Setosolace: The Kingdom's Sorcerer-AU

Chapter 2: The Mighty Sorcerer

Brice's eyes widened at the mention of the sorcerer's name. He had heard of this person; he had a reputation for having unbelievable powers and wisdom, especially being only Brice's age. He was raised in Aræn, but left to isolate himself from others since they feared what he could do. The sorcerer supposedly lost his parents to sickness and raised himself after he left the kingdom. Another reason he drove himself to seclusion was to hone his already magnificent skills. Brice wondered what kind of person Seto really was.

Could he be some kind of insane, yet powerful being with no heart that would kill anyone who crossed his path? Or is he someone just hidden from the rest, simply living out his life. . .?

Choco seemed to see the panic on Brice's face and shook his head dismissively. He appeared to have the crook of his beak arched up into a slight smile similar to what a parent would have when watching their child walk for the first time. It seemed to say,
"You have a lot to learn."

All that he said, though, was, "Regenald, lead Sir Brice to Seto's location."
~

Brice felt like he had just left the castle with Regenald guiding him when they arrived at a house large enough to be a mansion tucked within the forest. The variants of stone that made up a majority of it had a faint shimmer. Brice assumed this purple gleam was a spell Seto cast to protect the house or hold it together strongly.

Regenald stopped at the light wooden door, and turned to Brice. "I leave you to speak in private with Seto. We'll send for you after a day's time, shall you not return."

Brice wasn't sure if Regenald had to return to the kingdom right away on orders, or if he simply was afraid of the sorcerer. If he happened to be the latter, he certainly didn't convey it through his hardened face as he strolled away.

Brice felt sweat already pool in the palm of his hand when he clenched it into a fist to knock on the entrance door. Instantly, the door swung open. Alas, it revealed not a one that had done it. As Brice looked closer, he observed a purple tint slowly fading from the wood.

Seto must have opened it with his magic. Gingerly stepping into the house, Brice heard the door close behind him. Looking around, he took in his surroundings. An almost empty grand entrance room greeted him. A fountain of water flowed in the center peacefully, sending out a calm trickle that echoed in the otherwise silent room. There were three exits out of the light, wooden entrance room; only a lit staircase leading to upper floors, a stairwell leading down into darkness, and a hallway heading to other places showed ways out. It seemed pretty spacious, yet plain, but it was oddly welcoming.

As Brice took a few steps, he suddenly caught his breath. Amazement replaced all other emotion, and filled his mind. Just by looking a bit closer, these ordinary things instantly became a wonder. The fountain wasn't shooting water from the top; the flow headed upwards. The lit staircase had a glow seemingly emanating without a traceable source, and the stairs were floating, immobile, in the air. Peeking down the hallway at the back of the room, an active kitchen was noticeable at the end with pots, pans, and ingrediants flying all over being busily prepared. Brice was stunned at this sight, and he wished it would last. He remembered, though, why he had come.

"Um, hello, uh, wondrous Seto the sorcerer. I am Brice, and I. . ." Brice began, yet couldn't finish his greeting. He stopped when he heard light footsteps. Emerging from the top of the stairs, a slightly shorter boy about Brice's age gracefully began to descend. Their eyes had met, and even from how far they were from one another, Brice could see the brightness in Seto's purple-flecked hazel eyes. There being a mixture of emotions in those flickering orbs, Brice could pick out none. Seto wore a gray, with a bit of red and purple, long-sleeved shirt. Iron armor plates rested on his small shoulders, along with a black and purple cloak. A hood attached to it hid loose, brown hair on his head.
Matching his shirt were gray pants and a red sash around his waist. (Quick note from Kat: This is just my interpretation of Seto's complex skin, I doubt it's anywhere close to accurate, sorry Seto.)

"What brings you to my home?" Seto questioned with a tinge of suspicion and not-well-hidden delight. Brice relaxed his shoulder muscles, which he realized had tightened when Seto first spoke. He once thought the sorcerer would've had a thunderous, angered bark, but instead wielded such a soft-spoken hush, smooth like butter and calm like a spring day. He just seemed so little and innocent compared to the image others created for him.

"You're Seto. . .?" Brice breathed.

Seto looked confused by his tone, then nodded in understanding. "I suppose you heard rumors of me as well. I am eager to inform you that I am no more harmful than you, or anyone else for that matter. I may have magic, but I don't want to hurt anyone."

Brice took a moment to let this sink in. He then said, "I suppose you could help me then? I-it's kind of a long story." Brice sheepishly grinned.

Seto stood there for a few seconds, then closed his eyes and nodded once more. "Alright, come with me. I'll bring you some food and you can explain."