Freedom's daughter

We stayed in the elves' village for one more week, during which Lyet spent the entire day training with the chief.

While I'm following all the lessons, I'm understanding almost nothing. The theory is easy, but the practice is complex. And since I don't have the actual feeling of magic, I remain puzzled.

I'm just happy she is progressing; now she can control what she casts, which is a big difference compared to earlier... At least she won't summon someone again by mistake...

She can now do all sorts of things, shooting elemental bullets, healing minor wounds, creating small illusions, and I could go on forever...

But while basic spells allow you to learn a big variety of them, the chief said she must think of a more specific type when she will learn the higher levels, otherwise she might risk not learn anything at all.

It's also better to focus on a single type because you can master it instead of having a bunch of things but not knowing what to do with them.

In my world we used to say not to fear the man who has practiced 10000 kicks, but to fear the one who has practiced a single one 10000 times.

It took us around two weeks to have her learning the basics of magic...

Sigh...

I'll be twenty-two by the time I can go back to my world.

When I lose myself in my thoughts, a voice calls me out. It's Balus, who left Lyet practicing alone.

"Histrio."

"Mh, yes?"

"I want to have a word with you." And so he sits down next to me on the grass of the forest.

"What is it about? You look serious."

"Firstly, I'm still thankful for your job with the demons. Lyet told me you were down, but there is no need, really. That aside, I reflected on the whole situation with the demons, mainly because of her."

"What's your conclusion?"

"I still can't trust demons. Lyet is a kind soul, but it doesn't mean all demons are the same."

"That's fair. Even Lyet says there are cruel demons as well."

"I see. Anyway, take this."

He offers me an argent necklace with a black gem in it.

"What is this for?"

"So we can contact each other. This is not a matter of me being thankful or anything. I simply see you as a valuable ally to have, and I hope you can think the same of our village."

"Is it for emergencies basically?"

"You can see it that way."

"How do I use it?"

"It reads your intent. In the moment you want to contact me, you can simply speak close to it. And I'll be able to do the same, of course."

"I see. It's fine by me, thanks."

"You can also use it as a sign of trust. If you meet another village of elves like ours, you might show them it and they'll know you are trusted by another village, meaning they won't be hostile."

"Got it. Thanks again."

"I'll return to Lyet now. See you later."

"See you."

-

Later today we leave the village with our small carriage.

I'm driving while Lyet is playing with her new spells, happy.

"Hey Histrio!"

"What?"

"I have a gift for you!"

"Really? What is it?"

"A ring, here you go."

She offers me her hand with a golden ring on top of it.

"Looks beautiful."

"Yes! Take it!"

"Where did you take it?"

"The elves gave it to me."

"Lyet... I'm not that dumb, come on."

"What do you mean...?"

I flick her nose.

"It's not fair!"

"Not even in a million years you'll be able to lie to me."

"But I made the illusion and everything! I even considered making the shadow of the ring!"

"Better luck next time."

"Whatever... Anyway, where are we going? This is not the same path we were moving on before."

"I know. We are going to another village, but more to the south."

"And why? Wasn't the plan to go out of them kingdom?"

"It still is. The problem is we stayed for over a week at this village, it was worth it, of course, but we have no idea how the enemies are moving."

"So we randomly change path?"

"The one we were taking was the fastest to go out from the kingdom; they might have anticipated it, and we no longer have the initial advantage. They could have moved somewhere at the edge while we were at the elves' village. The destination is the same, I'm just taking another path to avoid possible traps."

"I see. If it makes you feel better, then it's fine by me."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing, nothing. Keep driving."

"..."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Tell me more about your girlfriend, you never even told me her name."

"Oh, it's Ellie. We met the first time at a party, at the university, it was a few months before coming here. What do you want to know about her more specifically?"

"I remember you said you aren't sure if she loves you back."

"Yeah. I mean, at first, I believe she did, but after some time, I believe she lost interest, which is my fault. I barely spent time with her."

"Because you were busy studying..."

"Exactly. I also think she is cheating on me, honestly. But I don't blame her, I could barely give her any attention. My parents didn't even know I had one; they kept telling me it's a waste of time..."

"Histrio... Stay here, in this world."

"What? Why?"

"Your parents don't allow you to do anything, not even to pursue your dream, and the other person you have a relationship with doesn't even look back at you."

"..."

"You said you are happier here..."

"Yes, but I can't escape my responsibilities like this... I will go back, I will face my parents eventually, and I'll pursue my career as an actor. End of the discussion."

"Why don't you just pursue that career here? Most of your tricks are unknown... You would become a star in no time..."

"..."

"Histrio...?"

"..."

"Sorry... I didn't mean to upset you."

She then kisses my cheek and returns to play with her magic.