Circles

Part 5 - War

It was the morning after the debacle, and Corym was having breakfast in the common hall with some friends, wholly distracted by the things he had read the day before. Things about the plane of dreams, the spirits from them, and the beings that acted as hosts to these spirits.

It all made too much sense. Milo's narcolepsy, his premonitory dreams, the way his eyes changed or even his almost spiritual personality. It all made sense, and this both terrified and intrigued him.

Okay fine, he was more intrigued than scared.

Corym was shaken from his thoughts when one of his buddies nudged him and muttered "boyfriend at your 4 o'clock".

He turned to his right to see Milo walking towards him, almost awkwardly running into someone on the way. His hair looked like he had just woken up.

"He finally let you out of that tower?" Corym asked, reaching out a hand.

"Kind of. We need to talk. In private." Milo replied, ignoring Coryms hand and holding up the folded note. This resulted in those around the table to start whistling catcalls and other suggestive tunes.

Corym stood up. "You guys are the worst, you know?" He said before following Milo out into a hallway that students rarely used.

Next thing he knew, Milo's lips were on his, in what was likely the softest, sweetest kiss he'd ever experienced.

When he drew away, Corym was so stunned he barely heard Milo say "I missed you too". He let out a small laugh and winced as his broken rib brought him crashing back into reality.

"About the note, Mi-"

"What do you mean, punched me?"

Corym sighed, took a deep breath and looked at Milo right in the eye. "I came to visit you yesterday, but you had let whatever gives you hour memory loss and dark eyes take over. I tried helping, you hurt me, and I punched you. It worked, you woke up and I dragged you to the couch after you fainted. You-"

"I hurt you?" Milo's eyes were full of fear and confusion, yet he seemed to completely ignore the rest of Coryms words. "I- no. No. What did I do? Where?"

Corym double checked no one would walk by and unbuttoned part of his shirt, revealing a small constellation of bruises. "Broke a rib, too. But it's okay. Milo, I found something you should read. Have you heard of the Kalashtar?"

Milo shook his head in thought and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by an announcement.

"All students are to proceed to the Grand Auditorium. An emergency lecture is to begin in five minutes.

Corym rolled his eyes. "Never a moment's peace in this godsdamned school". He muttered, taking Milo's hand and dragging him along to the auditorium.

The two separated once they reached the mass of students trying to get into the room. Milo quickly found Reyna and Micheal, and the four found seats near the back of the room. Once they sat down, an envelope appeared in each of their hands, their name and specialty written across the front. The group exchanged nervous glances as the rest of the students settled into the room.

Before too long, the principal of the university showed up on stage. The halfling cast a quick spell that allowed his voice to be carried across the room.

"Good morning, students. As you are all aware, small battles occur frequently outside our borders. These battles, remnants of a war past, have officially crossed our border."

The room erupted in panicked whispers. Professor Tealiff allowed them to quiet down before continuing. Milo took Coryms hand, a little too tightly.

"Unfortunately most of the Sharn watch is involved in other matters, such as the sudden lack of healers in the Lower ring. Their numbers are dwindling. Morgrave University teaches students in both physical and magical domains. After the Sharn watch, the students and professors of this institution make up the strongest force of the city. Amongst you are fighters, druids, tacticians, even scientists who may help. I-" the professor cleared his voice. "I am sorry to announce, we are all expected to do our part in the battle in two weeks' time. This is a mandatory conscription. We leave here on the morning of June 1st."

Corym, as well as most other students, were stunned into silence. Many had trained for this day. Some, like himself, felt a need to participate in the war. To do their part. He looked to his right towards Micheal, who was also convinced it was his duty. The two nodded at each other and looked at Reyna. She was the most powerful druid in the school. There was no way she would be on the front line, but she would definitely play a key role.

Corym winced as he felt something sharp in his hand. Milo's nails were digging into his palm, and he was hunched forward. "Sh*t not again" Corym said to himself, and knelt down to check Milo's eyes.

As red as ever.

But this time, he didn't seem afraid. He almost seemed to be listening to something. Corym reached out and started rubbing his back.

"Rey dear, a little help?" He called to Reyna who gasped and quickly sat next to them. She swiftly cast a spell she had recently learned, one that calmed emotions.

"Wh- how?! Is he OK?! Should I get a doctor?!" Micheal started panicking. "Should I slap him like Corym did? Or throw water on him!?"

"Shut up, Micheal, you're being counterproductive" Reyna snapped, finishing the spell. She placed her hands on Milo's back, over his heart, allowing the spell to take effect. Milo immediately relaxed and took a deep breath, yet he maintained his death grip on Coryms hand.

His eyes met Coryms.

He shook his head, barely visibly.

Corym understood everything in that one miniscule gesture. Milo had been listening to something. Maybe it threatened him, or maybe it convinced him. Either way, its message was clear.

Milo wouldn't go to the battlefield.

He had to desert.

no art for this yet either! Will get to it!