"So you think that is the best course of action? If I remember correctly that place is run by Kaborean's brother." (Lycan)

"Oh it is. That's one of the reasons I'm sending him there instead of one of the more pretegious academies. He will no doubt surpass the material taught there. After that point I will teach him what I can."

"I'm assuming by him you mean me?" (Darren)

The man stood in the doorway of the room. The four occupants looked at him for a moment. Smiles broke out on each of their faces. Excluding Armon.

"Glad to see you're awake my friend. After Lycan informed us of what she had done we decided to plan ahead. Assuming your guess is correct and your magic is indeed based on gravity and not w...." (Tal'gore)

"I was wrong. In the best of ways. After experimenting with German we figured out it wasn't gravity. It's a materialization type magic that allows me to create dark matter. The densest material in the universe. So dense that it has its own gravitational field." (Darren)

"Care to provide and example." (Armon)

The short elf seemed indifferent about everything. However if one was good at reading body language they could see the subtle signs of excitement.

"Sure, although I'd prefer to use something that isn't living. I already almost killed German." (Darren)

The skeleton shifted uncomfortably.

"I can help with that." (Lycan)

The wolf deity pointed her human hand towards the air. A huge block of ice formed and fell to the floor.

"So they can see you now?" (Darren)

He asked the question he already knew the answer to.

"Yep. I figured if you were going to get to know these people that it's only natural that I do." (Lycan)

"Why is it only natural. You still never told us why you are with Tal'gore. You won't even let him tell us." (Armon)

Lycan chuckled.

"That's because I'm not with Tal'gore. I'm with Darren. Due to a series of complications he is my husband." (Lycan)

Armon's jaw dropped. Gernam looked at Darren then back at Lycan. He repeated this process once more before laughing. Stella made no response.

"Oh that's grand. You will have to tell me that story one day." (Gernam)

Eager to change the subject Darren interjected.

"Anyway lets get this show and tale out the way." (Darren)

He started channeling the spell. Mentally applying properties and restricting its influence. Finally a sphere of darkmatter the size of a pea came into existence. It was made only to effect the block of ice. In and instant the ice was picked up and wrapped around the dark matter. Whirling and compressing until it was at a state in between liquid and gas.

All eye's were filled with awe. Even Lycan herself was quite impressed.

"So this is what wieght mages are capable of." (Tal'gore)

His awe was overshadowed by his dread. He could only imagine what an army of those even unnattuned to such a magic could do. Seeing the distress on his friends face Darren spoke to quell his fears.

"Calm down most wouldn't know about it's properties until it's too late. Anyway lets talk about what I overheard when I came in. What plans have you made?" (Darren)

"Ahh yes. While you will have to make your own advances in your field of attunement perhaps attending the local Magic Academy would help you better understand basic casting and the like." (Tal'gore)

Darren saw the wisdom in Tal'gore's words. He also sensed an ulterior motive.

"What else?" (Darren)

The elf prince smiled. He didn't expect Darren to not find out.

"There is an annual competition of sorts where mages from around the country come to test their skills against one another. If a certain human was to outmatch the elves at the academy that happens to be run by Kaborean's brother, it would agitate the man quite a bit. That and it would boost your own reputation." (Tal'gore)

"Sounds fun when do I start." (Darren)

"Actually I think you mean when do we start." (Gernam)

Darren raised an eyebrow and looked at Tal'gore.

"The lich will be teaching at the academy. In disguise of course. While the academy has wards against Illusions he was able to bypass them and squire a job." (Tal'gore)

"It's been a while since I taught. Besides since you've show me so much I thought it would be good to return the favor." (Gernam)

"This is going to be a surreal experience isn't it?" (Darren)

The wolf deity wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Think of it as a learning experience instead." (Lycan)

"Of that I have no doubt." (Darren)

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In the human kingdom of Yuria a man sat cross legged on a snow topped mountain. A sudden pressure pulsed past him. He was not unused to the aftershocks of manaburst. Meditating in these mountains such things passed on a daily basis. However another passed him him making him open his eyes in surprise. Two in a row was unheard of. Then a third passed. Nearly knocking the man over. The power in that pulse was so immense it could only mean the birth or rebirth of a deity. If his suspicions were true it could mean the end of the current era and the beginning of a new one. Picking up his hood he ended his meditating. He would return to Yuria's capitol and consult the others of this. Truly these were marvelous times to live in.

Arc End

Next Arc: The flamboyant lich and his student.