From The Ashes

Part Two

Finally, I was back home in the quaint town of Aster. The streets were bustling since it was a weekend. I pushed through the crowds, eager to get home to Eian. I passed the tavern on my way and waved to Gwen who was outside, mending the henge on the front door. She nodded while holding a nail between her teeth and then returned to her work. I turned on our street and just as I was approaching the front gate a familiar voice called out from behind me.
“Reika!” The voice called. It was my little Eian. He ran down the dirt path towards me with his arms open wide. “You’re back early!” He said excitedly.
  “I am.” I replied with a smile. I lifted Eian into a big hug and held him on my hip.“The bandit ended up being a pushover.” Cass followed shortly behind.
  “So The Phoenix returns. Good trip?” He said coolly.
  “Yeah it was alright. Missed you guys though. I hate being away from home.” I said.
  “Aw you missed me?” Cass said in a sarcastically.
  “Mostly Eian.” I replied, setting him back down.
  “How much money did you get?” Eian asked excitedly, flashing his little snaggletoothed smile.
  “Well, why don’t we go to the bookstore so you can find out.” I said with a grin. His face lit up and his eyes sparkled.
  “Yes!!” He said jumping in place. It made me so happy to see him like that.
  “Well, let’s head to the book store then.” I said, clasping my hands together.
  “Uh, sounds good but you might wanna wash up first.” Cass said, gesturing to my dirty clothes.
  “Oh, yeah.” I replied casually.

  After a nice hot bath, I felt a lot better. I glanced into the foggy mirror, staring into my own eyes. I studied  my scars. I was oddly attached to them. It’s not like I was happy to have them. It was more like I was proud to be a survivor. Someone to carry my parent’s legacy. They were my reminder.
  I dressed myself in fresh clothes. I adorned my usual worn out tunic that was slightly fitted but I could still move in. I chose leather pants because they could withstand a lot more than wool or linen. My boots were well past their retirement and I’d most likely be walking around barefoot soon if I didn’t get a new pair. But, they did their job so that was enough for me.

  Eian, Cass, and I entered the bookstore. Massive bookshelves towered over us, rows and rows of knowledge. Eian raced down the aisles, making a beeline for the spellbooks.
  “Hello Reika, nice to see you.” Called a voice from the front counter. “Eian is extra excited today isn’t he?”
“That’s putting it lightly. How are you, Rose?” I asked. Rose was the owner of the shop. She was an older lady and very sweet. She had long, silver hair that spilled well past her shoulders. Her eyes were the color of amber. She was also the only other person who knew about Eian. She started to get suspicious after we kept buying spellbooks. We tried to convince her that they were just for research but she saw through it. It turned out her  husband was a mage as well. Sadly she lost him to the war efforts against Valda many years ago. Once she shared that with us we felt comfortable letting her in on our secret.
  “Oh can’t complain. I could but I don’t want to bore you.” She said with a smirk. I chuckled.
  “Rose, you can always complain to me.” I replied.
  “Dear that’s sweet but no one wants to hear about an old woman’s troubles.” She said. “Cassius, what about you, how’s the forge?”
  “Business as usual.” He said, casually browsing  the adventure novels.
  “That’s nice dear. Oh it looks like someone found something he likes.” She said as Eian emerged from the shelves. He had two books in his hands bigger than his head.
  “Rei..” He said sweetly. “I can’t make a decision. This one is on advanced ice magic but this one is on illusions. Could I..get both? Please?” He asked with those bright eyes that so easily melted my heart.
  “Oh, alright.” I said. I couldn’t resist, he was just too cute.
  “Yay! Thank you so so much!” He said graciously. Just as Eian was placing the books on the counter a crash sounder from somewhere down the aisles. Suddenly, one by one the enormous shelves toppled one after like dominos, picking up speed. I braced myself for impact as they were going to fall straight on top of Eian and I but the contact never came. Eian had frozen each shelf in place and returned them to their original place. It was like nothing happened, even the books were all in order.
  “Wow, thanks bud.” I said, very impressed with him.
  “Sorry! I tripped over a pile of books and knocked the shelf over!” Cass called from across the store. I guess he had already become accustomed to magic since he didn’t question what just happened. Casually Eian turned back to the counter with a smile. Rose looked shocked.
  “Eian..how did you do that?” She asked slowly.
  “Um, with magic? You know I’m a mage Rose.” He said calmly.
  “Yes, but that was very advanced. If my late husband exerted that much power he would have been at least winded and he was a high ranking mage in the royal army. Tell me something, is levitation the only magic type you can perform?” She asked. Eian thought for a moment.
  “I can do ice magic, but it’s a little hard if it’s hot out but I still can. Fire magic, but Rei won't let me cause I set our curtains on fire once. Illusions and I can move water into shapes too.” He said plainly. Rose was stunned.
  “What? Rose, is that not normal?” I asked, concerned.
  “No, it isn’t. Every mage usually has a speciality,whether it be resurgence or healing or any other magic type, some may even master two if they’re very talented. I mean lots of mages study other types than their specialty, most can’t even perform anything else though. And it isn't uncommon for young mages to study all types to figure out what their specialty is. But, I’ve never heard of anyone being able to perform so many types, nevermind how young you are.  It’s unheard of..but it’s also incredible.” She looked at Eian sincerely. “My dear you’re not just talented..you’re extraordinary.”