Serrethis stood up, avoiding putting his weight on his twisted leg. He leaned against a fencepost, using it for support as he got his feet under him. Despite his disability, Jade detected power in his movements. His motions were carefully controlled and deliberate, without any uncertainty. He stood steadily on his feet, regarding her with a discerning gaze.
"No amount of martial prowess can make the world a better place. The talent to fight can, at best, be a tool used to remove evil. It cannot add good. That is a truth that I took too long to learn."
Jade considered his words. Was this some sort of test? A way to take her measure? Whether it was or not, all she could do was reply honestly.
"A warrior can defend those who don't have the strength to defend themselves." She pointed out. "In my world, we have many stories of good men and women who put themselves at risk, so that others don't have to."
"A noble ideal." Serrethis nodded. "Is that what you wish to be? A shield to the helpless?"
Jade thought about what the Labyrinth was doing to Earth. She hadn't seen any of it firsthand, at least not yet, but that uncertainty only made her more anxious about the true state of her home. Was her family safe? Her friends? When she did return, what would be waiting for her?
"Yes." she said, locking eyes with him. "I want the power to protect my home. I never asked to be thrown into this world, or to be a champion for my people. But I'm here anyway, and my choices are to sit back, hide, and rely on other people to fix this, or." Jade balled her hands into fists. "Do it myself. I've already met several other people from my world who were put in the same position. Too many of them have proven unreliable for me to put my faith in the rest."
Serrethis appeared to consider her words, narrowing his eyes. There was an intensity to his gaze that made it feel like he was looking at something deeper than her body, but Jade stood her ground. When he didn't reply, she continued.
"I have heard you possess knowledge and skills that could help me protect my home. Until a few weeks ago, I'd never held a weapon in my life. Now, I'm expected to fight for the survival of my people."
She took a deep breath, releasing some of the tension coiling in her body.
"Will you teach me?"
Serrethis regarded her coolly for several long moments, his face impassive.
"So." He said at length. "There truly has been a new integration?"
"Yes."
He fell silent again, a frown crossing his face.
He's going to refuse. She realized, her heart sinking.
This was a man who wanted no more to do with battle. That much was obvious, even from their short conversation.
"There is much that I could teach you." Serrethis said, interrupting her thoughts. "Whether or not I shall, remains to be seen."
Jade blinked in surprise.
"What makes you unsure?"
"On the one hand, you are correct. Just because some tasks are distasteful does not mean the world doesn't need people to do them. Your home is in danger, and some must rise to defend it."
"And on the other?"
"Your aura marks you as a woman of dedication, talent, and resolve."
"That's… a bad thing?" Jade asked, hesitantly.
"By itself? No." Serrethis shook his head slowly. "But there's more to you than that. Pride. Anger. These emotions drive you."
"I know I took a demon race when I started my trial, but-"
"That is not my concern."
Jade fell silent. Normally not one to be cowed by another's presence, there was something in his voice that made her unwilling to argue.
"Yes, I could tutor you in the ways of battle." He continued. "Many have stood before me, as you do now, asking me to do just that. You possess the aptitude I look for in a student, but not the temperament."
"How can you be sure?" Jade asked, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. "Do you judge everyone so swiftly?"
"It is not without cause." He replied with a grimace. "The Labyrinth makes great power easy to obtain, and all too easy to abuse. However." The elf held up a finger, forestalling a response. "I am already indebted to you. I know that you were part of the group that confronted the stronghold's champion, and that you risked yourself to defeat it before it could bring harm to my home. In doing so, you have demonstrated bravery and honor. So, I will give you a chance to prove my judgement flawed."
"What must I do?" Jade asked. She had no idea what sort of test or trial would allow her to prove her character. Whatever it was, she would do it. There was no denying that she was in desperate need of formal instruction. Aylin had been tutoring Naomi in mana control, and she knew Luis planned to spar with Fenrin. They'd had too many close calls in their short time in the Labyrinth, and it was time to learn from the experienced.
Serrethis pointed in the direction the stream was flowing, deeper into the forest.
"If you follow the stream, you will find a sapling sprouting from a small, shallow pool. It is a sacred place to our people, a shrine to The Lady of Blossoms, goddess of growth. The sapling grew from a cutting from a holy tree in our homeland, brought here by our ancestors in their exodus. The gods of the cosmos may have fallen silent long ago but in some places, their power lingers. Go there, and witness what she has to show you."
"That's it?" Jade asked, skeptically. That didn't sound very difficult, nor did it make a lot of sense. Putting aside her personal religious beliefs, which had always been rather nebulous, how could a long-lost goddess 'show' her anything? Was it some sort of metaphor?
"When you are done, return here." The elf said, turning away and limping towards his small abode. "And we shall speak again."
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Jade found the glade without difficulty. It was quiet and tranquil, filled with the beauty of undisturbed nature. As Serrethis had said, a small pool lay in the center of the clearing, filled with water so still, its surface had a mirror-like sheen. It perfectly reflected the image of the sapling, which rose from the water like a mangrove. The tree itself was small, barely taller than Jade, and covered in small, pink petals that rustled in the wind. It was a beautiful sight, and Jade stood transfixed for several moments, taking it in.
"Very pretty." She murmured to herself. "But what am I supposed to do?"
She regretted speaking, feeling oddly guilty for disturbing the peace of this place. A breeze brushed her cheek, flitting past her to buffet a slender branch of the small tree. A single petal fell from the branch, spiraling down to land in the still water of the pool. The air fell still, silence falling over the glade like a blanket. Curious, Jade approached. Despite the stillness of the water, the petal was drifting towards her across its surface. She glanced around, confirming that she was alone, and then knelt at the edge of the pool, watching the petal draw closer.
It stopped right in front of her, just out of reach. Looking into the pool, Jade saw her reflection staring back at her. After the morning's bath, her blonde hair was cleaner than it had been in weeks. Even in her human form, it was imbued with a luster she'd never been able to manage prior to her transformation. Perhaps her subconscious was affecting her power, tweaking parts of her into a more idealized appearance. Jade wondered what that said about her.
The wind picked up again. This time, it swirled around her, sending ripples flowing across the pond. Her reflection changed before her eyes, transforming. When it resolved she was no longer wearing her new, elven attire, but a colorful leotard. The same one she still had stuffed in the bottom of her pack, taken on a whim before leaving her apartment to venture into this new world.
Jade's heartbeat quickened, both at the supernatural alteration, and at the memories the sight evoked. She hadn't worn that since… Not since…
Light shone from the pool, enveloping her in a radiant glow. The light burned with intense heat that stopped just short of being painful. It was familiar, somehow, although she couldn't remember why. It was also lacking something, as if the power forming around her was somehow lesser than it should be. Jade didn't know how she could tell this, but the knowledge was instinctive. Her surroundings faded, even as emotions surged from the deep recesses of her mind. Pain. Anger. Helplessness. Jade closed her eyes, trying to put it all away. She didn't want to face it. She couldn't.
Two events in Jade's life had changed her forever. One was when she'd stepped out of her apartment to find herself in a world of magic and danger, a world that forced her to discard her humanity for a form of dark passions.
But that wasn't the only experience that had left a profound mark on her soul. When she opened her eyes, Jade was there again, in the day that had changed her life.
And shattered her dreams.