A Dreamer's Knight

Chapter 12 - Moonlight Swim

Mikaen slid the final rod in place with a grunt. He stood and looked at the result of his labors for a moment before turning to Jeronem for comment.

Jeronem looked at the wobbling tent dubiously. "It's awfully small."

"I didn't want to use up all of the money your father gave us." Mikaen said defensively. "Besides, it's just for a night. It'll be fine."

The tent immediately collapsed into a pile of rods and waterproof fabric. Snorting, Mikaen gave the remains of the tent a moody kick. "I guess it wouldn't be the first time I've slept on the ground."

Jeronem patted his friend on the arm. "Don't worry about it."

He whirled his staff around and pointed at the tent. Instantly, the misshapen shelter began to change, first in size, then in shape. Within moments, the tent had become the size of a small house, complete with chimney and mailbox.

Mikaen glowered at Jeronem. "Showoff."

Jeronem beamed at Mikaen a moment before prancing up to the front door. Mikaen started to follow when a sharp pain in the back of his leg made him pause. There was a rather nasty cut on the back of his thigh, probably from chasing the monk earlier that day. It didn't look serious, but it did need to be healed.

"Hey, Jeronem!" Mikaen called out, "I don't suppose you magicked a bathroom in there."

"No, but if you're looking for a bath, there's always the lake."

"The lake?"

"Yeah, Yuna Lake. The lake you insisted we camp near. Y'know, the big blue wet thing?"

Snorting, Mikaen said, "I know what a lake is, Jeronem."

"Then go knock yourself out." Jeronem stepped out of the tent, his staff in hand. "I'm going to see if I can't scare up some dinner."

"No insects this time, please." Mikaen called after him.

"Picky, picky."

Mikaen shook his head and headed in the direction of the lake. Jeronem initially wanted to camp right beside the lake, but Mikaen didn't want to risk such an open spot after the incident with the monks. Still, it only took Mikaen a few minutes to break through the undergrowth and reach the lakeside.

Yuna Lake, named after an ancient Sorceress whose tale had long since become legend, was actually two lakes that had become joined by a combination of idestan labor and natural erosion. It was believed to be a place of new beginnings, and bathing in its waters prior to a new venture was said to bring good luck.

Mikaen had no idea of this of course. His need was a bit simpler, though the sight of the lake did give him pause. Even partially obscured by clouds, the light from Everblue shone through the surface of the lake and moved slowly along the sandy dirt at the bottom.

Mikaen admired the beauty of the moonlit lake for a few moments before unbuckling his tek-boots. Once the final straps were loose, he tugged the heavy leg armor off and set them beneath a nearby tree. After a moment's hesitation, he slid off his gauntlets and his shirt as well. He winced a little as the shirt slipped off of his back; though the cramp had faded hours ago, there was still a lingering soreness in his shoulders. He gingerly lowered his injured leg into the water, sighing with relief as the cool water washed over his bare skin.

Mikaen had never had the benefit of proper training to focus his energist abilities on Earth, so it had been quite a surprise to learn that energist magic not only encompassed the so-called elements, but minor healing powers as well. It wasn't much; any injury that was more than superficial would take a tremendous amount of stamina and time. A scratch, on the other hand, was well within his power.