Stars and Conversations (Pt.3)

Later that week.

Lucian has spent the entirety of the week busy as a worker bee. His days are a jumble of endless training. Which have been amplified as a punishment for his actions on the night of his birthday. In Harald's mind, it is a light punishment, considering the execution that would have ensued if Lucian had killed Jorgen.

His nights have been more carefree. The only stress is the constant tug of war between Layla and Talia, as they vie for his attention. With Layla winning by a longshot, a few more years of experience in the field.

...

Layla lays awake, cozy in Lucian's bed. Her arms rub against the silk sheets, her first time experiencing such luxury in life. While Layla lies in luxury, Lucian has been forced to sleep on the floor. His only comforts are the carpet and a blanket that's a bit too small for his height.

This is the 2nd night in a row where Layla has decided to spend the night in Lucian's quarters. Her excuse. that she feels "lonely" in her own room. Lucian begrudgingly accepting the excuse.

The sounds of a snoring hog fill the room.

"Ugh. He's so loud..."

"Pumf!" A pillow thrown at a high velocity smacks Lucian in the face.

"Huh!" Lucian gasps for air as he jolts awake.

"STOP SNORING!" Layla screams.

Lucian, now wide awake, stares off at the ceiling, feeling pity for himself.

"I hate this..."

...

An hour or so later.

"Mmm."

Lucian moans with delight as he takes a second bite of his breakfast sausage.

Layla follows suit, enjoying the professionally cooked meals that Lucian is privy to as a member of the Adalfwolfen household.

"I need to meet the chef. This is like taking a bite of heaven." Layla exclaims.

Lucian keeps chewing, feeling a bit guilty.

'I've been eating this food every day, and I never thought to thank the person who cooked it. Maybe I should do that someday soon.'

Layla gulps down another bite and clears her throat.

"Today is the day. I think we should go over the game plan on how we're gonna convince Harald."

"Hhm." Lucian clears his throat after taking a gulp of milk.

"Hmm."

"So we'll start with me taking you to him after breakfast. He'll be unprepared since he'll think that I'm just showing up for training. So when you show up, it should throw him off guard."

"You just need to make sure that you give him a good speech on why he should take you on. He likes people who are hardworking and to the point. So you should make sure that you push those points."

Layla smiles.

"That should be easy. I'm actually pretty good at talking to people now. I'm not as shy as I was before."

"It's all on you giving me a good recommendation. He seems to trust you, so anything you say will be the most important factor in him choosing me."

Lucian nods.

'I'm not sure if she's more confident than before. I haven't really seen her talking to anyone except our families and me. I hope she's right.'

"Don't worry. I know exactly what I need to say to him."

Layla gulps down another bite of food.

"It's settled then. Finish up your food, slowpoke. All this waiting is making me anxious."

Lucian eyes her plate.

'She's like a vacuum...I'm barely halfway done.'

Layla gives him an angry pout, noticing he isn't eating faster.

"Hmph." Lucian grumbles, starting to shovel food down his throat.

...

"Knock. Knock."

Lucian's fist resounds against the door to Harald's quarters.

"Enter."

Lucian and Layla enter the room. Marquis Harald is busy working at his desk per his usual routine.

"Can you pass me my seal, Lucian? I just need to seal this document, and then we can head to the courtyard for our sparring."

Lucian walks over to the Marquis dresser and grabs the seal.

'He still doesn't lock this up after all these years. I should do something to show him how dangerous it is leaving it out like this, one of these days.'

"Here."

Lucian holds the seal up in the air, just out of Harald's reach. Forcing him to turn his head away from the documents.

"Oh, Hello." Harald says, noticing Layla for the first time.

Layla does her best imitation of a curtsy.

'A bit poor for my taste. Though, I guess it's fine considering her upbringing. Shit, I'm starting to sound like Isla.'

"Hello, my lord." Layla greets the Marquis.

"What brings you here?" Harald asks curiously.

Layla gives Lucian a nervous look.

"Don't worry, dear. I don't bite." Harald remarks to calm her nerves.

She looks back to Harald with confidence now.

"I would like to request that you take me up as your apprentice. I awakened last year, and I am still without a teacher. I've seen how much Lucian has grown under you, and I don't want to be left behind. Please consider me, sir."

Harald's expression changes to one with extreme sincerity.

"Apprentice? Hmm."

He begins to look over Layla, inspecting the physical characteristics of her awakening. Her eyes, hair, and the smoothness of her skin.

"I see. I wasn't initially going to comment on your awakening. But looking over you now, I can see that you're core is a bit stronger than most."

He points to her eyes and hair.

"These are rare colors. Though, I've seen them before."

"Do you happen to know what affinities for magic you possess?"

Layla looks down at the floor, unresponsive.

"I see. Don't worry. Most awakened have no control over magic in their first year. I would be astonished if you knew, as a self-taught mage."

"When I first awakened. I noticed that some of the cuts on my arm healed." Layla whispers shyly.

Harald's eyes widen at the word "healed."

"Healed?

"As I said, I've seen these colors before. The one holding them was a healer, just as you may be. Having an affinity for the Holy Arts is a very unique thing."

Harald puts his hand to his chin, thinking.

"What do you think, Lucian? I'm inclined to take her on. However, I have no idea about her personality. Can you affirm that she has the work ethic to undergo the same training as you?"

Lucian nods to Harald.

"Yes. She's grown up watching me train since we were kids. She's never trained as I have. But I know that when she wants something, she does anything to get it."

Harald stands, his decision made.

He outstretches his hand for Layla to shake.

"I've decided."

Layla shakes his hand.

"I will take you on as an apprentice. I am not schooled in Healing Magic. However, I believe I have much to offer you in other areas."

"Are you still interested knowing this?"

Layla jumps with joy.

"Yes!"

She ignores the Marquis hand and goes in for a hug.

Harald locks up just like Lucian, thrown off guard by Layla's hug.

"Haha!" He laughs happily, patting Layla's head.

"I'll set up a banquet tonight to announce your apprenticeship. We'll discuss more of the details later."

Layla releases her arms from Harald.

"Okay!"

"Why don't we head out for our training now. Feel free to watch, Layla. I'll have you doing similar things."

Lucian smiles.

'So she's a healer. It suits her.'

...