After months of nonstop training Master Avant said to take a break and meet in the observatory. It was a high room in the temple that overlooked Mount Iana. He sat at one of two seats in an area that looked over the eastern side of the mountain. A table between the chairs held two cups and a covered teapot. Though other students and mentors occupied their time nearby, Kargon took no notice of them as he sat down. His eyes were focused on a distant opening in the forest. Past thick foliage it was possible to make out the familiar buildings of Neves. He brushed it off and began pouring tea.
“Master, are you sure you want to give these to me?” Kargon asked and nodded to the filled cup. “You said you’d tell me when I could leave but with these I could make a run for it.”
He wore a skintight sleeveless black tunic with a rigid collar that covered half his neck. White lining trailed the edges of the armor. Loose black pants with similar lining ended near his ankles. A sturdy piece of cloth adorned with feathers was tied tightly around his waist with two thick ends hanging down to his knees. Fitted red bindings wrapped around his arms down to his hands. Similar ones were around his feet and stretched up to his shins. Though they were masterfully adorned, Kargon had not tied them. Upon touching them they magically tied around him. Thankfully the mala beads remained undeterred and smoothly glided along his arm.
“You are not one to run,” Master Avant stated. “They were simply cheaper than commissioning replacement robes for the ones you continued to burn.”
Kargon chuckled. “You say that like these won’t.”
“That is correct.”
The master nodded towards Kargon’s hand holding the teapot. He placed it down and ignited his fist. After finding the piece he believed would be the easiest to repair, he touched it lightly. It took the flame and stayed alight for a moment before dousing itself. The familiar scent of burning cloth was lacking. Kargon stopped the burning hands and saw that all his clothes were completely unscathed.
“And the wraps? Did you think I couldn’t equip them myself?” Kargon asked.
“I believe speed is a necessity in preparation during an adventure. Back in my day I utilized similar equipment to not hinder my allies,” Master Avant explained.
It was hard to imagine the master letting his feathers be pressed under tight wraps. The man was adamant about wearing loose fitting robes. So much so that all inhabitants of the Sanctuary of Spiritual Combustion were expected to dress similarly. Then again, they did not come here to train as combatants. Whatever techniques they learned were meant for self-defense. The monastery was meant to teach balance to its students. Part of Kargon was shocked by how much Master Avant knew about the needs of an adventurer. Especially since he refused to talk about his time journeying. Hopefully Vofric could elaborate further since the aarakocra refused.
“What about the belt? Won’t it hinder me?” Kargon asked as he patted it. “And where’d you get so many feathers?”
“I doubt you are aware that when you are ignited your body appears as a black silhouette. Once you are able to fully wreath yourself in flames, the tassels will mask your movements.” Master Avant explained. “As for the feathers. I have collected my molted ones since the creation of this sanctuary. It is a blessing imparted on my students when their studies come to an end.”
A slight gasp escaped Kargon’s lips unintentionally. “Master, I. Are you sure? I’ll admit I’ve gotten stronger but I still can’t fully ignite. The only reason we know it’s possible is because of what happened when I was unconscious. There’s no guarantee I can do it on purpose.”
“You can. I have never been more sure of a disciple’s capabilities as I am of yours.”
“What makes you so sure?”
Master Avant sighed and took a sip of his tea while collecting his thoughts. The deafening silence of a contemplative mentor made Kargon nervous. The half-elf carefully lifted his cup to take a drink. Doing anything was better than simply waiting. Eventually, cups were returned to the table and refilled by the younger man but no words were said. Almost ten minutes passed before Master Avant finally spoke.
“You have trained rigorously for the last half year. Where you are is quite an accomplishment considering that you were on the brink of death prior. Even I must admit that I enjoy our bouts beyond a simple spar between master and student. You are a warrior. That is why I believe you are already unleashing your magic to the best of your ability.”
“Oh,” Kargon replied sadly. “So what was that about me igniting completely?”
“You have a talent for misunderstanding me without listening to my full explanation.” Master Avant said plainly. “Your ability to wield magic is at its upper limit. However, your magic itself has further potential. Pushing past this wall will allow you to master it with ease.”
Kargon nodded slowly, clearly understanding his master’s words.
“I guess fighting my way through the wall isn’t possible. Or you wouldn’t have invited me here.”
“Correct. I hoped this was not the case but you are dealing with an unfortunate afflication. Only a few of my students have dealt with it in the past and the only way to overcome it is deep introspection. Unfortunately, it involves a lot of sitting and talking.”
“Master, you love sitting and talking. Especially if there’s tea involved.” Kargon replied.
Master Avant hummed. “True. But certain students are easier to deal with when communicating through violence.”
Kargon couldn’t help but laugh. Here was an enlightened monk talking like a fight crazed soldier. Though even he had to admit that their training was more fun than he anticipated. Master Avant’s mastery of astral magic put them both in unique situations that could only be overcome through imagination and will. If not for his insistence on training Kargon personally, the half-elf wouldn’t be half as accomplished as he was now.
“You sound too easy-going for this affliction to be that serious,” Kargon finally said.
“The severity is not life threatening but can affect if you will be able to face the oncoming challenges.” the master cleared his throat. “Pardon the terminology but you are magically constipated.”
“You make it sound so serious yet it has such a stupid name.”
“It is simply the best descriptor of what is affecting you. Something is hindering your magical growth. I had hoped it was physical but as time passes it is evident to be mental. Possibly emotional, considering your heritage.”
Kargon nearly made a retort but thought better of it. Making jabs was enjoyable but it only masked his own disappointment in his stagnation. He was never shy about his feelings or thoughts. The only hesitation came from his fear that talking wasn’t enough to break through this wall. It was completely possible that this was his limit and Master Avant was wrong. Both were hopeful that wasn’t the case. The disciple nodded slowly and waited for his master to continue.
Master Avant obliged. “You are unable to detect magic, correct? Unless it is highly concentrated according to what you’ve told me.”
“Yeah. The only times I’ve been able to sense it were when Makani cast his Moonlight Beam and whenever Aisha creates a lightning explosion.” Kargon remained silent about Balur. There was nothing worth reminiscing about there even if it was the first time he truly understood how strong he was.
“So you can’t sense it within yourself. Unfortunate.” Master Avant hummed and took a sip of tea. Thankfully he continued immediately after. “Kargon, why do you adventure? What do you seek?”
“Aisha asked me to.” Kargon replied. “Oh, you probably mean what my personal motivations are, right?”
Master Avant nodded. There was a slight crackle from the flame that burned inside Kargon. Centuries of astute study had given the master experience in reading a person’s soul. The student had no knowledge of the form his took. Suffice to say, any reaction it had was beyond his notice. His master would remain silent about it until absolutely necessary. Though, if this all went according to plan, the wooden seat beneath Kargon would be incinerated. The master rose to his feet and walked towards one of the balcony doors to get a better view of the land.
“That is correct,” he said.
Kargon followed and replied, “I want to protect people. It was why I became a soldier. It’s why I left this place when I was young.”
“It is commendable to wish to protect every life. But, in truth, no one holds all lives to be equal. Individuals hold the people in their lives to different levels of importance. Don’t you think so?”
Kargon leaned against the stone parapet as he felt the warm wind on his skin. With training he’d grown more precise in feeling the temperature of the environment. It was all he could focus on as the question was difficult to answer.
“There is no shame in it.” Master Avant encouraged.
“It’s not that,” his student said softly. “I think protect is the wrong word for them. I want to fight by their side.”
Another more forceful crackle came from the depth of his soul. Master Avant smiled softly while staring into the distance. A softness only few were familiar with came over him.
“Tell me about your friends.”
Words spoken so softly they carried on the wind and wrapped around his student. They rattled in his head as he quietly watched a large bird fly overhead. Many others passed by it and called for attention but nothing could distract the magnificent fowl.
“Did you know Sariel is a dragon?” Kargon said it more as a statement than a question. “Not figuratively or spiritually. She is literally a dragon. It’s not some secret she hides. People just assume she’s an elf who got wounded by one. Can you imagine what it’s like to hear that your actual being is a curse upon your form? I can’t. And I can’t even sympathize with her because Sariel refuses to talk.” There was a hint of frustration in his voice. “But it’s okay. Actions often speak louder than words. No one embodies that more than her. I don’t think she realizes how much her presence puts people at ease. I don’t just mean my party but civilians as well.”
Master Avant followed whatever his student watched in hopes to decipher something. Though it was quickly apparent that his mind was elsewhere during their talk. Each memory that flashed in Kargon’s mind was accompanied by a quick spark that he was unaware of. Without prompting he moved on.
“She’s not the only one to do that. When we met Vofric, he was a priest. He’ll deny it but when you guide people the way he does, it’s an understandable assumption. I think he’s making up for not speaking up in his past. Maybe he did back then and no one listened. Or he didn’t and feels guilty about it.” Kargon’s gaze shifted towards far off routes along the mountain. Miniscule humanoids traveled in groups along the edge. “He tells me about his grandmother a lot. How amazing she was and the people she inspired. There’s no doubt in my mind that Vofric’s remembered similarly by all the people he’s helped. I realize I’m one of them. If not for him, Avant wouldn’t be in my life. Any of our lives.”
The master scoffed upon remembering the young owlbear who fiercely defended the unconscious half-elf. It was clear that the man who raised Avant was far different from the boy that was disciplined by the monastery master.
Kargon chuckled softly and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry about naming him after you. You’re just… really similar. He likes berries a lot. And I bet if he could cook like you we’d be eating fish every night. Even the fury in his fighting style is like yours. I wrongly assumed he’d stay back and support us but he became a raging bull that runs through every wall in our way.” He absentmindedly traced a finger along the feathers on his skirt. “I kinda get how my parents felt when I was blowing a fuse over everything. Thankfully, Avant is much calmer than me. The only time his rage comes up is when a fight’s brewing. I wasn’t that way until recently.”
The peaceful demeanor emanating off the young man astonished Master Avant. There was no denying he still saw the child that angrily demanded to know how to fight on his first day at the sanctuary. Though his training was unorthodox, he had found balance within. The fire in his soul burned steadily but the master was hesitant to ask his student to ignite.
“It’s wrong to say I protect them. It’s only natural that we protect each other when we’re always fighting together. I just want to be there for them,” Kargon said.
“What about Aisha?” Master Avant asked.
“She’s my best friend,” Kargon replied nonchalantly.
Master Avant raised an eyebrow. “Is that it?”
“Yeah? What else is there?”
It took much more control than expected not to shout at the foolish young man. It had taken nearly a century of students coming and going but Master Avant finally found his stupidest disciple. Part of him was furious that Kargon ended up being his favorite. How he had gotten so far without a modicum of wisdom was beyond the aarakocra. He let out a long sigh and pressed both index fingers against the sides of his temple. The soft massage was necessary to stay calm.
“Kargon…” Master Avant started then immediately paused to think over his words carefully. “In one word, tell me what you remember of your first experience at my sanctuary.”
“Discipline?” Kargon answered.
“May I tell you what I remember of your time here? Aisha!” the master squawked loudly. Control was necessary for his words but it seemed aggression was all the half-giant responded to. “You spoke of her during every possible interaction! There was never anything prompting you to do so! I have never read a word of her endeavors yet know more than the Hero’s adoring fans! And all you can say is she’s your best friend?”
Kargon listened with mouth agape. Partially because of the yelling. Mostly because his master’s bristled feathers reminded the student of his pet. When the anger subsided, they both silently stared at each other. Master Avant’s furious eyes burrowed into his disciple. The younger man turned away and focused on a far off alcove he’d repeatedly stared at. Under shaky leaves and sturdy trees he could almost make out the opening Aisha had snuck them out of to avoid a party a couple years ago.
“Aisha hates being complimented when she hasn’t done ‘anything of note.’ According to her at least,” Kargon said softly. “I once told her she was a hypocrite since she compliments me and I don’t do anything. She made me sit down and listen to her rant for three hours. Maybe calling it a rant is wrong. It was a hostage situation where I was forced to hear about all the things I’d done in my life. This was before she asked me to join her or anything. I think that was part of the reason I kept up on my training. It impressed her. It made me happy to know she thought of me even while dealing with Hero training.”
It was hard to talk about his best friend while having no idea where she was. Even while locked in different cells, there was always a feeling they were near each other. But it was clear that wasn’t the case right now. It wouldn’t be until he got stronger.
“She told me I was her equal. Even though she’s been leading me around since we were kids. But I think I’m finally understanding how she felt being alone. Training while everyone else her age lived a normal life. People stopped treating her like a person. They saw deification as a compliment. She was forced on a pedestal and left in solitude. I almost fell for it too. But she’s never been anyone but the girl I grew up with.” Kargon laughed as a soft blush covered his cheeks. “You should have seen her in Dawncaster. The way she cut down two assassins while drawing the eye of every person in the room.”
Master Avant chuckled lightly. “I doubt they saw her as you do.”
“Because they only see the Hero. I see Aisha. The girl who convinced me to come here in the first place,” Kargon admitted softly. “But that’s not special. Everyone’s close to their best friend.”
The raging inferno in place of his soul demanded Master Avant’s attention. The wall in his disciple’s mind was obvious. Breaching it was a delicate endeavor for someone as foolish as Kargon.
“You are correct that people with such a relationship are close,” Master Avant started. “Would you describe your parent’s relationship similarly?”
“Kinda?” Kargon said then shook his head. “I mean yes but also they’re not just best friends.”
“How do you mean?”
“Based on Mom’s letter alone, Pops sacrificed something big to be with her. I’ve seen both of them give up things for the other. They fight each other and together. I learned what a best friend is from them.”
The master smiled and worded his next words carefully. “They are far from simply friends to one another, no? Answer me honestly. What is Aisha to you?”
Kargon silently focused on the distant sights. From Neves he could see the route to Wolden then Sespik. The vast ocean fluctuated near the Balur Sea. A deep sigh pulled his attention back to his hometown. Every memory he had, regardless of how he felt about it, involved Aisha. No part of his life excluded her.
“She’s my… everything.”
A roaring flame erupted from Kargon’s chest and engulfed him. It wreathed him tightly in an armor of crimson inferno. Master Avant grumbled at the sight of the belt fluttering upward and revealing the obvious humanoid silhouette within. Though it did create the illusion of a conflagrated monster which would give enemies pause. With a sharp gasp Kargon stepped away from the bannister. Blind movements sent embers a few inches away before he pulled them back. Only a cascading firestorm was visible from his vantage point.
An uncontrollable growl came through with every breath. A torrent of emotions was flooding into his mind. If not for months of training it would have overwhelmed him. The unfamiliarity of it reminded him of Master Avant’s cryptic clue. Aisha would have laughed at her best friend for missing something so obvious.
“Master. My goggles,” Kargon requested with his hand extended.
The master couldn’t hide a smirk as he pulled the accessory from his pocket. He had carried it every day since hinting at its necessity to his disciple. But now was not the time to be disappointed. Rather he was stunned as the goggles fused with the silhouette before two cobalt orbs shone through. Kargon looked himself over and let out a hardy laugh. A sharp inhale extinguished the inferno, revealing the shining smile underneath. With a little willpower he immediately reignited. The growl persisted but there were no overwhelming emotions accompanying it. Kargon tilted his head towards the monastery.
“I think there’s some time left for a spar.”
After months of nonstop training Master Avant said to take a break and meet in the observatory. It was a high room in the temple that overlooked Mount Iana. He sat at one of two seats in an area that looked over the eastern side of the mountain. A table between the chairs held two cups and a covered teapot. Though other students and mentors occupied their time nearby, Kargon took no notice of them as he sat down. His eyes were focused on a distant opening in the forest. Past thick foliage it was possible to make out the familiar buildings of Neves. He brushed it off and began pouring tea.
“Master, are you sure you want to give these to me?” Kargon asked and nodded to the filled cup. “You said you’d tell me when I could leave but with these I could make a run for it.”
He wore a skintight sleeveless black tunic with a rigid collar that covered half his neck. White lining trailed the edges of the armor. Loose black pants with similar lining ended near his ankles. A sturdy piece of cloth adorned with feathers was tied tightly around his waist with two thick ends hanging down to his knees. Fitted red bindings wrapped around his arms down to his hands. Similar ones were around his feet and stretched up to his shins. Though they were masterfully adorned, Kargon had not tied them. Upon touching them they magically tied around him. Thankfully the mala beads remained undeterred and smoothly glided along his arm.
“You are not one to run,” Master Avant stated. “They were simply cheaper than commissioning replacement robes for the ones you continued to burn.”
Kargon chuckled. “You say that like these won’t.”
“That is correct.”
The master nodded towards Kargon’s hand holding the teapot. He placed it down and ignited his fist. After finding the piece he believed would be the easiest to repair, he touched it lightly. It took the flame and stayed alight for a moment before dousing itself. The familiar scent of burning cloth was lacking. Kargon stopped the burning hands and saw that all his clothes were completely unscathed.
“And the wraps? Did you think I couldn’t equip them myself?” Kargon asked.
“I believe speed is a necessity in preparation during an adventure. Back in my day I utilized similar equipment to not hinder my allies,” Master Avant explained.
It was hard to imagine the master letting his feathers be pressed under tight wraps. The man was adamant about wearing loose fitting robes. So much so that all inhabitants of the Sanctuary of Spiritual Combustion were expected to dress similarly. Then again, they did not come here to train as combatants. Whatever techniques they learned were meant for self-defense. The monastery was meant to teach balance to its students. Part of Kargon was shocked by how much Master Avant knew about the needs of an adventurer. Especially since he refused to talk about his time journeying. Hopefully Vofric could elaborate further since the aarakocra refused.
“What about the belt? Won’t it hinder me?” Kargon asked as he patted it. “And where’d you get so many feathers?”
“I doubt you are aware that when you are ignited your body appears as a black silhouette. Once you are able to fully wreath yourself in flames, the tassels will mask your movements.” Master Avant explained. “As for the feathers. I have collected my molted ones since the creation of this sanctuary. It is a blessing imparted on my students when their studies come to an end.”
A slight gasp escaped Kargon’s lips unintentionally. “Master, I. Are you sure? I’ll admit I’ve gotten stronger but I still can’t fully ignite. The only reason we know it’s possible is because of what happened when I was unconscious. There’s no guarantee I can do it on purpose.”
“You can. I have never been more sure of a disciple’s capabilities as I am of yours.”
“What makes you so sure?”
Master Avant sighed and took a sip of his tea while collecting his thoughts. The deafening silence of a contemplative mentor made Kargon nervous. The half-elf carefully lifted his cup to take a drink. Doing anything was better than simply waiting. Eventually, cups were returned to the table and refilled by the younger man but no words were said. Almost ten minutes passed before Master Avant finally spoke.
“You have trained rigorously for the last half year. Where you are is quite an accomplishment considering that you were on the brink of death prior. Even I must admit that I enjoy our bouts beyond a simple spar between master and student. You are a warrior. That is why I believe you are already unleashing your magic to the best of your ability.”
“Oh,” Kargon replied sadly. “So what was that about me igniting completely?”
“You have a talent for misunderstanding me without listening to my full explanation.” Master Avant said plainly. “Your ability to wield magic is at its upper limit. However, your magic itself has further potential. Pushing past this wall will allow you to master it with ease.”
Kargon nodded slowly, clearly understanding his master’s words.
“I guess fighting my way through the wall isn’t possible. Or you wouldn’t have invited me here.”
“Correct. I hoped this was not the case but you are dealing with an unfortunate afflication. Only a few of my students have dealt with it in the past and the only way to overcome it is deep introspection. Unfortunately, it involves a lot of sitting and talking.”
“Master, you love sitting and talking. Especially if there’s tea involved.” Kargon replied.
Master Avant hummed. “True. But certain students are easier to deal with when communicating through violence.”
Kargon couldn’t help but laugh. Here was an enlightened monk talking like a fight crazed soldier. Though even he had to admit that their training was more fun than he anticipated. Master Avant’s mastery of astral magic put them both in unique situations that could only be overcome through imagination and will. If not for his insistence on training Kargon personally, the half-elf wouldn’t be half as accomplished as he was now.
“You sound too easy-going for this affliction to be that serious,” Kargon finally said.
“The severity is not life threatening but can affect if you will be able to face the oncoming challenges.” the master cleared his throat. “Pardon the terminology but you are magically constipated.”
“You make it sound so serious yet it has such a stupid name.”
“It is simply the best descriptor of what is affecting you. Something is hindering your magical growth. I had hoped it was physical but as time passes it is evident to be mental. Possibly emotional, considering your heritage.”
Kargon nearly made a retort but thought better of it. Making jabs was enjoyable but it only masked his own disappointment in his stagnation. He was never shy about his feelings or thoughts. The only hesitation came from his fear that talking wasn’t enough to break through this wall. It was completely possible that this was his limit and Master Avant was wrong. Both were hopeful that wasn’t the case. The disciple nodded slowly and waited for his master to continue.
Master Avant obliged. “You are unable to detect magic, correct? Unless it is highly concentrated according to what you’ve told me.”
“Yeah. The only times I’ve been able to sense it were when Makani cast his Moonlight Beam and whenever Aisha creates a lightning explosion.” Kargon remained silent about Balur. There was nothing worth reminiscing about there even if it was the first time he truly understood how strong he was.
“So you can’t sense it within yourself. Unfortunate.” Master Avant hummed and took a sip of tea. Thankfully he continued immediately after. “Kargon, why do you adventure? What do you seek?”
“Aisha asked me to.” Kargon replied. “Oh, you probably mean what my personal motivations are, right?”
Master Avant nodded. There was a slight crackle from the flame that burned inside Kargon. Centuries of astute study had given the master experience in reading a person’s soul. The student had no knowledge of the form his took. Suffice to say, any reaction it had was beyond his notice. His master would remain silent about it until absolutely necessary. Though, if this all went according to plan, the wooden seat beneath Kargon would be incinerated. The master rose to his feet and walked towards one of the balcony doors to get a better view of the land.
“That is correct,” he said.
Kargon followed and replied, “I want to protect people. It was why I became a soldier. It’s why I left this place when I was young.”
“It is commendable to wish to protect every life. But, in truth, no one holds all lives to be equal. Individuals hold the people in their lives to different levels of importance. Don’t you think so?”
Kargon leaned against the stone parapet as he felt the warm wind on his skin. With training he’d grown more precise in feeling the temperature of the environment. It was all he could focus on as the question was difficult to answer.
“There is no shame in it.” Master Avant encouraged.
“It’s not that,” his student said softly. “I think protect is the wrong word for them. I want to fight by their side.”
Another more forceful crackle came from the depth of his soul. Master Avant smiled softly while staring into the distance. A softness only few were familiar with came over him.
“Tell me about your friends.”
Words spoken so softly they carried on the wind and wrapped around his student. They rattled in his head as he quietly watched a large bird fly overhead. Many others passed by it and called for attention but nothing could distract the magnificent fowl.
“Did you know Sariel is a dragon?” Kargon said it more as a statement than a question. “Not figuratively or spiritually. She is literally a dragon. It’s not some secret she hides. People just assume she’s an elf who got wounded by one. Can you imagine what it’s like to hear that your actual being is a curse upon your form? I can’t. And I can’t even sympathize with her because Sariel refuses to talk.” There was a hint of frustration in his voice. “But it’s okay. Actions often speak louder than words. No one embodies that more than her. I don’t think she realizes how much her presence puts people at ease. I don’t just mean my party but civilians as well.”
Master Avant followed whatever his student watched in hopes to decipher something. Though it was quickly apparent that his mind was elsewhere during their talk. Each memory that flashed in Kargon’s mind was accompanied by a quick spark that he was unaware of. Without prompting he moved on.
“She’s not the only one to do that. When we met Vofric, he was a priest. He’ll deny it but when you guide people the way he does, it’s an understandable assumption. I think he’s making up for not speaking up in his past. Maybe he did back then and no one listened. Or he didn’t and feels guilty about it.” Kargon’s gaze shifted towards far off routes along the mountain. Miniscule humanoids traveled in groups along the edge. “He tells me about his grandmother a lot. How amazing she was and the people she inspired. There’s no doubt in my mind that Vofric’s remembered similarly by all the people he’s helped. I realize I’m one of them. If not for him, Avant wouldn’t be in my life. Any of our lives.”
The master scoffed upon remembering the young owlbear who fiercely defended the unconscious half-elf. It was clear that the man who raised Avant was far different from the boy that was disciplined by the monastery master.
Kargon chuckled softly and ran a hand through his hair. “Sorry about naming him after you. You’re just… really similar. He likes berries a lot. And I bet if he could cook like you we’d be eating fish every night. Even the fury in his fighting style is like yours. I wrongly assumed he’d stay back and support us but he became a raging bull that runs through every wall in our way.” He absentmindedly traced a finger along the feathers on his skirt. “I kinda get how my parents felt when I was blowing a fuse over everything. Thankfully, Avant is much calmer than me. The only time his rage comes up is when a fight’s brewing. I wasn’t that way until recently.”
The peaceful demeanor emanating off the young man astonished Master Avant. There was no denying he still saw the child that angrily demanded to know how to fight on his first day at the sanctuary. Though his training was unorthodox, he had found balance within. The fire in his soul burned steadily but the master was hesitant to ask his student to ignite.
“It’s wrong to say I protect them. It’s only natural that we protect each other when we’re always fighting together. I just want to be there for them,” Kargon said.
“What about Aisha?” Master Avant asked.
“She’s my best friend,” Kargon replied nonchalantly.
Master Avant raised an eyebrow. “Is that it?”
“Yeah? What else is there?”
It took much more control than expected not to shout at the foolish young man. It had taken nearly a century of students coming and going but Master Avant finally found his stupidest disciple. Part of him was furious that Kargon ended up being his favorite. How he had gotten so far without a modicum of wisdom was beyond the aarakocra. He let out a long sigh and pressed both index fingers against the sides of his temple. The soft massage was necessary to stay calm.
“Kargon…” Master Avant started then immediately paused to think over his words carefully. “In one word, tell me what you remember of your first experience at my sanctuary.”
“Discipline?” Kargon answered.
“May I tell you what I remember of your time here? Aisha!” the master squawked loudly. Control was necessary for his words but it seemed aggression was all the half-giant responded to. “You spoke of her during every possible interaction! There was never anything prompting you to do so! I have never read a word of her endeavors yet know more than the Hero’s adoring fans! And all you can say is she’s your best friend?”
Kargon listened with mouth agape. Partially because of the yelling. Mostly because his master’s bristled feathers reminded the student of his pet. When the anger subsided, they both silently stared at each other. Master Avant’s furious eyes burrowed into his disciple. The younger man turned away and focused on a far off alcove he’d repeatedly stared at. Under shaky leaves and sturdy trees he could almost make out the opening Aisha had snuck them out of to avoid a party a couple years ago.
“Aisha hates being complimented when she hasn’t done ‘anything of note.’ According to her at least,” Kargon said softly. “I once told her she was a hypocrite since she compliments me and I don’t do anything. She made me sit down and listen to her rant for three hours. Maybe calling it a rant is wrong. It was a hostage situation where I was forced to hear about all the things I’d done in my life. This was before she asked me to join her or anything. I think that was part of the reason I kept up on my training. It impressed her. It made me happy to know she thought of me even while dealing with Hero training.”
It was hard to talk about his best friend while having no idea where she was. Even while locked in different cells, there was always a feeling they were near each other. But it was clear that wasn’t the case right now. It wouldn’t be until he got stronger.
“She told me I was her equal. Even though she’s been leading me around since we were kids. But I think I’m finally understanding how she felt being alone. Training while everyone else her age lived a normal life. People stopped treating her like a person. They saw deification as a compliment. She was forced on a pedestal and left in solitude. I almost fell for it too. But she’s never been anyone but the girl I grew up with.” Kargon laughed as a soft blush covered his cheeks. “You should have seen her in Dawncaster. The way she cut down two assassins while drawing the eye of every person in the room.”
Master Avant chuckled lightly. “I doubt they saw her as you do.”
“Because they only see the Hero. I see Aisha. The girl who convinced me to come here in the first place,” Kargon admitted softly. “But that’s not special. Everyone’s close to their best friend.”
The raging inferno in place of his soul demanded Master Avant’s attention. The wall in his disciple’s mind was obvious. Breaching it was a delicate endeavor for someone as foolish as Kargon.
“You are correct that people with such a relationship are close,” Master Avant started. “Would you describe your parent’s relationship similarly?”
“Kinda?” Kargon said then shook his head. “I mean yes but also they’re not just best friends.”
“How do you mean?”
“Based on Mom’s letter alone, Pops sacrificed something big to be with her. I’ve seen both of them give up things for the other. They fight each other and together. I learned what a best friend is from them.”
The master smiled and worded his next words carefully. “They are far from simply friends to one another, no? Answer me honestly. What is Aisha to you?”
Kargon silently focused on the distant sights. From Neves he could see the route to Wolden then Sespik. The vast ocean fluctuated near the Balur Sea. A deep sigh pulled his attention back to his hometown. Every memory he had, regardless of how he felt about it, involved Aisha. No part of his life excluded her.
“She’s my… everything.”
A roaring flame erupted from Kargon’s chest and engulfed him. It wreathed him tightly in an armor of crimson inferno. Master Avant grumbled at the sight of the belt fluttering upward and revealing the obvious humanoid silhouette within. Though it did create the illusion of a conflagrated monster which would give enemies pause. With a sharp gasp Kargon stepped away from the bannister. Blind movements sent embers a few inches away before he pulled them back. Only a cascading firestorm was visible from his vantage point.
An uncontrollable growl came through with every breath. A torrent of emotions was flooding into his mind. If not for months of training it would have overwhelmed him. The unfamiliarity of it reminded him of Master Avant’s cryptic clue. Aisha would have laughed at her best friend for missing something so obvious.
“Master. My goggles,” Kargon requested with his hand extended.
The master couldn’t hide a smirk as he pulled the accessory from his pocket. He had carried it every day since hinting at its necessity to his disciple. But now was not the time to be disappointed. Rather he was stunned as the goggles fused with the silhouette before two cobalt orbs shone through. Kargon looked himself over and let out a hardy laugh. A sharp inhale extinguished the inferno, revealing the shining smile underneath. With a little willpower he immediately reignited. The growl persisted but there were no overwhelming emotions accompanying it. Kargon tilted his head towards the monastery.
“I think there’s some time left for a spar.”
