Divinity's Trial

THE ARCHIVES OF FORGOTTEN MEMORIES III

It was a brisk morning in Vasuvel. The academy grounds buzzed with the excited chatter of scholars and students eager for their next lecture. Tur, cloaked in his usual modest robes, kept to himself as he walked toward the Grand Hall, his mind swirling with theories and spells. His brothers—Damian and Lucian—were already well-known, their names carried with admiration for their charisma and skill. But Tur? Tur was the shadow, the quiet one who was rarely noticed, lost in his books and scrolls.

As he entered the hall, something shifted. A familiar presence was in the room. Cynthia.

She stood near the large windows, her dark hair catching the light of the morning sun, her presence almost ethereal. Tur paused, his breath catching in his throat. He hadn't seen her in years—since their days together at the academy in Ortuzar. Back then, she was untouchable, admired by many for her wit and beauty. Tur had admired her too, but always from a distance. He was nothing more than the awkward, bookish brother of Damian and Lucian, always in their shadow.

For a moment, Tur hesitated. Should he approach her? What would he say?

**Tur (thinking):** "What would I even talk about? Ancient spells? Theories of magic? She wouldn't care..."

He gathered himself, pulling his robes tighter as if they could somehow shield him from his own nervousness. As he took a step forward, Cynthia turned, and their eyes met.

She smiled—a soft, genuine smile that made Tur's heart race.

**Cynthia (with a teasing grin):** "Tur? Is that really you?"

Her voice was light, playful, but there was a warmth in it. Tur blinked, caught off guard.

**Tur (stumbling over his words):** "Y-Yes... I mean... yes, it's me. It's been a while."

Cynthia approached him, her movements graceful and sure, like a dancer's. Her gaze was piercing, though not unkind, and Tur suddenly felt exposed, as if she could see right through the layers of knowledge and pride he had built around himself.

**Cynthia (softly, with genuine curiosity):** "You've changed. I remember the quiet boy always buried in books. You were... different."

Tur chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck.

**Tur (nervously):** "Well, I'm still buried in books. Some things never change."

Cynthia smiled, but there was a glint of something else in her eyes—admiration, maybe. Tur's heart raced even faster, but he tried to calm himself.

**Cynthia (with a smirk):** "I've heard about you. The elders speak highly of your knowledge. Some even say you surpass your brothers in wisdom."

Tur's face flushed, a rare flicker of pride swelling within him, though it was quickly dampened by doubt.

**Tur (humble, but with a hint of insecurity):** "I don't know about surpassing anyone. Damian and Lucian have always been... more suited for attention."

Cynthia tilted her head, her expression softening.

**Cynthia (gently):** "You've always underestimated yourself, Tur. You may not see it, but your brilliance shines brighter than you think."

Tur's chest tightened at her words. Admiration? From *her*? For a moment, he didn't know what to say. The memory of watching her from afar, in the shadow of his brothers, seemed like a lifetime ago. And now, here she was, speaking to him like an equal—or perhaps something more.

But still, the old doubts lingered.

**Tur (softly, almost to himself):** "It's easy to admire from a distance, but things are never that simple."