OatSW: Short Stories

Training

Today was as quaint of a day as most were in Niwen. The sun was shining brightly between a cluster of puffy clouds, there was little to no wind circulating the forest, it was pleasant. The new spirit, Vini, was currently strolling through Kwolok's Hollow. He already told the rest of his family that he was going to be out for a bit, because he had something to do.

In the aftermath of his trip to Nibel with Ku, Vini learned of his body's ancient magical energy from Sein, a vast set of tools where most of the limitations were in his head. Though, being from an unmagical world, he was rather unproficient in using these newfound skills to quick use. Thankfully, his lack of experience didn't stop him from saving Ku from a group of monstrous spirits out for blood. While he hoped that something like that wouldn't happen again, Vini knew that he wanted to gain proficiency in these powers, both as a means of defense and as a means to be useful.

But that led to the question: Who was going to help him adjust to his newfound powers?

The answer to his question led to him walking through this part of Niwen, as this path led straight to the holy Spirit Willow of Niwen, and the being in control of it, Seir. However, Vini wasn't entirely... comfortable with this. The relationship between the two beings wasn't exactly sitting on comfortable terms. He remembers that day where the two of them practically yelled at each other, Vini for his needless extraction from his world, and Seir justifying his reason to do so. The two weren't really on speaking terms, which is why Vini hasn't gone to see him since the day he became this reborn spirit.

But... that's exactly why he's going to him. Whether he likes it or not, Vini knew that at some point in his life, whether it would be days, weeks, or even months from now, Vini would have to confront him once more. Even if he didn't want to, Ori might have taken Vini along to see him, and that might have made things more awkward. If he was going to set their relationship straight, which he does want to some extent, Vini had to go talk to him. With that and the magical dilemma, he thought he could kill two birds with one stone, softening the relationship between the two beings while hopefully gaining experience in powers he never expected to possess.

His ruminating thoughts eventually brought him to the outer rim of Kwolok's Hollow, where the Spirit Willow dwelled. The shimmering tree was still very well kept, its light brown bark and twinkling leaves lighting up the already daylit area. Behind the big tree was a wide lake, from which he was able to gaze at the small mountain of Baur's Reach. He would have been able to see the Silent Woods from here as well, but it was covered by a couple rows of other green trees. A well-kept area, fitting for someone as calculating and strict as Seir.

Yet, one thing was missing from this sight. The golden orb perched atop the Willow, Seir himself, wasn't present at the current moment.

"Umm... Seir? Are you there?" Vini called out. Nothing but a gentle breeze answered his calls. "Well, that's great. The one time I actually want to see Seir and he's not even here to greet me."

Doesn't surprise me.

"GAH!" Vini shouted, hearing the voice enter the conversation unannounced. "Seav, i-is that you?"

Oh dear, I'm sorry I startled you, Vini.

"I-It's fine. Just give me a warning next time, ok?"

Understandable. Regardless, you seem keen on honing your magic with Seir.

"Well, I gotta train with someone." Vini replied.

You do know I can help you with some parts of that training, don't you?

"I know, but I feel like having someone physically present to help me is better. Though, since Seir isn't here right now, you could probably help me with a question I have?"