The sun filtered through the leafy canopy of the forest near Arcane University, where today’s wind class was in full swing. Students stood in a clearing, their eyes focused on Professor Ellard as he gestured animatedly, urging them to harness the winds. The atmosphere crackled with energy, a welcome distraction from the rigorous studies that had defined Lance’s early days at the university.
“Now remember,” Ellard called out, “the key to controlling the wind is balance! Too much force, and you’ll—”
His words were drowned out as he accidentally summoned a gust that whipped through the trees. Leaves flew in every direction, and students stumbled as the winds began to spiral out of control.
“Ellard, I think you’re getting a bit carried away!” one student shouted, half-laughing, half-panicking.
Lance stood nearby, his heart racing as the storm of wind grew. Just as Ellard's voice grew frantic, everything suddenly went dark. Confused, Lance squinted into the void, unable to see anything.
When the light returned, the rogue windstorm had vanished. Standing amidst the now-still forest was a young man emerging from the shadows of a tree. The students fell silent, their mouths agape in awe.
Lance’s heart raced. This wasn’t just any man—this was his brother, Elias.
“Ellard!” Elias scolded, striding forward with an authoritative presence. “I can’t have you destroying school property while I’m on duty!”
Ellard straightened, his bravado faltering under Elias's stern gaze. “Elias, I had everything perfectly under control!” he retorted, though the humor in his tone suggested otherwise.
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Elias's eyes narrowed, but he quickly softened as he turned to Lance. “Hi, Lance,” he said warmly.
“Hi,” Lance replied, still processing Elias’s sudden appearance. “I thought you were in Greenwood?”
“I graduated,” Elias said simply, a hint of pride in his voice before he glanced back at Ellard. “And you really need to rein in your theatrics.”
With that, Elias turned to leave, but not before Lance blurted out, “Wait, Elias! Why does everyone seem so shocked to see you?”
As Elias walked away, a few of the students whispered among themselves, their eyes still wide with awe. One of them leaned closer to Lance and said, “Elias is one of the most promising graduates from Greenwood University this century. He joined the Sentinels of the Veil, and you know how prestigious that is!”
Another chimed in, “He’s already made quite a name for himself. Did you hear he helped take down a rogue mage last summer?”
Just then, Lance felt a smug voice in his mind, William’s voice, commenting as if he’d been watching everything. “If I were Elias’s companion, we’d have conquered the world twice over by now!” William scoffed, his tone as proud as ever.
Lance nearly rolled his eyes out loud. “Sure, William. I’m sure the world would tremble before your… illustrious glow.”
“Hey!” William huffed indignantly in Lance’s mind. “I am a force of nature! Don’t you forget it.”
Ellard, overhearing the conversation, shook his head. “It’s true. Every single one of Korra’s students is such a party pooper! You join the Sentinels, and suddenly you can’t even stop by to say hi to an old professor!”
Lance’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Wait, you taught him wind and fire magic, but he uses shadow and darkness?”
Ellard sighed dramatically. “I used to be a battle mage professor until they removed me from the post because too many mages were turning out like me.” He muttered to himself, “Isn’t that a good thing? Seriously!”
As the class resumed, Lance felt a renewed sense of determination. If Elias could navigate the world with such confidence, then so could he. And maybe, just maybe, he and William would have their chance to make a name for themselves too.