The Seventh Element

Chapter Eight

The entrance was a long hall and Vic explained as we walked.

"I know you're new to this whole mage thing so there's a few things you should know about Nox in particular. Our element is darkness and, as often happens with mages, our bodies change because of our element. For Nox, we become completely intolerant to light, and we gain night vision. Hence the long sleeves, the deep hoods, and this long walkway; all designed to keep ourselves safe from the light of the sun. This also means that the inside of our dorm has no source of light. For anyone that isn't Nox, we use this."

Having reached the end of the walkway and the now near darkness we stood in, I was surprised when Vic pulled out a glowing blue orb from a place I couldn't see.

"This is a moon pearl. It glows in darkness but doesn't aggravate Nox vision or skin so is safe to use around us. These are incredibly rare, only found deep in mountain caves," Vic explained as he handed it to me.

A fine sheen of frost instantly covered it, and I shot Vic a look of panic.

He smiled at me, face now glowing an eerie blue. "They're hardier than they look, Tor. Your powers won't do it any harm. So, let's go."

We entered the dorm and, as Vic had told me, the room we entered was pitch dark. Thankfully, the moon pearl allowed me to see my immediate surroundings. From the darkness beyond my light, happy voices rose in greeting.

"Hey, Vic's back!"

"And he brought a friend!"

"It must be Tor!"

"Its so great to finally meet you!"

"We've heard so much about you!"

It was definitely disorienting to hear all of these strangers and only catch some of their features where my light reached.

Vic laughed. "Guys, give him some space. He hasn't eaten yet so let's do that first."

My mentor gripped my arm and led me forward though I could feel the other Nox around me. We didn't have to go very far before reaching a table.

"You can sit here, Tor. Our lunch today is meat pie full of meat, potatoes, carrots, and gravy." As he talked, Vic served me a large meat pie. "We also have tea but wait, can you drink hot beverages?" Vic paused to give me a questioning look.

"Hot food, yes. Hot drinks, no," I answered.

"No worries. We also have water or juice if you prefer." He set a glass and a couple of pitchers within easy reach. "Will this work for you?"

"Yes, this is fine. Much better than what Aqua was having."

"What sort of food are you used to at home? We can try to serve that next time."

"Food like this, actually," I said before digging in.

It was true. Utter darkness aside, this was much like the meals I was used to at home. The other Nox talked and laughed easily, sitting at the table around me. They didn't hesitate to include me in their conversation, either. They treated me as if I were another Nox.

Just as we finished, Val, the Nox High Mage, returned. When she came within the moon pearl's glow, she gave me the same kind smile she had given earlier that day. "I hope you've found Nox's dorm more to your liking?"

I nodded. "Yes, much."

"The darkness doesn't bother you too much?"

I shook my head. "I actually kinda like it and the moon pearl gives enough light to see by."

"Then I've discussed it with Rip and, if you're willing, you're welcome to stay in Nox's dorm."

"Yes!" Vic looped an arm around me in a hug.

"You want me here?" I asked. Nox had already proven they were a friendly bunch but after my reception from Aqua, I was still shocked. "What about my ice powers?"

"It'll take more than a little cold to bother a Nox," Vic said.

"Besides, your powers are cool," Vakare, the nova girl said.

There was a mix of laughs and groans at her pun.

"So, what do you say, Tor?" Vic asked, looking hopefully up at me.

"That won't affect having Vic as my mentor, will it?" I checked, looking at Val.

"No. Its not unheard of to have a mentor and nova from the same element. You sharing a dorm with Vic won't be an issue," Val reassured.

"Then I accept."

There were whoops and cheers at my answer, the other Nox crowding in so that I was suddenly at the center of a group hug. Overwhelmed, my powers responded sending an icy blast through the entire group. Getting the message, they backed off with surprised squeaks and laughs.

"Brr! That was cold!"

"I guess you don't like hugs, huh?"

"Just wait until you can do that on command!"

"Alright, everyone. Now that lunch is over it's time we returned to class. Vakare, Vaso, remember to raise your hoods," Val reminded the two Nox nova.

We exited the dorm into the walkway. As we walked, the Nox raised their hoods and were fully covered by the time they reached the outside. The other elemental student mages were also heading back to the Tower after their noon meal. I was beginning to familiarize myself with the other elements. Each had a distinctive appearance and style to them though I had yet to sort which group was which element.

Val fell back to walk beside me. "From now on, you are welcome to train with Nox. However, your element being unique, you will have to figure out training yourself. We'll teach you the basics of course, which are the same for every nova, regardless of element but beyond that...you'll be on your own." The Nox Mage gave me a considering look. "Something tells me this will be an interesting year."