The next day, after Unrid and Synové left for work, Aodhán and Daruk made their way to the garden while Aldric meditated.
For the last three days, Aodhán had watered the garden with rain, keeping the earth wet and soft despite the ongoing dry season. They had also planted the seeds he'd bought from the mall, arranging them in the way they knew best, sometimes in clusters and sometimes in an orderly manner. After planting, Aodhán had channeled {Elemental Lightning—Green} into the earth just as he had done on the first day before he'd been interrupted by that reporter, and now, three days later, the flowers had blossomed.
Their growth was abnormally fast, but there was no sign of oversaturation or mutations, so Aodhán believed they were still in the clear.
He twirled the shears he'd bought from the mall, and although there was nothing to prune yet, it just felt wrong to work in a garden without a single gardening tool in sight.
Daruk did not share his sentiment, though, and had frowned at him when he'd taken out the shears from the basement. “Why carry metallic equipment when you can simply create a construct?”
“Because this metallic weapon is a common-ranked awakened instrument with special capabilities.” Aodhán shrugged and pointed disdainfully at the ice plough Daruk held. “And that is not.”
Daruk rolled his eyes and sighed. “You all forget that the smartest person in this house. You shouldn’t be arguing with me.”
Aodhán had argued, but after fifteen minutes of debating the advantages of actual equipment over constructs, they'd finally agreed to disagree. Now, as he moved around the garden, still twirling the shears in his hands, Aodhán observed the flowers, the tallest of which now stood about a foot in height.
The faint smell of lavender filled the air, and everywhere he turned was a burst of red, orange, purple, blue, and yellow. He kneeled beside a cluster of snapdragons, scrutinizing them for mutations, but when he found none despite the insane amount of vitality lightning he'd pumped into that particular cluster yesterday, he grinned and said to Daruk, “I think they're fine.”
Daruk hummed in agreement, watching a small bush of cosmos and lavender. “All that remains is finding the right balance, then. Do we continue feeding them with your life lightning, or do we let them grow on their own?”
Daruk had taken to calling the green elemental lightning—life lightning; the red—explosive lightning; and the black—necrotic lightning. Aodhán had to admit that the names actually fit quite nicely, although he felt the name of the green was too pompous. To call it life lightning was giving it too much credit, so he instead referred to it as vitality lightning, as it seemed more appropriate.
He moved to stand near the cluster Daruk was watching and frowned. “I think they'll survive if we leave them alone, but I'm curious as to how far we can actually push the seeds without oversaturating them.”
Daruk gestured to a mound of lilies at the edge of the garden and said, “How about we experiment with those? Pump them slowly with life lightning and see when things... you know, go boom.”
Aodhán chuckled. The lilies were hidden behind a small bush of whispering tulips, so even if he accidentally destroyed them, Synové wouldn't mind too much.
They moved towards the cluster of lilies, and Aodhán activated {Elemental Lightning—Green} and then {Lightning Beam}.
Vitality lightning sank into the ground, causing it to glow with a verdant hue, and a moment later, the lilies began to grow.
Their stems grew rounder and taller. More leaves appeared, and the white petals grew larger. In less than thirty seconds, the lilies had doubled in height, and their white petals were so pure and bright that they were almost blinding.
Aodhán cut off the skill, and he and Daruk peered closer, searching for mutations. They found none, except a few arcs of green electricity rippling around the white petals and flowing gently around their verdant stems.
Aodhán frowned. He wasn't entirely sure, but he attributed the appearance of those green arcs of electricity as a mark of oversaturation or at least a symptom. Nevertheless, the lack of mutations on the flowers probably meant that he hadn't exceeded the saturation limit of the seeds.
They eventually decided to observe the lilies for the next few days and see if they survived without more vitality lightning. Before leaving the garden, though, Aodhán channeled another bout of lightning into the other flowers, watching as they grew by a couple more inches before cutting off the skill.
After leaving the garden, Daruk went to prepare himself an ice-cold bath, while Aodhán went back to his room to continue his runic practice.
Perhaps it was as a result of the seal, but Aodhán noticed that it had become much easier for him to draw the runes. RAIDHO, the rune of space and distance, only took him a few hours to perfect, and he smiled as he observed the glowing symbol on his note. This was his sixth perfected rune, and at the rate things were going, Aodhán saw himself perfecting the entire runic alphabet before the end of the term.
Just as he was about to dive into the next rune, Aldric barged into his room and shouted. “For Raol's sake, what are you still doing? The Willowood event is in two hours!”
Aodhán's eyes widened as he glanced at the time. He hadn't realized just how fast time had flown, and not for the first time, he found himself wishing for a time chamber where he could practice his runes for as long as he wanted.
Aldric glanced at Aodhán's note and scrunched up his face in disgust. “Ugh… I should have known you’d be interested in all this squiggly runic stuff.”
Aodhán slammed his book shut and grabbed his towel. “Of course I'm interested. They're an important part of our advancement.”
Aldric groaned. “Please spare me the lecture; I spent an entire year trying to learn this infernal language, all to no avail.”
Aodhán was reminded of Yurin, and he grinned. “Poor you. My professor says people like you are too stupid to comprehend the intricate and complicated nature of runes.”
“Your professor is a cunt.” Aldric replied simply, and Aodhán turned sharply in his direction, both offended and appalled by Aldric's words. “Where did you even learn to curse this much?”
“At sea.” Aldric grinned. “I spent the last few months working with sailors.”
Aodhán frowned in confusion. “I thought you were busy studying at the 12th academy. What happened to wanting to get your certificate first?”
“I was studying.” Aldric shuffled awkwardly. “Or at least, that's what I told mom and dad, so don't go spilling.”
“Are you serious?” Aodhán hissed and moved closer, flinging his towel uselessly on the bed. “Are you telling me that rather than studying, you've spent the last month gallivanting around with sailors?”
“It's not as terrible as you make it sound.” Aldric sighed. “I’m still studying; I just barely attend the classes. It's not like a certificate from the 12th academy holds much value anyway.”
“Still.” Aodhán shook his head, although he couldn't help but agree. A certificate from the 12th academy was practically useless except in the 12th and perhaps 11th sectors. Aodhán watched Aldric closely, and after a moment, he asked. “So, are you like a pirate now?”
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“Well, I joined the Ravens, so I guess I'm a sort of pirate now. That's how that Viscount you met the other day knew of me and my "skillset." We've met before.”
Aodhán shook his head and asked. “But isn't piracy illegal?”
Aldric snorted. “Everything is illegal if you search hard enough. Besides, the Ravens aren't exactly committing crimes; we just have some shady stuff.”
“Like transporting young Awakeneds out of their villages to escape military recruitment.” Aodhán stated, and
Aldric winked. “Exactly. Now run along; we've got a party to attend.”
“Just be careful.” Aodhán called out to Aldric's retreating figure. “I would really hate to have to bail you out of jail.”
“That's if your mission doesn't send us there first.” Aldric winked, and Aodhán chuckled, grabbed his towel, and proceeded to the bathroom. It was a little surprising to know that Aldric was a pirate. His drastic rise in advancement made perfect sense now.
It was a little concerning, though, as Aodhán was yet to hear of any good pirates. He didn't really know much about the Ravens, though, save for the little he'd heard on the Raventhorn, but as he stepped into his bathroom, he decided he would find out.
After bathing, Aodhán packed all that he might need for the next two days, as they wouldn't be returning from sector 8 tonight; instead, they would be staying over at the Willowood’s estate before moving on to sector 3 for the Blackwell's event.
After several hours of planning, arguing, and scouring old newspapers, they'd finally come up with a decent plan for the mission, and although it seemed perfect on paper, Aodhán desperately hoped it would remain so in reality.
He packed his clothes, shoes, books, and every other essential he could think of. After that, he switched his necklace with the facsimile, wrapped his storm scarf around his face, and moved downstairs.
Daruk and Aldric were already waiting for him, and when they saw him, Daruk said, “You look like a terrorist with a bad haircut. I honestly don't know why you insist on wearing that thing.”
“Because I'd rather not be recognized.” Aodhán replied and touched his head. “Besides, my hair is fine.”
“It's sticking out at odd angles.” Aldric pointed out, and Aodhán took a moment to smooth them out before announcing. “Great, I think we're ready.”
They stepped out of the house, and Aodhán created a storm platform large enough to accommodate the three of them. He ignored the distant sound of a shutter as well as the gazes of their oh-so-friendly neighbors as they made their way to the portal station in Norbuik.
When they arrived at the station, they found a series of portals, each calibrated to different sectors, including the capital. They headed towards the portal section, helpfully labeled Sector 8, and after paying an extra two gold coins to recalibrate the portal to their exact location, which was the city of Willowsburgh, the three of them walked into the portal.
The transition was seamless, and the next instant, they found themselves in the Portal station of Willowsburgh.
Aodhán took a deep breath, savoring the scent of trees and flowers in the air even as the familiar hum of distant factories filled his ears.
Sector 8 was just as he remembered it, except for one key factor. The air was fresh and crisp. The last time Aodhán and Daruk had been to the 8th sector, they'd spent most of their time in the port city of Nematon and the city of Orom, but the one thing those two cities had shared was the haze of industrial pollution that hung heavy in the air.
Willowsburgh was different, though, and when they stepped out of the portal station, they arrived in a city filled with trees, vines, and flowers. Everywhere he looked, the ground was lush. The color green filled his vision, despite the fact that it was still dry season. Flowery vines grew everywhere, covering houses and poles, and there was barely a patch of ground unoccupied by grass, flowers, or trees save for the road.
After taking a moment to look around in amazement, they boarded a shuttle that would lead them directly to the Willowood estate. Unlike the Vilaris event, this event was more casual, so several acts of propriety could be done away with.
As the shuttle zoomed towards their destination, Aodhán and Daruk marveled and discussed the beauty of the city. Aldric wasn't too impressed, but Aodhán absolutely loved it.
The dense amount of greenery soothed him, so much so that he felt comfortable removing the scarf from his face. The air was filled with the verdant essence of nature, and it only got thicker the closer they got to the estate.
More trees appeared, and at a point, Aodhán could have sworn that they were in a forest. The trees on each side of the road loomed high above them, their branches intermingling with the branches of the opposite trees to form a dense canopy of leaves that only allowed a few spots of sunlight to pass through.
Despite the mundane nature of these trees, they were so old and large that they exuded an aura of timelessness, like silent guardians.
“I can't believe you're this relaxed; it's like all your emotions are muted.” Aldric shook his head in amazement, but Aodhán only grunted, basking in the feeling of peace and security that engulfed him. Forests had always been his happy place, but this was on another level.
He must have drifted off to sleep, because when he eventually opened his eyes, the shuttle was just coming to a stop before a massive gate crafted out of brown wood and pulsating green vines.
They exited the shuttle and paid the driver before heading towards the gate, which was guarded by two advanced-class soldiers adorned in green and gold robes—the colors of the Willowood family. Although the guards had no visible bloodline manifestation, their bodies were covered in numerous strength and vitality runic tattoos.
When they reached the gate, Aodhán presented their invitation, and while the guards scanned it, Aldric whispered to him. “It seems you're not quite as popular here as you are in the 5th sector.”
“And I thank the maker for that.” Aodhán replied as the guards pushed the gate open. “I'm much too relaxed to handle those evil reporters right now.”
They stepped through the gate, and as one, their jaws dropped in amazement. The Willowood estate wasn't just beautiful; it was glorious. Fountains and beautiful statues filled his view, and the scent of flowers filled the air. Trees stood tall and majestic, their leaves glowing with a verdant hue so rich in vitality that Aodhán could almost taste it.
A cobblestone pathway led inward, and on either side of the narrow pathway were gardens filled with a myriad number of flowers and plants, each releasing their scent into the air. Rather than a clash of scents, though, the fragrance blended into one, a heady perfume that invaded their bodies and relaxed their muscles, making them feel light and boneless.
However, as beautiful as the compound was, it was the mansion itself that stole Aodhán's attention. It was crafted around a tree so tall that it seemed to pierce the clouds. Its bark and branches shone with a golden hue that contrasted beautifully with its red leaves.
It took Aodhán a moment to realize that the four-story mansion was crafted out of the tree itself. In fact, when he focused on his surroundings, he realized that the roots of said tree ran beneath the entire estate, feeding off and nourishing every single plant growing within the estate.
"Jorgumien,” he muttered quietly, recognizing the spirit tree immediately. It wasn't too surprising that a noble family of life and nature Awakeneds had a spirit tree of their own, but the realization that he was standing only a few meters away from a tree that had reached the height of its evolution was simply overwhelming.
He turned around, lost for words, as he took in the rest of the estate. Servants moved about, busying themselves with various tasks, and upon noticing them, a stern-looking maid stepped forward and bowed. “Esteemed guest, welcome to the Willowood estate. Please follow me; I shall lead you to the banquet hall.”
Hesitant and dazed, they followed the servant, gawking as they tried to take in everything at once. Aodhán was admiring a sparkling pool filled with aquatic plants when they rounded a bend and suddenly came face to face with a...tree?
No, Aodhán reevaluated. It was a woman, but her bloodline manifestation was so severe that he'd almost mistaken her for a tree. Her hair was a tangle of verdant leaves, flowers, and vines, but her skin was wood, although when she smiled, he realized that her movements weren't inhibited at all.
Despite the fact that they had no idea who the woman was, the three of them bowed immediately. Such a severe manifestation could only be brought about by a blessed bloodline, which meant she was definitely not an ordinary member of the Willowood family.
“There's no need to be so formal.” The woman spoke in a voice that commanded respect, urging them to lift their heads, and when they did, she continued. “Little Drew did mention that a couple of his friends would be attending today's celebration, I'm guessing you're said friends.”
“Yes, my lady.” Aodhán hastily replied. “I'm Aodhán Brystion, and these are my brothers, Daruk and Aldric.”
The woman's gaze lingered for a while on Daruk, assessing him before turning to Aldric, who stiffened slightly under her gaze. “An unevolved awakened, that's a rare sight in this parts,” she stated with a slight smile, and Aldric shrugged. “I wasn't quite as fortunate as my brothers.”
“Well, fortune is a fickle mistress, isn't she?” The woman laughed and turned back to Aodhán. “Anyway, you're welcome to my humble home. I'm Colonel Fortuna Willowood, heiress to the Willowood's barony and Andrew's eldest sister.”
Aodhán blinked, unaware that Andrew had another sister aside from the one they'd come to celebrate. Come to think of it, Andrew barely spoke about his family at all, and the only people he knew was Pope and a sister Andrew had mentioned a couple times.
Fortuna chuckled at their silence and said to the maid. “Lead them to the banquet hall, Azula. My little brother has been eagerly awaiting their arrival.”
"Yes, my lady." The maid, now introduced as Azula, bowed and gestured for them to follow. They complied, but after only a few steps, Fortuna called out, "Oh, lest I forget. Do await my return, Aodhán; I would love to speak with you about your familiar. I believe there is much we need to discuss.”