Preparations

Torrin looked at himself in the full body mirror that Grams conjured for him. His appearance had once again changed on him and he didn't know how he felt about it.

Gone was the sandy blonde mop of tangled hair; he pushed the messy, obsidian black hair from his golden eyes so he could get a better look at them. Silver specks floated in his golden irises, it was both entrancing and almost creepy to look at. From his time in the cave-like pocket realm, his skin had become extremely pale as well.

Sighing, he stepped back to look at the clothes that Grams had prepared for him. He was adorned in straight black pants with a silver pin-stripe down the sides, with a black, button-up blazer that had silver trim around the collar and down the front. The cuffs were also lined with a silver threading. A silver crescent moon and golden sun circling each other was embroidered on the left breast of the blazer. She had also prepared a silvery undershirt as well, made from mana-infused spider silk.

A golden sash was hung from his right shoulder to his left hip, with a black belt and golden buckle around his waist on top of his blazer, causing the blazer to flair out slightly at the bottom. A comfortable pair of flexible black boots completed the ensemble. Torrin felt the outfit was something he would have worn in his past life, but he guessed that was the point.

Grams stood to the side with a wide grin on her face, "Well, boy? What do you think?"

Torrin nodded his head, causing his hair to go into his eyes once more, "It's nice, Grams. Thank you. I didn't know you also made clothes," he finished, turning to her with a raised eyebrow.

"Oho! Your Grams knows many crafts!" She said with a hearty laugh, "Now, let us get to it, come and hold my hand so I can take us to the palace."

Torrin did as she asked and silvery runes sprang to life, surrounding both of their feet as she prepared her spell with a look of concentration. Soon enough, the runes fizzled out, and Grams began to grumble to herself.

"Grams? Is everything... okay?" He asked softly.

"Of course, boy!" She snapped, before mumbling quietly, "That stupid girl finally put some anti-teleportation runes in her throne room..."

A laugh burst from Torrin and Grams glared at him.

"No worries, boy, we will just need to do a bit of walking." She said with a haughty air.

They once again stood with runes around their feet, but they too soon fizzled out. Torrin looked at Grams with a questioning face, holding back his laughter.

"It's okay, Grams... I heard this happens to mages as they get older." He said deadpan.

Grams swatted him on the arm, cursing both him and the queen. The third try was successful and with a pop, they were gone from the hut. Torrin's body felt like it was being stretched and swished around, but much milder when compared to the pocket dimension he'd entered.

Torrin opened his eyes to a busy city street. The sun shone overhead, and people backed away from the pair with wide eyes. Torrin looked around, seeing the people slowly backing away from them he sighed.

"Grams... Couldn't you have taken us somewhere a bit more private?" He asked in a pleading tone.

"Hmph, all I ever hear is complaints out of you, boy! Now, let's go." She began walking into the distance, her usual cane tapping away at the cobblestones at their feet.

He gave the crowd an apologetic look and followed after her. The city was huge, at least four times as big as Bolin Town had been. Large carts were pulled by all manner of beast, and people were busily going about their day, only shooting Torrin a side glance every now and then.

'What a beautiful city,' Torrin thought as they traveled.

The two passed by a myriad of beautiful buildings, white stone architecture was a common theme for the place, as well as the usual wooden buildings of shops and taverns. Unlike Bolin Town, many of the shops had glass windows displaying their wares. A large building caught Torrin's eye, 'Voltec Auction House', Grams informed him.

It stood over sixty feet tall, gleaming white stone shone in the bright sun, a red sloped roof topped it off, with spires at each of its corners that had gleaming golden edges. A balcony ran from the middle of the building across the front of it, with gilded railing. Some people stood talking on the balcony that over-looked the city below.

Torrin was curious what could be found inside, but didn't have the chance to ask as Grams led him quickly past it. Torrin grumbled as they went along, annoyed at the random stares the two were receiving. Though the city was obviously prosperous, not many of the people on the streets were dressed as nicely as Torrin. Most wore simple white or tan outfits comfortable enough to work in.

The scents of the city were surprisingly mostly pleasant. Delightful smelling food was sold by vendors on some of the blocks, with bakeries making fresh bread as well. Passing by an Alchemy Shop, he could smell pleasant floral scents wafting from the open doors.

Inns and taverns had a steady flow of people already frequenting their establishments, music and laughter could be heard from the doors as people passed through. Couples walked the sidewalks, hand in hand laughing and smiling as they went.

The two passed through street after street and were finally at the gleaming gates of the palace. A white wall stood two stories high surrounding the building, covered in intricate silver runes that Grams mumbled were, "More useless than the clothes on your back, boy."

The guards at the gate were apparently expecting them, so their entrance was granted swiftly and they walked down a straight, clean, white pathway that led to the gigantic dark-wood doors of the palace, which was adorned with golden handles. Verdant green grass and trees growing some type of exotic fruit surrounded the pathway on either side. A few servants could be seen tending the bushes and trees as well.

The palace itself stood over a hundred feet in the air, almost double the size of the Auction House. Its white brick walls were immaculate, and crenelations could be seen lining the tops of short spires that rose above the flat roof. Guards paced back and forth along the battlements.

Windows dotted the walls, as well as some small balconies with doors leading to the inside. The balconies were lined with growing vines and potted plants, some had chairs and tables as well, most likely for entertaining guests.

On the center of the front wall of the palace an ostentatious image of some smiling being with their arms spread wide could be seen. The being had white wings extending from behind them and wore a golden robe wrapped tightly around their figure. Long flowing golden hair could be seen.

Torrin shook his head seeing the castle, it was definitely grand. The two made it to the door and were led inside by an elderly butler with salt and pepper hair. He wore a black suit with white gloves, looking very professional as he bowed to the pair.

The inside was no less grand, high arching ceilings, with white support columns and marble floors covered with exquisite rugs could be seen. Small stands with potted plants in golden vases lined the hallways. Tapestries of various animals, people, and scenery hung from the walls, causing the place to look almost like some sort of art gallery.

The pair finally made it to a door covered in silver runes and the butler waved them forward. The pair entered another hall lined with armed and armored guards that led to a wide open room, where Queen Wyma Lisson sat upon her throne.

The entire trip, Grams grumbled about "wasting time" and "gaudy this or ugly that". As the two approached the woman on the throne, Torrin was barely able to hold back his laughter. Once they arrived before the raised platform, Torrin swept into a graceful bow, while Grams just summoned her chair and plopped into it, griping about her aching feet.

"Welcome to the palace, I hope it wasn't too much trouble making it here," The queen announced with a devilish gleam in her azure eyes, one eyebrow slightly raised, and her crimson red lips turned up slightly on one side.

"Thank you, my Queen, for allowing us to be graced by your presence. My name is Rin Gram and you know my master, of course. It is an honor to be summoned," Torrin said, laying it on thick.

"Of course it was too much trouble! You actually placed anti-teleportation runes all across the castle and grounds? Since when have you acted like you have a brain?" Grams shouted, berating the queen.

Torrin shook his head, "I apologize, my Queen. In my master's old age, her magic has begun failing her... As well as her mind, it seems. I'm sorry it took so long for us to arrive, but I assure you, the walk was no trouble." he said with a straight face and an apologetic tone.

The queen's gaze landed on him and studied him thoroughly from head to toe as Grams began grumbling about how everyone was out to get her these days.

"I understand. It is always an issue with the elderly once their faculties begin fading... They often develop terrible tempers as well..." The queen trailed off, looking from Torrin to Grams.

Torrin nodded sagely, "It is as you say, my Queen."

Grams' face was scrunched up, mouth agape as she looked from the boy to the queen and back again, "Traitors... Both of you!" she grumbled, shaking her head.

The queen waved her hand airily at the old woman, "None of that, now," a smile tugged at her lips as she turned back to Torrin.

"Your Master," she put a heavy emphasis on the word, "has told me that you are very talented. I should like to see it for myself before we continue with the discussions of today."

Torrin's brows furrowed at the words as he looked to Grams. The old woman looked at him with a blank expression as if to say, 'what do you want me to do about it?'.

Clearing his throat, Torrin turned back to the queen, "I'm sorry, my Queen. What type of... Demonstration... Would you like to see exactly?" he asked curiously.

The queen's eyes narrowed, "As she has had me put together a sword tournament, let us see how well you can actually use a blade."

A nervous tension filled Torrin, as he hadn't used his enhanced body much yet. He wasn't used to how it felt, and even walking to the palace had been a chore. His body was taller and slimmer than what he had gotten used to, but he just nodded to the queen in acquiescence.

He turned to Grams, whispering, "Hey, Grams... Do you happen to have a sword I can use?"

Grams looked at him and harrumphed, "Hmph, you talk shit about me and now you want my help?" Seeing the boy's shocked expression she began cackling, causing Torrin to sigh.

Turning back to the Queen he said, "I apologize, my Queen. I do not currently have a suitable weapon for the task..." he trailed off awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

As the queen opened her mouth to reply, Grams waved her cane at her, "Don't mind him, girly," she turned towards Torrin in her seat, "Here, boy. I used that Celestial Bronze you had with you and made you a sword while you were recovering. Not that you deserve it, with how you treat your master!"

Torrin wasn't sure what celestial this or that she was talking about, but nodded gratefully, "Thanks, Grams," he whispered quietly.

The old woman scoffed, reaching out her hand and summoning a sword from thin air. Torrin's mouth gaped at the sight of the weapon.

The bronze sword was just under three and a half feet long from pommel to tip. A gleaming black gem was set in the pommel, with black leather wrapped around the grip. The sword had a cruciform hilt, guard sweeping out a bit before turning down slightly to help protect the user's hand. The blade itself was quite thin, with strange silvery striations along the edges. Small silver runes were engraved on the fuller that ran down the center. The blade was straight and sharpened on both sides before tapering to a point at the end.

Torrin stared at the blade in her hands, unsure if it was really for him.

"Well, boy? You gonna make me hold this thing all day?" Grams spat with a sly smirk on her lips.

Torrin lost all decorum as his awe-filled eyes turned to Grams' smug face, "Grams, this is beautiful... How did you...? When did you...?" he couldn't even finish a sentence.

Grams began cackling madly, "Hahaha! Now that's more like it, boy! Show your master some respect, hehe!"

The statement broke Torrin's trance of reverence and he shook his head as he smiled wryly, "You're right, Grams. This sword is beautiful and amazing. I guess not everything goes at once as you age, although your magic is slipping, your craftsmanship is great as always."

Grams' expression soured as the queen's tinkling laugh rang out. Grams huffed and handed the sword to Torrin. The balance of the blade was much like the sword from his trial in the pocket realm. He nodded gratefully at the blade.

"But seriously, thank you, Grams." he said earnestly.

Grams laughed as she waved away his words, her eyes twinkling. Seeing Torrin armed, the queen called to one of the guards who had a sheathed sword at his waist.

The tall man bowed politely after approaching, "Yes, my Queen? How may I serve?" he asked, posture bent with eyes on the floor the entire time.

"Rise," the queen commanded, causing the man to straighten, "I want you to test the boy here in a light spar. Both of you, no mana is allowed in this duel. And Benton, no sword light, please... I don't want my throne room torn to shreds by you two."

The man, Benton, nodded at his queen and walked towards the center of the room. Torrin followed suit, not daring to ask if he could use sword light. He was unsure if the queen thought him too unskilled to use Sword Energy, but in the end he didn't really care enough to ask or try changing her opinion of him.

Torrin glanced to the two women as he readied himself. The queen focused intently on him, while Grams had turned her chair around and had a broad grin splitting her face.

Torrin's feet were shoulder width apart and his sword was held lightly by his side, it could be said that he had no stance currently. The guard had taken off his chainmail for more mobility and stood with his left foot forward, knees slightly bent, sword hilt gripped with both hands slightly apart and blade pointed diagonally behind him, slightly hovering over his shoulder.

Benton looked at him quizzically, and Torrin nodded. The older man shot forward, sword slicing toward Torrin's neck. Torrin stepped back, parrying the strike with ease. The two reset and continued testing each other.

Torrin was sure he could have ended the duel quickly, but he wanted to stretch his muscles and get used to his new body. He could feel power just below the surface, ready to burst out if necessary. The match went on for several minutes and sweat could be seen on the guard's face as he huffed and puffed, trying to catch his breath.

Torrin on the other hand felt great, as if he'd just been on a light jog. His stamina had increased significantly with the Saen enhancement. After another minute of back and forth, the queen called a stop.

"Alright, I have seen enough. Thank you, Benton, you may go clean yourself up." She said amiably. The guard bowed once more before quickly marching out of the room.

Her gaze landed on Torrin and almost made him squirm from the look she was giving him. She beckoned him back towards her platform and continued analyzing him, a slight glow indicating she was using mana sight.

"Well, well, well... You weren't kidding, you old hag... The boy is definitely talented." Her words were soft but the predatory gleam in her eyes was making Torrin nervous.

Grams burst out cackling once more, "Ahaha! You thought I was just an old fool, eh? Now you see how great my apprentice is and you want to lavish me with compliments, is that it?"

Torrin and the queen both stared at the old lady who had a smug grin on her face. Torrin sighed softly before bowing to the queen.

"My Queen... I apologize for my master's words... It seems her mind is fading far faster than I thought. She often twists and turns words over in her mind, unsure of what to make of them..." He shook his head sadly.

The queen nodded sagely at the words, "It is no fault of yours, Rin. I have known her for a very long time and it is just as you say."

Grams' face soured once more and she went back to grumbling to herself about her unfair treatment. Torrin smiled softly at her reaction, whispering to her and returning the sword since he didn't have anywhere to keep it. The queen clapped softly to bring the pair's attention back to her.

"Give me a moment to clear the room," the queen said, and putting action to words she commanded everyone else out.

Torrin's will spread through the room and his eyes turned to a shadowed corner where someone was hiding, a small frown marring his face. Catching his reaction, the queen chuckled lightly.

"Talented indeed." The queen said softly, before turning her gaze on Grams.

"Well, witch? What exactly is your big plan? In four months the tournament shall take place, so how are you planning to catch Karth?" The queen asked.

The witch cackled, "Oh, don't worry your pretty little head with such things!"

Torrin and the queen stared at the old lady for quite some time. As if it was planned, the two sighed in unison before rubbing their temples in frustration.

"What's with the reaction, you two?! I've got a plan and it needs to stay a secret, or else Karth might hear about it!" Grams exclaimed.

Torrin shook his head, asking, "Grams... Why are we here then?" The queen nodded at the question, also wondering the same.

"Fool boy, we're here to get that help I was promised!" Grams explained.

The room fell silent for a few moments, everyone taking in her words. The queen was the first to break, she sighed heavily.

"Old woman, what exactly do you want me to do for you? Before it was to set Torrin up with one of our Academy's teachers to get him enrolled... What use is that now that I have set the tournament up?" The queen asked, desperation tinging her voice.

Torrin looked at them both with an expression of shock. He didn't want to go to school, he needed to learn magic.

The old hag waved her hand to dismiss the question, "No, we don't need that anymore, he's already formed a core and he needs to learn magic. What I need from you..." She said as her gaze turned serious, "Is to allow us to use your teleporter to visit the Elves. Their forests are warded and I can't get close enough to make the trip quick. You, on the other hand, have a line directly to them."

Torrin gaped at the old lady's words, 'Elves? Is she serious? Aren't they just fictional characters in stories?' he thought.

The queen shook her head before answering in a serious tone, "Baba, I owe you dearly, but you ask too much... The relationship between humans and elves is already strained enough... You know the history between our races has been terrible, to say the least. I can't allow you to visit them and make it worse!"

'Strained relationship? Terrible history? What exactly happened?' Torrin wondered to himself.

Grams started cackling and didn't stop for a long while. She finally caught her breath before replying, "No, dumbass. Not me. We need to send the boy."

Torrin's eyes widened and he whisper-shouted at the old lady, "Grams! What the hell? Don't talk like that directly to her face!" his nervous gaze turned to the queen, expecting her to be furious. To his surprise she was smiling softly at his reaction.

"Little Rin... If there is one thing that is true in this world, it is that your master has no respect for anyone. Keep that in mind going forward," she said softly before turning back to the old woman, "And why would I allow your apprentice to visit the elves? The way they practice magic is not even close to what humans mages learn."

Grams just huffed and shook her head, "Why do I have to explain everything? Why can no one just listen to what I tell them the first time. This boy," she pointed at Torrin, "is not like any other mage. Don't ask why or how, just set the trip up for me like a good girl."

'Why can Grams never just ask nicely... Always so aggressive...' Torrin sighed inwardly, expecting to get sent out of the room at any moment. He could feel a slight fluctuation of mana from the shadow in the corner, making him slightly tense.

"If I do this, once the tournament is over... We are even," The queen held up her hand as Grams opened her mouth, "No more lording over me... No more teleporting into my throne room and causing a scene. We will be mutual acquaintances and if you want a favor, you will ask nicely. Deal?" The queen's voice held a hopeful tone.

Grams grumbled about the impetuousness of youth for a few moments before nodding.

"Deal."