Chapter 58 — Two Masters of Beast Arts

Farenthil Hall wasn’t a grand building in the human sense of the word ‘hall’ but rather a defined open space in the elven sense of the word—more in the way a ‘hunting lodge’ would include the members of the lodge and all the buildings and grounds that serviced the members’ needs.

In its dedication to caretaking of nature, Farenthil Hall had become a campus unto itself, boasting: The Grand Conservatory and Magical Gardens; The Grand Menagerie; training grounds for beasts, familiars, and nature mages; buildings and habitats for housing, study, and the production of wondrous goods and services; and amphitheaters for rituals and celebrations. Even the Warden’s headquarters and the spatially-contained and walled-off Grand Reserve—which had gates to the city proper—could be technically thought of as part of Farenthil Hall.

A full elven community, in all its greatness, was how Ria saw it.

But that didn’t change that knowing her class was somewhere ‘at Farenthil Hall’ wasn’t particularly helpful in knowing which winding path to take or that Ranger hadn’t paid enough attention to the way to remember. And so, she navigated around the buildings and special-purposed grounds by the direction of Orlisi’s knowledge of the elven settlement’s layout—assuming the elf girl wasn’t intentionally taking them on a merry tour for her own amusement.

“Let’s cut through here,” Orlisi suddenly said, motioning to a thin copse of trees and underbrush.

Ria rolled her eyes at her elven friend. The girl was trying to hide her mischievous smile, but she was getting better at knowing when Orlisi was up to something. Still, she followed as her skilled companion deftly worked a path through the narrow strip of natural growth.

The sight that greeted her when they exited the other side was a grassy bowl with a dirt training area at its bottom. Two buff elven martial artists watched from the grass as a regal red-crested crane and a beastly horned-wolf faced off in a dance of surprising grace and ferocity.

Rather, it was the crane that made the fight seem a dance with its long legs and beautiful movements, redirecting powerful strikes and bites from the wolf with flaps and buffets of its wings and flowing footwork. The power of each contact was deceptive, their respective elements clashing in a hard-fought challenge for supremacy.

Ria gaped, mesmerized by the display of skill and strength. This must be the Beast Arts that Orlisi was talking about! Which means…

Her eyes drifted to the two elves observing the match. Most elves looked young—or at least not old—until they reached many centuries of age, but these two looked like grizzled veterans, scars on their visible skin, muscles like steelvine, and auras that made them feel as if immovable mountains. Could they be masters of the Beast Arts?!

How had Orlisi known to come here with this timing?!

As Ria watched on in continued amazement, the fight reached a climax with the crane pressed back by a series of attacks and forced to leap into the air to avoid taking a hit against its legs—a fearsome clawed swipe that left a pressure wave in the air. The wolf seized the opportunity to launch itself at the crane, air-holds forming under its paws to give the extra distance needed as the crane worked its wings once and fluttered out of reach of the initial leap.

Just before the wolf’s jaw was to clamp around the crane’s neck, a pre-placed spell circle activated and a blast of air slammed the wolf to the ground hard enough to form a crater, and the crane floated down to land daintily on top.

A groan came out from one of the masters.

“It was a good try,” the other master offered.

“Not even close. Even in another hundred years, I’d be lucky to reach your skill; it’s the same between Tempest and Stonefang as well,” the younger(?) of the two elves said with a comfortable resignation before turning leaning back to look over his shoulder at Ria and Orlisi. “Are you lost, young ones?”

“Oh, it’s little Orlisi of House Furren,” the older elf greeted, giving Orlisi a grandfatherly smile.

“Greetings, Masters Onarthis, Etlinal,” Orlisi replied, approaching the masters and motioning Ria closer. “This is Ria and Ranger-”

“Woof!”

“-Ria’s one of our new Newcomer Champions.”

Ranger seemed extra eager to introduce himself this time, and Ria took note. He must’ve also been impressed.

“Oh? She’s the missy who defeated Aelyri, is it?”

Orlisi nodded. “Ria’s a disciple of Furren-style Martial Arts—through one of grandfather’s disciples.”

“Nice to meet you, elders,” Ria greeted, pressing her fist against hand and bowing slightly in the way Tina taught her to use when greeting a martial arts master.

“Nice to meet you, young Ria.”

The other master nodded his greeting, his eyes looking Ranger over.

Behind the masters, the horned-wolf let out a blast of magic in annoyance at the crane, who after getting blown off, barely flitted its wings before landing lightly, unperturbed.

“Your…” Unsure how to describe the magic beasts without risking offense, Ria glanced in the direction of the pair before her excitement took over and she blurted out, “Their skill was inspiring! Is that Beast Arts?”

The three elves shared secret smiles at Ria’s expense, and she couldn’t help wondering if she had committed a social offense. Even the two magic beasts snorted at her as if they were rolling their eyes.

“Master Onarthis and Master Etlinal are the two most renowned masters of the Beast Arts in Crysellia—likely the entire continent,” Orlisi chided with amusement.

Ria’s face formed an ‘o’ and her cheeks reddened.

Master Onarthis chuckled. “Guess there remain places where our renown has yet to reach, huh Etlinal?”

“Indeed, it appears so,” Master Etlinal agreed, a faint smile showing. “And yet, to have a disciple candidate approach us with simple admiration without knowing is… refreshing, perhaps?”

“Indeed, indeed. Little Orlisi, on the other hand, is not innocent of such knowledge,” Master Onarthis rebuked with a raised eyebrow directed in the elf girl’s direction.

Ria couldn’t help her wide-eyed gaze going to Orlisi, to the old master, and back to Orlisi again.

Orlisi winced a bit and scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. “I guess I’ve been caught.” She nervously laughed.

“It has been a while since I’ve taken a direct disciple,” Master Etlinal mused. “And her deepways hound has adequate energy density.”

This time Ria’s even wider eyes went to Master Etlinal, Ranger, and back. Another foreseen event?

“Just like that, huh?” Master Onarthis laughed.

“Of course not,” the younger master replied with a laugh of his own. “That which is gained without effort has little value. Or so I’ve heard.”

“Indeed, indeed,” the older master agreed, mirth crinkling his eyes. “A test then.”

“Of course.” Master Etlinal’s expression turned serious, and he flipped a flat leather object Ria’s way.

Off balance from the master’s change in expression and fearsome aura directed her way, Ria almost failed to catch the gift—a leather-bound manual.

“Have your hound learn the basics and come find me,” Master Etlinal told her and turned his attention back to Stonefang, giving the horned-wolf hints about missteps.

Ria bowed deeply. “This unworthy disciple thanks the elders.”

Ranger solemnly bowed beside her, his tail flipping about with excitement.

“This unworthy disciple apologizes to her elders for her impudence. House Furren will remember this favor,” Orlisi added with a deep bow of her own which was greeted with a handwave of dismissal as the elders were no longer paying them any attention.

While returning to the copse of trees hiding the training grounds, Ria couldn’t help glancing incredulously at the elf girl beside her who was trying not to grin ear-to-ear.

The High Priestess of Ellnys had been right!

Class was mostly over by the time Orlisi dropped Ria off. Ria worried about Caretaker Etrelle punishing her for showing up so late, but the calm elven woman simply acknowledged Ria’s presence with a discreet nod while continuing to assist and advise the other students as their familiars returned from attempts at the obstacle course. Ranger was all too excited to return to his fun and, once he was sure Ria wasn’t planning to do anything with the Beast Arts manual until later, took off for the queue to use the obstacle course directly upon getting back.

“Thanks for taking notes,” Ria told her mushroom-spirit-bonded and silver-eyed friend as she looked over the neatly-written pages. “And for sending Malleron.”

“There’s no way I’d risk that kind of trouble,” Iselyn denied, showing her mind-mage brand. “He did that on his own.”

Malleron rolled his eyes.

“Right, right,” Ria grinned at the girl. “Thanks for not stopping him then.”

“You know, you’re totally doomed this time, right?” Iselyn huffed.

Doomed... Ria winced in agreement at her friend’s blunt assessment. “Orlisi thinks it’ll be okay, and she’s a diviner, so… maybe it will?”

“Rente Ravelle is the Administrator for student affairs,” Iselyn pointed out. “And I doubt House Ravelle is happy with how you made a fool of Verdin, three times now.”

“Three?”

Iselyn gave her a judgmental look. “The first duel, the duel with Phaelys, and Verdin’s embarrassing defeat in the tournament—where you bested him with his own element and made his team run in terror.”

“Oh. Right.” Ria felt her stomach sink. Administrator Rente was the one that forced the duel with Phaelys on the ridiculous grounds of ‘second-year honor’. Making him look bad had been part of the plan—not that she had planned to lose as badly as she did.

On their way to the Grand Library for lunch, Ria and Iselyn kept their cloaks pulled close with their hoods up and detoured around the problem area, doing their best not to attract any attention. Iselyn even used a subtle illusion to make them seem ‘less interesting’ or such. From the glimpse they got of the worksite, the ongoing repairs would be a while, maybe days.

When Ria and Iselyn arrived without incident, Faris, Arthur, and Keira were already chatting. Ranger woofed his greeting and took up his usual spot under the table.

Ria was nervous about what Keira might say, but Keira just smiled and asked Ria how her day was going, whether she was having any trouble after winning the tournament. Glad to have put off her reckoning, Ria told about Elder Genwald making her present spells she used in the tournament for the class.

“I had no idea all of you were so strong…” Faris said, looking a bit lost. “I mean… I knew Cousin Presius was strong—he won the Grand Games, after all! And even Cousin Hulle too, but everyone is just so amazing, and I’m…”

“Don’t let it get to you, Faris,” Arthur commiserated. “Ria and the others are monsters that defy common sense.”

“Hey! Don’t lump me in with them,” Keira objected. “I’m barely keeping up!”

Ria also wanted to object but was beginning to accept that she really might really be different. Iselyn didn’t seem bothered though and had already settled into a book.

At least you are keeping up, Keira.” Faris looked down at his hands, made a fist and opened it. “I’m a Novidus, and my only combat magic is Water Whip.”

“Not everyone needs to fight,” Keira challenged her cousin. “Maybe you could focus more on enchanting or spellcraft and go into research? Arthur’s grandfather, Master Rigure, is an enchanter and is very important to the productivity and safety of Vorshan’s Hills.”

“You should, Faris!” Ria encouraged. “Both are really fun, and it feels great to make new things!”

Enchanting can significantly supplement a mage’s capabilities, making normally impossible tasks possible,” Arthur added. “I also would recommend it.”

Faris shrugged, noncommittal. “It’s something to consider, but as things are now, I will probably end up working for my mother. Which means my current goal of alteration and abjuration certifications would be enough, I suppose.”

Argh! What was with his lack of ambition? Why get frustrated and complain if you’re not going to do anything about it?!

“Did the tournament results help your situation with your Order?” Iselyn asked Keira without looking up from her book.

“Maybe?” Keira shrugged. “I got some congratulations from classmates who didn’t really talk to me before, but I think the upperclassmen might be mad that I joined with friends from other Orders rather than properly wait my turn and prove myself next year—that I showed disregard for my seniors and tradition. Guess I’ll find out this afternoon.”

Iselyn nodded.

“Heyas, teammates,” Zena greeted and shared a meaningful look with Ria after seeing Keira’s relatively good mood. “So, elf-girl is the last from our usual lunch group to show up, huh?”

Ria looked around, and it was so.

Ellen showed up right about then as well, but instead of asking what they each wanted for lunch, the culinary Order girl began unloading ridiculous food item after ridiculous food item, most of them desserts.

“What’s all this?” Kiera asked as a large cake decorated with swirls of colorful cream and a candy version of the champion figurine on top.

“Since we didn’t get a chance to properly celebrate yesterday, I made some arrangements ahead of time,” Zena smugly revealed.

Seeing the festive food and drink being arrayed on the table, Ria came to a conclusion: Like hells Zena actually returned to class as she said!

“Oh? A celebration?” Orlisi asked, having appeared while Ria was boggling and wondering just how much coin Zena had spent. “That’s quite the spread! Am I invited?”

Zena grinned. “Yep. Ellen, too.”

“Ah, that’s why you arranged it that way… you’re too kind, Zena. I would be thrilled to join your celebration.” Ellen gave a bright smile as she placed the last of the plates and silverware and, after looking at the table filled with a rainbow of colors, admitted, “The chef might have been a bit over-excited at your special request…”

Looking thoroughly pleased with the results, Zena gave a dismissive wave that it was fine. “Matching the accomplishments of the heroes of history deserves excess!”

“Hear! Hear!” Orlisi wholeheartedly agreed, raising a flute of pearlescent liquid. “All good victories deserve celebration, but none more so than a team’s first win!”

“Exactly right!” Zena agreed, the larger crystal trophy awarded to the team as a whole appearing in her hands. “Ready?”

They exchanged glances, not really sure what Zena was intending, so with a “Sure?” Keira motioned for their team leader to proceed.

“Here we go!” Zena hopped up onto her chair, and posed with one foot on the table, raising the crystal trophy in triumph. “Zena’s Embers of Desolation, champions!”

A smattering of polite clapping sounded from their table and the other tables in their secluded corner of the library.

After a moment of Zena standing there underwhelmed, the raven-haired girl tried again, “Champions!”

“Champions!” Ria imitated, raising her fist with the cheer.

“Woof! Woof!” Ranger proudly added his voice this time.

Orlisi whistled.

“Congratulations,” Faris and Arthur offered. Arthur raised a mug as if doing a toast.

“Yay,” Iselyn deadpanned.

Malleron held up a candied nut of some kind and half-heartedly puffed some spores.

Keira laughed and clapped a bit louder.

“Sheesh! You all are terrible at this,” Zena complained, grinning as she shook her head and dropped down to sit, her mantle flaring out to settle in a dramatic flutter of red, black, and gold.

Laughter rippled from the other students as they returned to their own lunches.

For a while, Team Z. E. D. dug into the energy-infused food and drink, regaling their friends and each other with key moments from the tournament's battles and training. Celebrating a victory with friends was a new experience for Ria, one that she hoped would be the first of many.

Alas, things were going a bit too well, and the gods believe in balance… and one of those gods of balance happened to be a mischief-loving elf… “By the way, Keira, did you hear about the incident in front of Shining Sun Hall today?”

Ria’s head turned toward the elf with the slow motion of a person knowing impending doom was approaching, incapable of turning away from the dread sight. She’s not!

“An incident?” Keira’s eyes reflexively turned in Ria’s direction. “No, should I have?”

“Oh? I’m surprised you haven’t heard,” Orlisi drawled—it was almost a purr. “They say the explosion created a cloud of debris taller than the Tower of Dreams, and when I walked by earlier, not only was the front of Shining Sun Hall damaged, but the entire area in front of the hall was one big crater… Whatever it was must’ve really been something to see.”

“The Hall was damaged?” Keira asked in stunned disbelief. Faris and Arthur exchanged glances, eyebrows raised.

Iselyn raised the book she was reading so it hid her face and tried to look inconspicuous, drawing Keira’s attention, and Faris looked between Iselyn and Orlisi, eyes widening.

“I’m sure whatever went on was fascinating, but can’t Keira contact her Order members to get the details and report to us later?” Zena tried, sounding resigned to failure.

At Zena’s objection to the topic, both of Keira’s eyebrows climbed higher yet. “Why am I getting a bad feeling about this?”

Orlisi winked in Ria’s direction while Keira was eyeing Zena.

She is! Ria mentally groaned.

Also noticing Orlisi’s wink, Zena sighed, shoulders slumping.

“No reason, I’m sure,” their evil elven prankster stated, then after pausing to savor the moment, added, “But I did hear that a first-year from the Sages was spotted at the scene.”

Keira didn’t move for several moments.

Orlisi just kept smiling.

“Ria…” Keira’s voice sounded as if asking for the time of her scheduled execution.

“Yes?”

“Is there something you need to tell me?”

“Um… need to… no?” Ria tried and shot Orlisi a glare as the elf girl snorted from the attempt to hold back her laughter.

Keira’s eyes narrowed, angrily. “Is there something you should tell me?”

“...I’m not entirely sure that’s so either,” Ria hedged, cringing, and another snort sounded out from a certain elf together with a groan and facepalm from Zena.

Keira jumped to her feet, pointed, and exclaimed, “You were right in the middle of this, weren’t you?!”

Ack! If she put it that way, there’s no way to deny it… the Ria-shaped island in the middle of the crater flashing to mind unbidden.

“It wasn’t my fault,” Ria objected, lamely adding, “...entirely.”

“Entirely…” Orlisi gasped out and couldn’t hold back, collapsing in fits of laughter. “Says… the girl… who caused… the spell… to detonate!”

“...”

“I warned them to stop!” Ria argued in her defense. “They didn’t give me much choice! All my enchanted gear, my magic bag, and everything inside would’ve been damaged or destroyed if I hadn’t!”

Keira limply sank back down into her chair and rubbed her forehead.

“Keira, we get why you’re upset,” Zena spoke up. “If anything it was mine and a certain elf’s fault. The group from before caught Ria alone and attacked her again. Unfortunately, I got there too late to stop it. They had a strong third-year from the Unseen Hand with them this time. I helped Ria out as soon as I could, but the spell had gone out of control before I arrived.”

“Ria still should have contacted me,” Keira huffed, cutting herself another slice of cake and refilling her tea from the still steaming kettle, not meeting Ria’s eyes once. “None of you even used a communication stone to let me know any of this happened…”

Ria drank a mug of something fizzy and fruity to hide her face, feeling guilty at not having considered Keira’s feelings.

Ellen had frozen with a pastry in hand, looking really uncomfortable at the sudden change in mood. Faris as well, glancing from Keira to Zena to Ria as he swallowed the bite of cake that was just on his fork. Arthur just shook his head with bemusement as he resumed loading up his plate with his third helping of food to sample, happy to have been uninvolved.

“It’ll be fine, Keira,” Orlisi assured, daintily tasting a spoonful of a fruit and cream-topped pudding as if the girl didn’t have a care in the world. “I don’t have Ria’s connections to the Greater Houses, and I got away with way worse during my first year.”

All eyes turned to the elf girl. Worse?

“Zena Emberflow?” a boy’s voice tentatively called out. He was a second-year with a mantle Ria didn’t recognize. The boy was holding up a formal notice of some kind.

“Yes?”

“You have been summoned to the Office of Student Affairs,” the boy stated, trying his best to sound confident and authoritative. “Please come with me.”

“Heh, duty calls,” Zena said with a smirk and gave Ria a wink. “Enjoy the feast. I’ll be back later.”

“Summons…” Faris breathed out, as he watched Zena go.

With a groan, Keira’s head slumped to the table next to her plate, the slice of cake barely touched. “Serious enough that the Administrator is personally involved… and now I have to explain to my Order that my family is sponsoring the idiot who blew up the Hall…”