Jonen instinctually placed his hand over Mira’s. He started to pull away until he felt her fingers reach towards him. He blushed as she squeezed his arm a bit tighter. She didn’t want the night to end and feared the moment he stepped away it might.
When he heard the booming laughter from across the courtyard, he looked to see Pallik covering his face with his hands. Sunodagh bent over laughing at his forge at the teen. Tella ran towards her brother and the other two followed. The yellow orc clapped a hand on the teen’s shoulder and his laugh bellowed across the courtyard.
“Small one!” He tried to control his laughter, “I don’t think you can afford it.”
“Sunodagh!” Pallik groaned, “Quiet! Please? I just want to get something for Mira.”
“Pallik, you don’t need to get me anything,” Mira shook her head, “Sunodagh, how are sales?”
Pallik’s hand fiddled with a small metal bracelet. The copper bracelet swirled into a small note and had copper balls on either end. It slipped easily over his wrist, and he tried to hide it as Mira approached.
“For Mira, aye?” The orc scratched his white beard, “Alright. Ten copper, then. She’s brought me good sales.”
“Really?” Pallik grinned, “Deal!”
He grabbed Mira’s hand and slipped the bracelet over her wrist. She eyed it curiously before wrapping her arms around the teen. Her sudden hug surprised him but her squeezed her back.
“Thank you, Pallik,” She whispered, “I will wear it as often as I can.”
“I know you can’t wear it always with your master,” He smiled, “But often is good enough for me.”
“Hey! Where’s mine?” Tella pulled at her brother’s arm.
“Well,” Sunodagh knelt and motioned Tella to him, “I made one for a certain little healer if she promises to clear up the burns on my hand.”
He looked to Mira with a wink. Tella turned and clasped her hands in a pleading gesture.
“Please? Can I?”
“Sunodagh is hearty enough,” She nodded, “I’m sure he’ll live.”
Tella placed her hands on the orc’s finger tips to cover the burns. She took a deep breath and gripped tightly. The orc winced as she concentrated on the spell. A small blue glow came from her hands and ended quickly. Sunodagh grunted and pulled his hands back. The burn was completely healed.
“I think it’s a fair trade,” He tussled her hair and handed her the bracelet, “Thanks little healer.”
“Healer-trainee!” Gimma laughed, “You brave orc, I’m surprised you let her do it.”
“Master Gimma!” She grinned, “I healed it all by myself!”
“I’m proud,” Gimma burped, “Now, let’s see how you do with some stomachaches. Mind if I borrow her?”
“I can go with,” Pallik offered, “You should go have fun.”
Mira pursed her lips, “Tella, if you’d like –”
“Yes!” The girl jumped towards the healer.
“I’ll come get you if we need help,” He grinned.
“Thank you, Pallik,” She nodded thoughtfully.
Mira ran a thumb across the thin bracelet. She didn’t expect any gifts. Now, she had a new bracelet, had tasted some new flavors of candy, and the night wasn’t even over. Jonen picked up another bracelet and paid the orc for it.
“I think my mother would like this,” He smiled and clasped the bracelet around his wrist, “I need to send something after worrying her for so long.”
The two stopped by Irae’s stand of another round of drinks. They clanked their mugs together and took another swig of mead. She wrapped her arm around his and blushed. The mead made her feel bubbly and giggly more than she had before. Jonen laughed at her shyness and escorted her to the next stand of food. Mira grabbed a large marshmallow treat and batted her eyes playfully at him.
“Oh, so that’s how it’s going to be?” He grinned, “You just have to ask.”
“I don’t know when it is too much,” She blushed, “You’ve spent a lot on me.”
“I told you I would cover anything you wanted tonight,” He playfully elbowed her, “I meant it. I’ve got some money. I’ll tell you when it runs out.”
The clerk handed Mira the treat and she broke it in half. She offered him a half and he shook his head.
“Jonen, you need to eat,” She placed a piece against his lips, “If you don’t then—”
“You don’t need to feed me,” He took a bite and grabbed her hand, “I’ll get a snack when I’m hungry.”
“What would you like to eat, then?” She smiled coyly.
Jonen gently kissed her hand without a second thought. When she winced, he let go and looked away. He cleared his throat, and she wrapped her arm back around his.
“Well, there’s smoked meat around here. Why don’t we stop there for dinner?”
He felt her fingers intertwine with his as they walked to the meat vendor. They took a moment to finish their second round of mead, in what Jonen would consider record time. The smoked meat stall also had ale. He paid for two cups of ale and a few dried chunks of various meats.
“This one is spicy,” Mira ripped another piece off and chewed, “I like it.”
“Here’s to a night of freedom,” Jonen clanked his glass against hers.
“Cheers!” She took a long swig.
Mira belched and covered her mouth as she laughed. Jonen wrapped an arm around her and took a large gulp of his own. The sound of music found its way to Mira, and she danced around. She giggled as she grabbed Jonen’s hand and twirled herself to the melody. The genuine smile on her face warmed his heart.
“You really do like dancing, don’t you?” He laughed and spun her.
“Yes,” She grinned “It’s a good exercise.”
The two walked or danced around the festival alone. Mira pulled him aside at different stalls and he bought her a small snack or drink. Mira stopped at the petting zoo for a while to coo at the different infant animals. Jonen laughed when she hiccupped and nuzzled her face into the wool of a small lamb. She squealed like Tella did and hugged the small animal.
“Mira, are you drunk?” Jonen teased.
“No! It’s just really fluffy. It feels nice.”
“Come on, let’s let someone else have a turn,” He grabbed her arm and pulled her from the petting zoo, “You’re obviously drunk.”
“I feel fine,” She stuck her tongue out at him, “We can go dancing?”
“I’ll need another round,” Jonen shook his empty glass, “Let’s go visit Irae.”
Her hand comfortably found his as they walked together. Although he felt tipsy and unsteady, Mira never pulled away from him. He constantly checked her neck for signs of her brand, but nothing appeared out of the ordinary.
“Come for another round?” Irae smiled, “I’m almost sold out now.”
“Another, please!” Mira’s buzzed cheeks lifted upwards.
“Mira,” Irae cackled, “Are you drunk? I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Everyone keeps asking that,” She took her sunhat off and placed it on the pink healer, “You told me festivals were for fun. I can clear it if I need to.”
“You can what, now?” Jonen looked to her, “There’s no way.”
“I trained to fight at a moment’s notice,” Mira confidently wave a hand to dismiss his distrust, “It’s just like a poison, right?”
“Well, there’s no need,” Irae opened another jar and filled their drinks, “Enjoy, you two.”
Irae took the last sip of the jar and winked at the pair. Mira giggled and took another swig of her mead. He twirled her in his arms to her excited squeal and held her against him. He rested his head on top of hers as her giggles shook his chest.
“Well, what else would you like to do tonight?” Jonen whispered to her, “We could go dancing, walk around again…”
“I have an idea,” She whispered.
He untwirled her from his grasp and she stepped to him. Mira placed a hand on his chest and flirtatiously walked her fingers up to his chin. Jonen was sure that she could feel his heart pound in his chest. She held his chin between her fingers and motioned for him to come closer. She bit her lip as she pulled his face closer to hers. He wondered if she would kiss him right here, in the middle of the courtyard. When her lips passed his and went to his ear, his body froze entirely.
“Can we spar?” She asked as if she requested something much naughtier.
“Right now?” He breathlessly looked around, “Where would we even do that?”
“I know a place,” She trailed a finger along his chest, “But you have to promise me something?”
In that moment, she could have asked him for his very soul, and he would have caved. The ale tainted his mind and he just wanted to have her. Whatever she wanted, he would give her.
“Anything,” He leaned his head against hers.
“You’ve got to promise me to use your magic.”
“Mira, I don’t know,” Jonen shook his head and pulled away from her, “It’s too dangerous.”
He tried to clear his mind, but her pout drew him back in. Her honey-colored eyes were hard to pull away from. The flirtatious tone in her voice tempted him to come closer.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“It would be if I wasn’t also a mage,” She turned away from him, “Nobody else would be there.”
Jonen looked at the woman as she crossed her arms. He thought it was a terrible idea. He never used his magic if he didn’t have to. He bit his lower lip and sighed. If his confidence was boosted by the booze, or by disappointing the beautiful woman he wanted to grow closer to.
“Mira,” He grabbed her shoulder and pulled her close to him.
She looked into his sapphire eyes and shyly looked away, “I just thought it could be fun.”
He cupped her face and pulled lifted her chin, “Fine. But if anything happens, we come right back.”
Mira smiled eagerly and grabbed Jonen’s hand. The jerk of his arm as she sprinted away nearly knocked him off of his feet. He laughed and stumbled after her. He joined the impromptu race. She cackled as she sprinted down the dirt streets of Vimgraunt.
“Catch up, Jonen!” She spun around a lamppost, “You’re going to lose!”
“I don’t know where we’re going!” He called out with a laugh.
He chased her through the dimly lit streets of the emptied city. Mira expertly dodged around corners to try and lose him. He felt a trickle of energy in his chest push him further to chase her. Locks of loose red hair from around corners guided him.
“I’ll follow you wherever you want to go, just slow down!” He called out.
“We’ve got to warm up!” Her voice trailed around another building.
When he broke through the alley, a small, level field. She pranced and danced around to the distance sound of the festival. Jonen quickly picked her up and spun her around. She tumbled around and faced him again.
“Are you sure that you’re still okay to practice?” Jonen lifted an eyebrow, “I haven’t seen you this stumbly before.”
“Your appreciate is concerned,” She shook her head, “No wait, your concern is appreciated. One moment.”
Mira took a deep breath and clasped her hands together. She purged the alcohol from her veins like she would any other poison. Her hands glowed as she focused on boiling the tainted liquid from her veins. She shivered the chill away and looked at him.
“Now,” She burped, “Tell me how you use your magic.”
“What?” He blinked, “How I.. Use it? What do you mean?”
Mira tapped a finger against her chin and looked to him. She never had to explain the concept before. She learned her magic by force to protect herself. When Tella gained her powers, Irae taught her how to use it. Mira took a moment to remember the phrasing.
“When you use your talents, where do they come from?” She pointed to key areas, “Some pull from the heart and use their emotions –like healers and enhancers. Fighters pull from their core to keep their balance and improve strength. Diviners or illusionists pull magic from their minds to manipulate sight. Conjurers and elementalists pull magic from themselves or their surroundings and cast it outwards.”
Mira cupped her hands and cast a soft light. The dull glow snuck out from between her fingers. The light reminded Jonen of the sunset bugs neat the capital. He was so entranced –he almost didn’t catch her question.
“Where do you pull your energy from?” She pulled her hands apart and the light disappeared.
“My core, I guess,” He ran his fingers through his hair, “I haven’t really paid attention. That isn’t how I was taught.”
She frowned and waited for an explanation.
“The knights told me to just focus on something and push it to that point. That’s worked for me,” He nervously stepped side to side, “I haven’t had much direction besides that.”
Mira rubbed her brow and sighed. Of course, the inexperienced fighters would just blast everything from a point.
“That will work… to a point,” She pointed to him, “It is the single most reckless way to use magic. If you can’t control it, then you’re likely to hurt everyone around and yourself. It will only be harder to manage.”
“I know its reckless. I know it’s dangerous. That’s why I joined the knights,” He looked away, “I don’t have enough to get considerable tutoring. Once I’m high enough they’ll pay for a tutor to hone my skills for combat… but that’s still a few years off.”
“I am here. I will tutor you for free,” She titled her head to the side, “Now, take off your shirt.”
“What?!” He took a step back, “Why would I do that?”
“If it makes you more comfortable, I can do the same” She reached for the lower hem of blouse.
Jonen was either not sober enough to catch what Mira said, or she wasn’t tipsy enough to know where his mind may travel.
His hands flew to hers to stop her, “No! No no no. That won’t help me at all. Please, Mira. Explain why I need to take my shirt off?”
“I will help you find the source. I must touch your skin with my hand to feel how your energy reacts to mine,” She said with a slight tilt to her head, “Most energy pools in the torso.”
Jonen took a calming breath and nodded. He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off with a light blush. He was very shy about his mostly elven form. He had broader shoulders than most elves and it made him feel bigger than he should. Traditionally, elves battled at range with magic or bows, but Jonen preferred to fight up close and had the muscles to prove it.
He anxiously waited as Mira studied him. He hated how stoic her face looked as she examined him. His face burned with embarrassment, and he rubbed his arms to fight against the night chill. Without warning, her hand shot to the scar on his lower abdomen.
“Does it still hurt?” She whispered.
“No, fortunately. Irae said I’m lucky to be alive,” Jonen laughed nervously.
Her hand pulled back softly, “Very lucky.”
Mira’s fingers gently flowed over him while she called to his abilities. His skin riddled with bumps against her cold touch. She frowned and narrowed her brow when she searched his core. She did not want to burn him, but his abilities were not in his core.
“Is something wrong? You’re frowning,” He awkwardly chuckled to ease the tension he felt, “Am I sober enough?”
Oblivious to the tension, she stated, “There is nothing here. Are you tapping into your power?”
“I need to do that?” He cleared his throat.
Mira looked up with a mild face of annoyance. Jonen closed his eyes and focused on the fuzzy feeling in his chest. The sparks of magic in his ribs danced as her hand traveled across his chest and paused. His magic jumped towards her hand. He tried to focus on it, but the gorgeous woman that gently caressed him fought for the most space in the forefront of his mind. As she leaned closer to him, he tried to push any thought but the electric fizzle in his chest away.
“Don’t stop,” She muttered, “I felt a whisper.”
Jonen felt her warm face against his chest. She listened to his heartbeat and waited for any other sound. The wild motion in his chest threatened to lash out. He tried to focus on the first time he found his abilities. The moment he felt it release scared him. He dropped the feeling and shook his head. He couldn’t risk it.
“You’re scare of it?” Mira looked up to him, “You’re pushing it away. Rejecting it will make it worse.”
He wrapped his hand around her and pulled it against his chest. He felt the surge of energy at her touch zap into his chest. She smiled softly and looked away from his gaze. The light pink blush across her freckled face made him smile.
“Your feelings influence your magic. It pools in your heart and you can channel it to where you need,” She paused and stared at their hands for a sobering moment, “The more you fear it, the harder it will be to control. Latch onto it and force it to obey you.”
“It killed someone I loved dearly,” He squeezed her hand, “I don’t want it to happen again.”
When she saw how intimately he looked at her, Mira pulled her hand away from his chest. Jonen realized the moment between them was gone and he wanted it back. Before, his mind flirted with the idea, but now he realized that he wanted her. It was the first time since Shayleigh’s death that he found anyone else that captivated him this much. He looked to her full lips and wondered what she would do if he stole a kiss. Until Mira summoned a knife to her hand and twirled it around her fingers. She smirked, as if she read his mind.
“Well, I am not fragile,” She teased, “You said you would spar with me, after all.”
Jonen ran his fingers through his hair and tried to steady himself, “I don’t know, Mira. I—”
“Would have to land a hit on me first,” She teased.
He grinned, “Alright, I don’t have any weapons.”
She summoned a sword and tossed it to him. She fanned the fingers of her free hand and another knife appeared. He smirked at her as she tossed the weapons to him.
“That’s showing off now, isn’t it?”
“Perhaps,” She shrugged nonchalantly, “But now you know if you would hurt me, I can stop the spell.”
“Promise?” He threw his shirt back on and began to button it up.
“Promise,” She nodded and waited for him to redress, “Now, I want you to hit me. No holding back. I can take it.”
Jonen grinned and immediately lunged towards her. She twirled around his blade and slashed towards him. Before he could bring a blade up to protect himself, he felt a tug at his shirt and saw a rip. Mira appeared at his other side with another swipe. He lifted the sword to block it. Her bubbly laugh rang out and it felt contagious to him. Her pace quickened and she spun around him and feinted an attack. He twisted away from the feint, but the dagger cut into his shirt again.
“Are you trying to get my shirt off again?” His flirtatious tone distracted her, “You just need to ask.”
She caught his sword against one of her own and caught his dagger with a knife, “I do not want to harm you. You also aren’t trying hard enough. Feel the magic in your veins. Grip it with your heart. It is a part of you. Force it to obey.”
Their blades collided as she jumped over him. Her skirt flapped as she jumped around him. He was barely able to catch her movements as they sparred.
“Plus, if I wanted your shirt off,” Her soft chuckle on the back of his neck caused him to shiver, “You wouldn’t have one anymore.”
“Oh really?”
“Did you forget I tended to you for a week? I’ve seen what you have to offer a partner.”
He blushed at her brashness. She grunted softly as he jabbed his sword at her. The braid in her hair came undone as she ducked under a high swing. She grabbed a handful of his shirt and pulled herself close to him. Mira smiled seductively and placed her forehead against his.
“Land a hit, I dare you.”
“Oh, what do I get?” Jonen wrapped his arm under her hips and held her there.
“We’ll see,” She kicked off the ground and landed a few yards away, “You’d actually have to hit me, first.”
Jonen felt the swirling energy in his chest again. Instead of pushing it away, he felt it spread through him. He charged at her, and she swept his sword away with a simple move. Mira laughed and ducked under his arm as he tried to wrap it around her. Her next swing was too fast and tore into his shirt again. He gritted his teeth. Mira bumped him with her hips and backed away.
“Don’t fight it. Grab onto it,” She swished her knife around, “Every swing, every block. Grab onto that energy. Guide it. Dominate it.”
Jonen took a deep breath then ran at her. She smirked and blocked every single attack. She didn’t bother to parry. When Mira attacked, she kept it in a simple pattern he could recognize and block easily. He could feel the urgency building in his chest as their blades collided. Each collision sent a reverberation of energy into him that built in his chest. A harsh swing pushed the spark of energy from his chest and into his arms. He held his focus on the tingling energy and the fuzziness spread across his chest.
“What do I do when I hold it?” He grunted as she thrust his blade towards her.
“How do you want it?” She jumped from back from one of his swings, “What you want it to do? Push me back? Pull me closer?”
He flinched at the idea, “How do I release it?”
Their daggers collided and she pushed back against his blade, “Do what feels natural. Some scream, some flick their limbs, others use words.”
“What do you do?” He stepped back as she spun to kick him.
“I command it,” She stated before dismissing one of her blades, “It is my ability. It does what I want. I envision. I create. I command.”
He nodded and watched as she stalked around him, just out of reach. Jonen felt the explosive energy just beneath the surface of his skin. It sizzled away at the alcohol in his veins. The hairs on his arms raised like he was full of static. As Mira prepared her next strike, he imagined his heart as a dam and prepared to release the energy. He thought of the one thing he wanted to do most: wipe that smug grin off her face and prove to her that he could do it.
As she jumped towards him, he reached out to her. Before his hand gripped her blade, a pulse of force exploded from his hand. He felt the weapon in his hands disappear. As her body was flung backwards, she awkwardly spun through the air. Jonen’s heart sack as she collided with the ground.
“Goddess!” He sprinted towards hers.
The familiar panic set in. He had hurt her. He hurt another person he cared about. He would never forgive himself for this. As he rushed to her, she sat up with a grin plastered on her face.
“That was incredible!” She twirled back to her feet, “I didn’t even see it coming!”
A wave of relief washed over him as he saw she was okay. His hand found hers and pulled her closer. The panic left with each breath.
“Look, you didn’t break anything else, either!” Mira pointed to the ground around him.
The dirt and grass at his feet weren’t pushed by the spell. He looked with disbelief. He lifted her and spun them around with great glee. She was surprisingly light. As her feet touched the ground, he pulled her close by her waist. Her eyes grew wide as his sapphire eyes looked into her.
“That was incredible. I didn’t even know I could do that,” His stream of emotions calmed, “Thank you”
Her bubbly laugh made his heart skip a beat. Was it the magic she helped him find? Did she feel the same way? No, she did, Jonen reassured himself. It wasn’t time to second guess.
“You need proper guidance and training,” She looked away, “I’m sorry I can only do so little.”
“Mira, I–” He bit his lower lip.
Her amber eyes searched his face to finish the sentence. Jonen’s shaky hand reached up to her chin to pull her attention back to him. His hand slid nervously and caressed her face. She bit her lower lip.
In the empty field, outside of the city, in the early night, Jonen’s heart pounded against his ribs. It screamed at him to finally kiss her. It had been eight years since he felt this way about someone, and he doubted he would ever feel it again. His stomach tied itself in knots as he met her gaze.
They had held hands, danced, and drank together during the festival. Maybe it was the booze or the sizzling energy of leftover magic, but he had to try now before he chickened out. He waited for Mira to object, and he searched for any signs of pain. He saw only a sparkle in her amber eyes that urged him to do it.
Jonen slowly moved his grasp from her hips in case she wanted to escape. He closed his eyes and opened his mouth slightly as he leaned down to kiss her. The warmth of her breath crossed his lips.
Then, he was thrown to the ground without a word.
A heat flew around him, and he saw Mira crouched over him with a summoned shield to block a stream of fire. He looked upwards to see a menacing blue elf bouncing another ball of flame in his hand as Isaan slowly approached.
“You little whore.”