The Ether-Knight's Lessons

4

.^^ Eliza (sans Eyepatch)^^

— Idun —

The higher ground proved to be useless, as the sword just doubled back again, still steadily accelerating.

Getting a quick idea, I dodged the sword again, and gripped the handle, removing my enchantment, even as the momentum pulled my shoulder nearly out of socket, before I let go.

I grinned and set it on fire, then glared at Syral as the ashes buffeted against me uselessly. "That was simply rude, Syral." I huffed.

The Shapeshifter chuckled softly. "I wanted to see how you handled it. I was not disappointed. Now, can you do runes?"

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "I know a few, Sure."

"Demonstrate."

I was handed a scroll and a wet brush, and then tossed the brush back again, instead inscribing the rune for a powerful electrical storm with my finger. On the reverse side, I placed the rune that controlled the Etheric Draw of the active rune, so as to control its output levels, and a third around the edges, which would contain the effects to about ten feet around the scroll.

Glass took it when I offered, and hummed. "I don't recognize this one... your own creation?"

"Family spells." I shook my head.

"Ahhh... yes. Syral?" He handed the scroll over, and stepped back.

The scroll was rolled open, and then carefully examined by all three professors, and finally set down on a table. After a silent debate, the only woman of the three touched a glowing finger to it to activate the Etherial Pathways I'd drawn.

The electrical storm erupted, and she shielded herself with an insulting ease, then examined the rune, while it was still giving off enough electricity to kill even the largest of beings, the Elder Dragons.

She nodded once, after having thoroughly inspected it, and tapped it again, ceasing the storm, and dropping the barrier. The smell of Ozone flooded the room, making me sneeze, but it was quickly filtered out, by some unseen vent.

She looked at me. "You're related to the Parisian Drachenjäger's? I thought they died out decades ago."

"My mother's family held on to the traditions. Nothing much." I shrugged, trying for nonchalant. 'Damn, tried to show off, and instead got identified by a professor... figures. *Devil's Luck* Indeed...'

She smiled a little, then flattened her lips. "I see... Idunacantus, Hmm? I'll be looking forward to your progress, here. And you, Jon. The both of you show promise." She seemed oblivious of the other students' offense at that statement, and turned to the other professors. "I believe that concludes the exam? I have no more questions."

Syral nodded, and the other professor simply walked out, straightening his leather coat, and leaving a small trail of chemical scents behind himself.

The woman nodded again. "Good. Glass, a Word?"

He quickly followed her out, motioning us all to stay put.

I decided to make good use of my time, and walked up to Jon and Mikhail. "I suppose you two are related?"

Mikhail nodded. "Half-brothers. You should spar him, you know. Might be good practice for him. He relies too much on magic, in Duels."

Jon blushed, grumbling his protests, but otherwise stayed out of the conversation.

"Sure, I have a bit of a bone to pick with him anyway. Might be fun, working it off." I smirked at the (slightly smaller,) giant.

"Oh?" Mikhail raised an eyebrow.