Chapter 6

I woke up before dawn to take a bath, eat something, and get myself mentally prepared for the day. I never really was one to wake up early, but what can one do when duty calls? Also, I know my Aunt, and she will probably be here even before the announced time.

Just as I finished dressing, there was a knock on the door. Aunt Valaena, always punctual, entered with a warm smile. "Good morning, little Kaelarys. Ready for your first lesson in Bloodmagic?"

I returned her smile, though still a bit groggy. "Good morning, Aunt Valaena. As ready as I'll ever be this early."

She chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "I see you're still not a morning person. Don't worry, I'll go easy on you today. We'll just be learning the basics."

I shrugged, following her out of my room. "If I fall asleep halfway through, you can't blame me."

She smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I'll just have to make the lessons so interesting you won't want to."

"Challenge accepted," I replied, grinning. "But no promises."

Once we got to her chambers, Aunt Valaena handed me a couple of books, some new, some very old.

I took one of the newer ones in my hand, a book titled A Beginner's Guide to Runes, and said, "I think I've read a similar one in the library before."

"Really now?" she replied, surprised. "I don't remember this one being in the library, but maybe it was added recently. Anyway, this will make the beginning easier either way."

"Now, let's begin. Today, we'll focus on the theory behind runes. The practical applications are not suitable for children your age, and I will be teaching them to you at a later date."

I sat down at the desk, and she handed me a piece of parchment and a quill.

"Each rune has its own meaning and power. When inscribed with blood, they can channel and amplify magical energy," she explained.

She showed me a series of runes, explaining their meanings and how they could be combined to create more complex spells. I listened intently, trying to absorb as much information as possible.

"For example," she said, pointing to a particular rune, "this one represents protection. When combined with this rune," she pointed to another, "which symbolizes strength, it can create a powerful protective barrier."

I practiced drawing the runes on the parchment, carefully mimicking her precise strokes. It was intricate work, and I quickly realized that even the slightest mistake could alter the rune's power.

"Very good," Aunt Valaena praised, watching me closely.

"These runes," she said, pointing to another set, "are used for healing. When combined with the appropriate incantations, they can close wounds and cure ailments. However, the cost is significant, and the practitioner must be prepared to sacrifice some of their own vitality, or.....the vitality of others."

"Sacrifices?" I asked confirmed.

"Yes," Aunt Valaena replied. "Bloodmagic always demands a price. Healing magic, in particular, requires a transfer of life force. The more severe the injury or illness, the greater the cost. This invention is what allows every one of the 40 Families of the Dragon to have a healing chamber in their homes. It is used for more serious injuries because nobody who bonds with a dragon is able to get any common disease or illness. If their dragon dies and they aren't able to bond with another dragon, then they are no different than any other."

This was... new. I had always wondered why nobody in or out of our family seemed to get ill, but now I knew the reason. I had always thought that the magic in them kept them safe, but it was the bond with their dragon.

"The bond with a dragon is incredibly powerful," Aunt Valaena continued, realizing my interest in her last sentence, "not just emotionally and mentally, but physically as well. It fortifies you, strengthens you, and protects you from common ailments. But once that bond is broken, unless a new bond is formed, the protection fades."

Once finished, Aunt Valaena returned back to runes. "There are ways to mitigate the personal cost. Using animal blood or other sources can lessen the burden on the practitioner, but these methods are less effective and often require larger quantities. The most potent and immediate results come from human vitality,

"Now," she said, pointing to a new set of runes, "let's discuss the runes for communication. These are among the most complex and powerful. They can be used to communicate across great distances, like the glass candles you know of. There is also-".

By the time our lesson ended, I was exhausted but eager for more. Aunt Valaena smiled at me, seeing the determination in my eyes. "You've done well today, Kaelarys. We'll continue tomorrow. Rest now, and remember what you've learned."

"I would like to, but I also promised Seraphine to go shopping in the Vestrion."

Aunt Valaena laughed heartily at that. "Ah, sweet little Seraphine already has her brother wrapped around her finger. I can't wait to see how this plays out as you both grow older. She'll have you doing her bidding before you know it."

I grinned sheepishly. "It's hard to say no to her."

"That's the charm of younger siblings," she said with a wink. "But go on then, enjoy your time with her."

I nodded. "I will, Aunt Valaena. Thank you."

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"I will take that design with that pattern," Seraphine ordered, pointing at a dress and then a bolt of material. They were in one of the newest shops that were owned by House Maeron. They made beautiful clothing, which was why Mother ordered most of her dresses from him. Her designs were quite a bit more scandalous than Seraphine's choices though, which was a given considering their age differences.

"Of course," the man smiled happily. "In which color would you prefer, milady?"

"One of every color. I would like all five of those designs in every pattern and color," she said, pointing out what she wanted. Whoever you marry sis, I pray for him. Wait, ...that could be me. Oh well, problems for another time.

As is common in the Capital of the Freehold, it houses only the best of the best. The silk was the best that could be found in the known world. It held dyes better, was shinier, and was a lot stronger as well. If I were to guess, I'd say magic is involved, or maybe the silk is from some magical creatures, some gigantic Spiders like in Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings.

We had been shopping for a while now, visiting all kinds of shops, whatever fancy took hold of Seraphine. Jewelry, dresses, paintings, restaurants—we have been everywhere. Of course, we weren't alone, as we had ten guards with us and servants to do our bidding.

As we walked out of the shop, Seraphine turned to me with a mischievous grin. "You know, Kaelarys, you could use a new wardrobe too. How about we find you some stylish robes?"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I think I'll pass, Seraphine. I don't need nearly as many clothes as you do."

She pouted playfully. "Oh, come on! You'd look so handsome in some of these new designs. Imagine all the attention you'd get at the next feast."

I smirked, leaning closer to her. "Well, with you there, who would even notice me? All eyes will be on you, little sister."

Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she tried to hide her smile by looking away. "That's not true," she mumbled, though the pleased look in her eyes said otherwise.

I laughed softly. "Oh, it is. You'll be the belle of the ball, and everyone will be wondering where you got your stunning outfits."

She nudged me playfully." Stop it"

"Okay, okay, I will stop. Anyway, we should be going back now before Mother starts nagging at me again."

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I want to fast-forward it a bit because I don't think anyone cares about Slice of Life that much. On the other hand, it's my story, you can cry all you want...lol.