The thick cloth blinds that were supposed to cover our window during the night were opened. Opened by none other than the nuisance himself, Osiris. He had already gone downstairs for breakfast, I envied his ability to be so awake in the early hours of the day. As for me, I took my time. I hoisted myself onto the floor and scooped up a fresh pair of white trousers. Readied my slacks and my blue and white striped button-up shirt. Finally, my black loafers to finish the outfit. Before I left for the lower level, I walked over to the body mirror encamped between my bed and Osiris’. Combing my hair to the right with just my hand a little bit of spit. Nothing too fancy, but it got the job done. After all, we had a Touched coming today.

Our home was filled with a defined scent of eggs and bacon. It was an illustrious aroma that should’ve sent dopamine throughout my body. It didn’t. I knew what was happening. Lauren has something on her mind, and it’s not good. I may not know exactly what, I just knew she was distracting her mind by cooking a feast for all three of us. I don’t think Osiris has the maturity to understand how Lauren operates. I can notice when she’s anxious or when she is thinking of something saddening.

Only three months had passed when Osiris and I were brought in by Lauren. I gained a pretty good understanding of how she runs emotionally and physically. Regularly, Lauren is up around 8, breakfast, then organizing or cleaning, lunch, and finally garden work till dinner time. On the contrary, she’s begun sitting in the common room. If she is there, she is drinking or already drunk. I don’t like prying into other people's business. That’s just not something that intrigues me. Nor could I care. Although, last summer is when the drinking started. Osiris and I occasionally carried her in from the field after puking her guts out and mumbling garbage. The cellar below the side of the house has slowly started to fill.

Duria has medicine practitioners and physicians that come in from time to time. Out of curiosity, Lauren made an appointment with one just to be sure her future family is still possible. She was getting to that age where keeping fertility was up in the air. After her tests, negative results came back for her fertility. No kids will come, not ever. It killed her inside. That was her dream. A very simple and wholesome dream, crushed by a man she’s never met. Watching that news from the sidelines plus the drinking; obviously shows just how much it meant to her. Nothing I can do about it, and I hate being powerless in situations like this.

I walked out of my room ready to face whatever Lauren may have on her mind, but I kept debating on whether or not I should be the one to bring it up. My footsteps weren’t loud but everyone downstairs knew I was awake since they could hear the creaking of the wooden floorboards. Osiris shouted at me, “ Good morning moron!”

That was our usual way of conversing with each other, I replied my voice was still craggy since I was attempting to fully wake up. “M-Morning everyone.”

I straightened my shirt as I entered the kitchen and headed towards the kitchen table. It had a nice red cloth that covered the entirety and was laced with pristine golden wool that came from Meer-Mutts from the northern forest of Duria. Tiny creatures, with a soft coat of fur, can be spindled into a ball of fine wool or twine that can be used for clothing or decorations around homes. Most commonly found in clothes, since the durability is so high. Banners around villages contain this material for prolonged use. Lauren has become a trader of sorts in the last few years. The plants she grows at the house are bargaining chips for Levanants who pass by every now and again. In return, they gave her pleasant gifts such as the cloth for the table. Lauren would talk about how her plants were used for crafting certain items that Levanants required and how she became a prime supplier for one man in particular. Levanant Landell. This is most likely how he was able to keep a distant eye on both Osiris and me.

Landell was an odd fellow though, quiet and evasive towards others in town. It's a precious rarity to see him stop and talk to someone outside of the merchant alley. There was also a large visible scar that came from the top of his right eye that seemed to go way past his neck and down towards his chest. He is known in the village for his magics and the times he's had to fight monsters and enemies of various nations. Landell's ominous demeanor is warranted due to his time in the military and I can only imagine the horrors he's seen over the years. I only know he's a veteran militant from the small gold petal that has been pinned on the front of his eye patch that he has covering his right eye. Certainly explains the injuries, that I am certain. Events such as those are sure to keep a man up at night and his head in a bottle. I've heard rumors in the local Tavern called "Draksis Inn and Bar," that Landell ended up staying a night at the inn after passing out in a mud puddle out front of the building. People didn't even ask if he was okay until of course, Lauren passed by. Their friendship has seemed to blossom ever since. Certainly a nice man, but if you ask me, the aura Landell portrays around anybody seems otherworldly. Always out of place, yet has helped the community hand over fist with his magics. An ironic mixture of a sunken ship of a personality and morality fit for a knight intertwined within would best describe Levanant Landell.

When Osiris and I had first heard of Landell’s convergence to our residence I shouldn’t have been as surprised as I was. I’ve met the man several times before in the past, but we never talked about anything relevant or of any major importance. Just random facts about plants that I have learned from Lauren and how I started taking over certain portions of the garden. The transition from spring to summer was his time to appear from wherever he came from. Landell a man of order, always gathered the same things. Two Kora seeds and a bulb of Ashen flower. Not sure what they were for, but that was always what he wanted. Might've been for a mixed drink to celebrate something or commemorate someone. I never burdened the question on him why he wanted these things but it always did pique my interest.

What Landell grabbed every year was always in abundance at beginning of summer. Ashen flowers and Koras were some of the most abundant plants found throughout Duria, it could also be considered as a weed in some eyes. Although, they were pretty. Ashen flowers had a light blue hue to the tips of their petals and the Koras were blood red with a black tip. Their petals are both oblique and rounded around the center. Short in their stature but beautiful, nonetheless. Their uses can range from health potions or even garnish on an expensive dinner.

I sat down in my spot. The head of the table. Like I was a king amongst mortal men. One day, I hope I can live like that.

“Thank you for cooking breakfast this morning Lauren, you really try too hard sometimes.”

She glanced up from washing the pots and pans she used for the meal. “It’s not a big deal Tudor, today is going to be a good day.”

Lauren smiled and cocked her head to the side, it was forced. I knew it. She was holding something back.

I took a bite of the scrambled eggs she made, “Are you sure everything is alright?”

I was attempting to get the real thoughts out of her head and out of her gullet. I don’t like how she played games like this when something was obviously bugging her.

The smile faded rapidly, and Lauren’s voice became shaky, “Fine. You got me, you always see through me at times like this Tudor. Landell is coming to see what your affinities are. I don’t want him to do that since he might take you away if you two actually do carry certain magics. Or it could be one of you and not the other. I’m just scared I’m going to lose more people in my life.”

Osiris and I exchanged glances. Osiris clanked his fork on the table and we both knew what each other was thinking. Someone had to speak and Osiris decided it was his turn this time. “It’s alright Lauren! You know how rare magic is, and come on. We couldn’t just outright abandon you even if one or both of us were forced to leave. We weren’t taught how to take care of gardens for nothing.”

Lauren slammed down the pots and pans. The sudden pinging of the pans made me whence a bit. Lauren let out a prolonged sigh. She walked over to the table after she wiped off her hands from the water and sat down across from us.

“It’s nothing I can control. Both of you haven’t known your original upbringing and It’s my fault for not telling you for so long. I already know both of you do have an affinity for magic. I’m sure both of you remember seeing Landell pass by. Landell told me that he would like to teach you two how to harness the powers behind your affinities. Although, I didn’t want you living the life of a Levanant. It was Landell himself who was telling me I was the one hurting both of you just by keeping you hidden from the truth. After a long chat with him, I finally gave in the other night. I’m sorry boys. You two are special. Regardless of your past. I just don’t want to lose either of you to some journey for magic. I see now how selfish this way of living truly is.”

I was shocked. I damn-near choked on some of the eggs I was chewing on and Osiris actually spit out some of his milk and wiped his shirt off. Neither of us expected that response whatsoever. I couldn’t bring out any way to voice the thoughts I was having. Osiris and I exchanged glances after Laurens’ sudden outburst. First, the dream, and now Lauren saying this? In my thoughts, pure obliviation. Though, I felt my leg hair stand up and knew that something has been off. There is a portion of the garden we can never go to. It's a small shed that Lauren went to after all the gardening was done. Right before she would cook dinner, Lauren went into there and wouldn't come out for a solid hour. I was only thinking that her habit of going in there might be an introduction to what she was hiding from us.

Lauren looked at me with a slight change in her stature. Like a brick turned into a feather ready to crumple and blow in the wind. I could tell in her voice that she was riddled with angst and holding back tears.

“Landell will be here soon. He is going to bring his guiding compass and assess your affinities and see what the both of you contain. I hope both of you remember to stay true to yourselves. And I apologize for not telling the both of you sooner.”

I can’t imagine what’s running through Osiris’ mind right now. We are just nobodies, mere orphans. It’s hard for me to comprehend still that the orphaned boys would be the ones to contain affinities for rare magical powers. I put down my fork and knife and took a moment of silence to think about what had just been saying. Osiris did the same. Before any more words were spoken, three knocks at the door erupted.

Lauren was hesitant to arise from her seat. Osiris and I followed suit, to be truthful I was curious as to what my affinity just might be. I had a good feeling that it was going to be ice after the dream I had last night. I guess Forbos truly wasn’t lying. What freaks me out is that this mist monster was in my subconscious telling me what I’m going to become. Tudor God of Ice. That’s the lamest name for a God, ever.

As a group, we stepped into that hallway and towards the front door. Her hands clenched downward onto the brown oak handle and swung open to find herself in front of Landell. He stood there about seven to ten inches taller than her and with a forced smile, he greeted Lauren. His shoulders were broad, and Landell’s sigil was tattooed onto the side of his neck. Just above the collarbone. A snake coiled around a cannon in a figure-eight pattern. That was the mark of allegiance to the Guild of Prowess. His gaze led from her face, petite and smooth. To the raggedy boys behind her, Osiris and I.

“Morning Miss Allentown. Hope you have forgotten my arrival.” Landell spoke and chuckled afterward. He grabbed his white and gold robes and swished them backward. It seemed more dramatic than I would’ve preferred.

A pause came from the two, gentle winds blew the trees complimenting the rustling of leaves. Lauren looked down at the porch floor for a moment. Then met Landell’s gaze once more, her eyes squinting from the morning rays. “ Let’s see what they’ve gotten hidden in those veins of theirs.”

She sighed and sidestepped to allow Landell to enter the home. He made his way towards the common room and sat down as we followed him. While we all sat down, I got a sudden rush of excitement and fear. Why veins?

Landell held out his hand. His voice gruff, as if he has been inhaling a pipe all his life. ”Boys I need both your right arms, please. Make sure to roll up your sleeves as well.”

I began to roll up my tunic far enough for my entire forearm to be shown bare. Osiris did the same. I wanted to ask him what he was going to do before I had the chance he spoke. "Don't worry Tudor and Osiris, this is how I will see your affinities. A small injection of a liquid base of pure mana will make your affinities burst out immediately. The pure mana was liquefied by myself and from a rare purple gemstone. Believe me, I wouldn't have come here without knowing you two had capabilities beyond the average person since purple mana stones cost quite a pretty penny. It's a fun process. I promise. Though, we may want to step outside and definitely away from the garden and house. Never know what will burst out from both of you. Could make things around the house ruined or destroyed depending on what you two possess."

I took a short look at Lauren and I could already tell the waterworks were bound to show up at some point during this examination. Both sleeves rolled up landell started his work. He pulled two small syringes out of his coat pocket. and with a small snap of his finger, and a pop in the air, two roped popped out of the air. Blue in their hue, tightened themselves around both forearms presented in front of Landell. The restriction of bloodflow made the veins bulge in my arm and after a look at my arm, I noticed it wasn't my blood veins at all, it was something else and was glowing. I could only help but thing what the hell is that?

Landell smirked and looked at Lauren. "These boys are practically spilling out mana Lauren. I wish we would've started sooner. They have lost valuable time in training. I tried to tell you if they didn't start practicing their mana would've killed them. This is almost dangerous levels of mana in both these fine young men."

I had no idea what that meant or how I was somehow gonna die from mana overdose. Though, that was the final straw in Lauren's already crippled mind state. Tears rushed down her face, "Whatever Landell, just do it. I'll be in my quarters until you are done!"

I felt horrible for Lauren. It was obviously taking a toll on her. I may not know what's happening to Osiris and me but we were definitely not going to be home for much longer. Landell seemed to essentially mouth water over how much mana we were showing in just one of our arms. It made me a little uncomfortable. Landell made quick work of pricking both of us in the arms and subtly injecting the mana. As he did so my body felt odd. Like I had taken a shot of black brush several times back to back. I was about to pass out. Before I did, Landell shot out of his chair and grabbed us so we didn't collapse. I retained consciousness but still was not feeling myself.

I slurred to Osiris, "You okay, buddy?" All I got in return was a hiccup and a short, "I think?"

Landell took control of our movements even using some more of his magic to use as a back brace for us to stay upright so we didn't fall over at any point while attempting to shimmy towards the front door. I stumbled and hit my hip on a table and I wanted to say ouch in response, but I didn't even feel anything. That incident left the table almost perpendicular to the wall and a small vase shattered that sat atop it. Sorry, Lauren. Osiris was starting to grunt and seemed to get sweaty like he had started running out in the mid-summer heat even though we just got outside.

Landell got us sat down and about several thousand feet away from the house. Osiris was set down at a different tree than me. My best estimate was about 100 feet away from my position. Before we came out Landell made it seem like we just became ticking time bombs ready to blow up. Osiris and I were both under a large Burrow Trees, and Landell seemed eager to speak.

"Alright you two, I know it feels like a fat lady sat on top of your gonads, but you are going to start feeling a sudden rush. This is only a side effect of making your magic appear forcefully. I am only going to ask you to do one thing. When you feel that sudden rush, I need you to hold both your arms out. Like you are a scarecrow in a field and that will be the basic form we will start with. Got it?"

I nodded in response to Landell's speech. Osiris gave a grunt and wiped more sweat off his forehead. I'm surprised how much this is impacting Osiris' physical state, I was actually starting to feel good in the sun. Though I shouldn't have. The sun was nearing its peak for the day and it should be the hottest out of all the days we've gotten so far this year. Yet, I felt like I had a nice breeze blow over me. My perspective was hazy and blurry, and I didn't think I was going to stand for a while. Yet that breeze just really felt good. It began to soothe my anxiousness and was slowly becoming peaceful. I closed my eyes and I started thinking to myself about what Forbos might actually be and what he was planning to do. Landell only watched from a short distance away posted up on the fence that borders Lauren's property. Watching and waiting. Minutes passed, then I opened my eyes. Osiris had begun to get up and get into the position that Landell told us to do. I was surprised he managed to do that since his tunic was now doused in his own sweat. I wanted to do the same, but I just felt good. Like I had nowhere to be and that my mind was clear enough to have no worries again.

Osiris then screamed, justifiable by how he looked and probably felt. Then suddenly, fire sprouted out in both the left and right flanks of his body and fingertips. The air even 100ft away from him got humid and I felt like I was staring at a house on fire. The grass erupted in flame and that's when Landell burst into action, water spewing from his mouth. Completely engorging and snuffing the flames out in the immediate area. "Osiris, a powerful fire affinity. Good for you my boy. please sit down and drink some water. You certainly need it." I looked at Osiris in awe, he's still younger than me and just almost engulfed a tree in the fire. All by himself. Osiris took the flask Landell proposed to him and let out a ghastly moan after he took a drink.

I smiled over at them, "Good stuff Osiris! Wonder what I got? My bet is on Ice! I think I'm starting to get cold!" Osiris didn't have the energy to reply and that didn't help my own mood. I was happy at first but then my body lost its perfect summer breeze and I quickly was sensing on my skin that something was sticking to me. I thought I was getting stiff from how long I had to sit under this tree but when I looked under my leg, it was a small piece of ice. There was a circle of water that was appearing to grow outwards from the small spot of ice and began collecting more water. It seemed the humidity from the air was starting to collect on my skin and harden. I needed to get up. I just knew it, Forbos is real, and he's in my head.

This went from a happy experience to an utterly terrifying one. My breath was uneven and my body shivered. I got up and took two steps forwards and I looked at my feet. Ice. I had to assume the position that Landell told us. As I began to do so, it was suddenly foggy. Grey mist appeared, water collecting in all directions from the air. 50 feet above me water molecules began to spawn and fall towards my body. Only two moments passed before I couldn't even see Landell or Osiris that were only 100 feet away. I could see my breath in the air and the air itself turned from water and then a small sheet of flakey ice and fell to the floor. I kept looking around and all I saw was the grass being consumed by the blue and white ices covering my entire vicinity. I tried to move my arms outward and they didn't make it. Something was wrong. This was too much for me to handle and in the back of my mind, I knew it. Even as I tried to get my arms to spread they became stuck, Ice covered my upper body and I was immobilized. Just when I realized I have magic powers, this is when my body decides it was time to leave this world.

My arms were stuck but I did have them raised enough to try and aim whatever I was about to do towards the ground. In a split decision, I decided to copy Osiris and let out a piercing shout. I could feel it, the ice piercing into the dirt and the textures that come along with it. I felt the ice pierce several rocks underground, though I could not see it. I knew it was happening. The mist disappeared and my arms were still stuck. Landell was on the ground looking aghast. Osiris' jaw was hung open. I still couldn't move my body since I had practically stuck myself to a frozen pillar in the ground and my feet were frozen over. Then my mind went blank and began dreaming.