Short Stories

Kerkinquana

My name is Kerkinquana.

A girl who lives in a world where we have entered an industrial revolution. I live in Thornvina, a city that resides in the lovely continent of Fanviana. The lush grasslands and forests remain ever so close to our city, and the many places illuminated by the light bulbs and lanterns. Such steam pumped out from the small train carts that roamed the city, fine transportation if I say so myself.

Though I have been born and raised in this city, I had always been accustomed to learning about the Arcane. Magic if you will, but I was always interested in its whereabouts and how to channel its properties. Though here at Thornvina, we aren't too adept at magic, hence I had no teacher to guide me in such a path. Even if we did have one here at Thornvina, I wouldn't be able to pay the necessary fees.

The only reason why I wanted to learn magic was to benefit Thornvina and the other cities across from us. And most importantly, I wanted to help Vaxinkan. He needed the help more than anyone, he would always help others without regarding his needs, his health. He only wanted to help me.

Whilst in the middle of my endearment of the position we were in, and otherly thoughts. A creature had nudged my arm. "Kiri, what are you doing here?" Vaxinkan asked.

Vaxinkan was still a good friend of mine, he knew someone who was friends with another with the knowledge of the Arcane and would get me books about how to use it. He was friends with me since we were children, hence it didn't take much effort to recognize his actions, even if I didn't need to look at him to confirm it.

"I can't adore the revolution?" I inquired, staring at the steam-powered train carts moving about, the sound of a horn blowing into the air. Those who would pass by would have a revolver holstered at their side. The smell of grease and smelted coal, smeared into my nostrils, though that was the norm for us city folks.

I peered back at Vaxinkan who bore a lengthy leather cloak with straps around his waist and arms, a fox scarf wrapped around his neck, a poorly sewn face of the fox had me perturbed in his fashion sense. Though I know he was always picking whatever suited his needs at the very moment, hence why the perturbed waves crashed into my consciousness.

"Something wrong?" I asked casually, he then reached for the head of his fox scarf. "Ah! Do you mean this? The seamstress has shown her abilities to be punctilious, no?"

"You apish buffoon! I wasn't looking at that!" I pointed to a random being behind him. "I was looking at that!" Absentmindedly, I had pointed to a hooded figure walking towards the city in the far distance, they bore a book in their hands and a bag strapped around their shoulders. A small pouch at their waist and nothing more from the seams.

Vaxinkan would peer behind him to take a view of the creature whom I was mentioning.

"Him?" Vaxinkan inquired.

I nodded.

"That's the Wizard whom I obtained the books from, or at least he is the source of the books I give you."

"Should I go up to him and ask about magic?"

Vaxinkan shook his head. "That would be absurd! You know how the people of Thornvina dislike magic, and you want to talk to the Wizard!" He grabbed hold of my shoulders, shaking me.

"I don't care about what the people--"

Pushing Vaxinkan aside, I was about to proceed towards the Wizard, but the shadow of some creature shaded my person. In front of me was the Wizard whom I was talking about, I slightly stumbled back, startled.

"Ah! I-- uh! Uh-- hello!"

The Wizard closed his booklet and we made eye contact. He took his hood down, revealing his long hair that rested on his shoulder. He had a seemingly gray or white eye color, we both stared at each other for an uncomfortably long period.