Breakthrough

Chapter 31: The Elven Teachings

"Am I doing this right-?" Ava asked while waving her arms in a spiral motion.

She, Estel and Kasper were in the middle of a large clearing in the forest. The grass was as green as ever, and the sky was a deep blue, reminiscent of the ocean. The sun beamed down upon the clearing, causing the occupants necks to tingle from the heat.

"No, no, it's more of a twist than a spiral. Like so," Estel rushed over to Ava and showed her the correct motion in which to move her body.

It had been two days since Luke had been signed up for the Lunar Moon Tournament. During these two days, he had been subjected to rigorous training from Estel, with Lily attending the sessions to cheer him on despite not knowing what Estel was teaching him.

Due to his request, Estel had also taken on the job of teaching Ava and Kasper some of the old magic that elves were known for. His reasoning was it would help them defend themselves and aid in combat should the need arise. His guilt for letting someone die was still fresh on his mind, although each day was becoming easier as he thought about it less and less.

Kasper had been learning at a brisk pace, he now could preform basic defensive shields and small projectiles. The key to learning this magic, was by being blessed by the word of an elf. Estel of course, supplied this blessing upon Ava and Kasper.

Although her partner had progressed beautifully, Ava wasn't having such an easy time. At most she could produce a couple of wisps and smoke clouds. Hardly what you'd call defensive or offensive, but it was something.

She was also struggling with the correct pronunciations of the incantations that begun each spell. Estel had previously mentioned that wordless spells existed, but they were far too difficult even for her. The motion of Ava's hands and arms also made her falter when casting, which was what Estel was currently trying to assist with.

Kasper had also tried to help by showing her the way he had managed to work his magic and spell casting. Even with their combined assistance, Ava still drew up blanks.

Unlike her sword wielding friend, Ava wasn't on a deadline to learn the magic Estel was teaching. She had no tournament coming up, but her anxiety still created a lump in her throat as if she did.

Her anxiety had always been a root problem. At school she had been picked on for it, which had ultimately led to (non Earth Zero) Lewis taking advantage of her.

She found solace in Kasper, Rosie and Luke. They had never judged her for her timid nature, in fact they encouraged her to just be herself.

"That's it. I just can't do it!" She spoke rather harshly, throwing her hands down and feeling dejected.

Kasper gave her a sorrowful look, knowing no words could help her get it right. Personally, he couldn't see what she was doing wrong, bar the few unstable hand motions she did.

"Ava, wait just let me help." Estel offered while trying to fix the blondes posture.

"What's the point? I'm useless! I can't even get a stupid spell right!!"

Kasper raised an eyebrow. He'd never heard Ava say an entire sentence without stuttering or sounding quiet.

"Shhh, it's okay, it's not easy I know. You are a human, it's gonna be a little harder for you-"

"But not for Kasper! Hell, I bet Luke's training has been fine! Face it, I'm useless! When our home was attacked, I just ran to safety and hid from the danger, I didn't even try to protect or find Rosie. I'm so stupid and worthless and if it wasn't for me, then Rosie would be here now!" Ava fell to her knees and started crying, covering her face with the sleeves of her coat.