The Ether-Knight's Lessons

25

.^^ Origami Lizard ^^

— Idun —

The seething king probably should have scared me, but honestly, I was too tired to really care, so I let Darien handle him, while I pet the silver dragons head that appeared in my lap.

Scythia had apparently gotten bored and come to visit me.

'The Pearl One is becoming Irritating... she is far too messy, and when I clean, she gets angry, and she is bigger than me.' She murmured into my mind.

"I'll talk with her, my dear. I know how much you like your cleanliness." I stroked the crest of small spines on the top of her skull.

"I'll not have this disrespect from some girl who knows no such thing as her place in the world!" The king finally growled at Darien.

"My place? You are the one who forgets where you are, old man! This Academy is the property of the Mage Council, and this Building is the property of Lord Glass. As such, Royalty means nothing here. Let me put this simply, for you: In terms of etiquette, you are an Elder male who has been openly rude and snide towards me, and therefore I hold the metaphorical 'High Ground' in this argument." I chuckled.

Darien smirked, and nodded, summoning a beautiful, yet grisly bow. Carved from dragon's horns, it was Raw Mithril in its natural, organic state, but Bone White, instead of Red. Small splinters of bone grew from it, as if it was still healing, and still growing.

The king took a careful step away from the bow, then looked at Darien.

He simply stood there, his entire posture nonchalant and relaxed, but two things gave away his readiness; mainly his grip on his bow, (a bit too tight,) and eyes, (wide, and bright.)

"No need for threats, grandfather. You're ruining my position on the high ground." I said dryly.

He chuckled, dissolving the bow, and sat down slowly, his lithe body still tight and ready for action.

"As I was saying, Pashas has made the decision to stay here. Any attempt to remove him against his will would be an act of war against the Mage Council, and would be summarily dealt with by Syral the Nightingale. Understood?" I asked casually.

He scowled, but bowed his head mockingly, and looked at Pashas. "I understand that my third son has decided to abstain the Throne, and become a Pet Mage of the Mage Council. So be it." He growled, and then stepped through a portal.

"Hmph. What a dick-tater." I snorted.

"Uuuugh. That was a bad one. Never say that pun again. That was almost a negative point on your clap-back record." Glass groaned.

"Ah well." I shrugged, and laid down on Brigit's lap, falling asleep while she played with my hair.

—

"From where do I acquire food?" A sudden voice had me flailing, and falling out of my bed, onto my face.

I groaned and stood slowly, cracking my neck, and looked down at the back of Pashas's head. "Food? Why are you turned around?"

"Clothes would be wise." He growled.

"Hmm? Ah, yes." I pulled on pants and a shirt, then went to the baths, taking my necessary morning steps. When I returned, he was kicking a ball at Bergen, who was pouncing on it, then fighting to keep it for himself.

Scythia slipped in while I watched, and silently stole the ball, returning it to Pashas, then darting away before her much bigger little brother could snap at her.