“... Blackhorns… I told you to quit joking…” Aediva said. Her eyebrows almost knitted together as she looked at Naffael who didn’t seem that bothered by her unamused reaction. He reached out for the cookie from the plate, flinching a bit when thunder boomed across the sky. He looked outside the window that rattled from the sound of the thunder and crackling of the lightning before shoving the half of the cookie in his hand into his mouth, the crumbs of the cookies falling to his lap which he later pats away.

“I am not joking. I’m being serious right now aren’t I?” he said. Aediva sighed, not bothering to hide her annoyance. Just what is he saying all over the sudden? She doesn’t believe in magic? When she’s surrounded by them? That’s not even a creative joke at all.

Her lips curved downwards.

“Because I’m a Noi?” she blurted out, sullen. Naffael scoffed.

“How come are you a Noi when you possess magic?” he asked her. Aediva frowned deeper.

“Then why did you say I will never be able to use magic properly? I thought you’re teaching me!” she asked him. Naffael tilted his head at Aediva, poking at her forehead where it creased the most.

“I can teach you all I know but it wouldn’t change a thing. It’s not because of talent, I can assure you of that. What I’m saying is much harder to fix. For me, at least. I may be powerful but I’m not omnipotent” Naffael chuckled. Aediva let out a sigh, seemingly a bit calmer. Her argent orbs eyed Naffael curiously as he turned back to his serious look as he leaned against the armrest of the couch while facing her.

“Do you remember the time when that human controlled your body?” he asked, noting how Aediva was flinching upon hearing his question. She looked away, preferring to listen to the pitter-patter of the heavy rain pouring at the roof of the manor.

“Is magic all that fucking good?”

“Just because I can’t use any, I’m treated like trash?”

“What a joke. All of these mages are all a joke”

“Let me explain,” Naffael said, grabbing a cookie to eat and downed the tea in his cup before pouring a new one.

“That time… the magic explosion was triggered by extreme stress that you felt. It was nothing more than a survival strategy. Therefore, everything that comes out after that is useless to be practical for daily use. Your magic now closely functions to scare people who might try to harm you. That’s the very reason why your mana is explosive and any kind of magic you wield turned volatile. Whatever you do, your magic will only end up destructive or nothing at all” he explained.

“Hah, so you’re saying my magic is like a porcupine’s quills?” Aediva started to sound offended now.

“Yes. And uncontrollable at that” Naffael answered, looking straight at Aediva who looked at him with the look that could be described as anger. Her hands trembled as they gripped her skirt that it surely left wrinkle on the fabric.

“And…” Naffael paused, sensing the sudden drop in temperature in the space around them.

“Your mind played the most important role when using magic. Memories included” hearing what Naffael said, Aediva snapped back to her senses. Those golden eyes with pupils like a snake looked at her.

“What…?”

“... You don’t remember anything about yourself don’t you?” he asked her. Aediva turned silent, her forehead slightly creasing. Her shoulders dropped.

“What do you mean… Can’t I really not be able to use magic because of my lost memories?” she asked. Naffael took his teacup, bringing it close to his lips as Aediva hugged her knees as she curled on the couch.

“Did you know?” he broke the silence. Aediva tilted her head.

“Where magic is from?” Naffael asked.

Do you think magic has always been present among humans?

Were people in this world created to wield these powers from the very beginning?

The answer has long been forgotten by humans themselves. Only few, among the long living creatures in the world remember about it.

The origin of magic.

Long ago, everyone was Noi - ordinary. This was a time before Noi held any derogatory meaning. Even the Syurins who possessed the abilities of wild beasts. Even the Siera who swims gracefully under the water in their beautiful visage with fins. Even the elves who bragged about their magical prowess.

Magic is the powers of the Divines. And the Demons.

In the never-ending battle with the merciless ‘Frost’, it was then when magic appeared in the populace. With a flick of a finger, people can create warm fire out of nothing. Pour water into their empty cups. Create buildings by manipulating earth. Blow the sails of their boats to the sea.

Magic is a miracle itself.

A mysterious force from an unknown place scholars now dubbed the ‘Fountain of Knowledge’ - hidden behind the Gate of All.

But what makes magic, magic?

“... Do you know how people found out they are capable of magic?” Naffael asked Aediva. She shook her head.

“It’s when they first know that magic is real” he answered his own question.

“What does that mean?” Aediva asked.

“Don’t children witness magic performed by their parents from when they are born? Of course they would know that magic is real” she murmured. Naffael smiled.

“Maybe, but the feeling of doing it yourself. Your own magic, Aediva, that’s when someone really knows that magic is real” he said. Aediva pouted.

“I’m still confused… Magic is magic. And magic is real. So why is that so hard to understand? It’s just a first experience then? When you first see the magic you did?” she asked. Naffael set down the teacup.

“I believe in magic. I really do. If not then, I wouldn’t be able to destroy those logs, if I don’t have any. Right?” she asked him again.

“I can’t answer for you,” Naffael replied. Aediva pouted.

“You’re just giving out easy excuses, Blackhorns…” she said, looking at the now empty plate of cookies and sweet treats. That said, so are their cups. She looks at the rain that has stopped from the window in front of them - the view that she shared with Naffael at that moment.

With them talking and sharing their time together, she didn’t realize it had turned dark outside.

“... I just have to try and get my memories back right? Maybe then, I’ll be able to use magic” she said. Naffael didn’t answer.

Knock! Knock!

Aediva looked away from the window and towards the direction of the entryway foyer. She looked back at Naffael who didn’t seem to react at the knocking at the door.

“Is it Cath? I’ll be right back” Aediva said, standing up from the couch and quickly making her way to the door with Naffael eyeing her before she disappeared behind the wall.

When she opened the door, Cath’s small visage was the first to greet her.

“Cath, you’re back. Where’d you go?” Aediva asked. Cath didn’t answer. When Aediva opened the door a bit more, her mood instantly tuned foul.

Standing before her is a young man with dark hair and amber eyes. Hanzel fixed his glasses, bowing his head a bit at Aediva.

“I’m sorry, Aediva. He’s just so persistent to follow me back…” Cath said.

“... What do you want? Senior Fay disturbed me for two days. Now it’s your turn? Just leave already. I don’t want to have anything to do with students from Efren Dorm” the girl growled.

“I came here to apologize for Fay’s behalf. And I need to discuss something with you… Will you please hear me out?” Hanzel wasted no time to explain why he’s there. Aediva gritted her teeth, gesturing at Cath to get in. She let out a sigh when Hanzel didn’t budge at all - likely meaning he won’t leave even if she slammed the door to his face. He only looked at her with a determined gaze with his amber eyes.

“Fine. But spare me your hopes. I’m not doing any charity here” Aediva said.