Silvercrest (2)

The next day, Celine awoke chipper. Today was the day she would have a lesson with her swordsmanship instructor, Master Arden, a respected swordsman from a prominent lineage in the vampire kingdom. 

She quickly dressed in her customary style for lessons – a simple shirt adorned with intricate silver embroidery, black pants, and sturdy leather boots.

Making her way to the training grounds, Celine felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Master Arden's lessons were always challenging but rewarding, pushing her to her physical limits. She entered the training ground, a room lined with swords, shields, spears, and weapons of any size and shape.

Master Arden was an elderly vampire with grey hair and wise, ageless eyes that had been with the Silvercrests for a very long time. Greeting Celine with a smile he said, "Good morning, I hope you're ready for today's lesson. We have much to do."

"I'm ready, Master Arden. I've been working diligently since our last session." Celine nodded eagerly, grabbing a rapier from one of the displays.

"I'm happy to hear that. Now let's get started."

For the next hour and a half, Celine and her swordsmanship instructor delved into swordsmanship techniques and exercises that involved leveraging her magical abilities.

***

"Truly exceptional, Miss Celine. You have definitely, without a doubt, gotten better since our last lesson!" Master Arden applauded, as she had managed to complete one of his more difficult practical exercises.

Celine bowed, "Thank you."

Arden smiled, his pride evident behind his white beard. "You are a remarkable student, and dare I say you might be on par with your older brother, hah" He chuckled.

"I appreciate it but there's no way I'm on par with him." She replied, with a curtsy before taking her leave, ready to embark on the next part of her day.

As Celine made her way through the grand hallways of the Silvercrest mansion, she couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for her next lesson. Magical training awaited her with Master Galen, a mage who had been with the Silvercrest family for centuries.

***

Entering the spacious training hall, Celine was greeted by the sound of magic spells clashing into each other, and the occasional explosion that no one seemed to pay any mind to.

Master Galen was a towering figure with a scarred face, he had an air of rugged authority about him as he stood at the centre of the training area, engaged in a magical sparring session with one of the Silvercrest family's mages.

"Ah, Miss Celine, you've arrived just in time," Master Galen called out, his voice gruff yet filled with a hint of warmth to it. "I hope you're well prepared, today's practical session may get a little harsh."

Celine readied herself, her body shifting into a combat stance. Master Galen's magical sparring lessons involved hand-to-hand combat on top of ranged magic attack spells that she would have to either counter or dodge.

The rhythmic clash of spell against spell echoed in the hall, her focus was sharp as she barely noticed the sweat trickling down the side of her forehead. 

Under her magical instructor's watchful eye, Celine would alternate between practising her accuracy and control, and applying her understanding through sparring during their practical lessons during the weekends.

Her instructor's guidance and expertise were invaluable to the growth of her magic abilities as a Silvercrest.

With each session, Celine's practical application of magic was beginning to improve, forcing a rare smile that tugged at the corners of Galen's lips.

"You've improved a lot, Miss Celine. Keep refining your control and techniques, and you'll become one of the best mages in the kingdom in no time at all!"

"Thank you for your kind words." Celine bowed, her chest heaving with exertion as she began to grow tired.

"I hope you continue to surprise me." Master Galen said, before ending the day's lesson.

***

The mansion's grand hallways stretched out before her, beckoning her onward toward the awaiting comforts of lunch. She walked with heels, her steps echoing softly against the marble floors.

"Atticus." Celine called out, her voice carrying down the corridor. She had called for the presence of her attendant, someone who had been by her side for a while at the instruction of her father, the patriarch of her family.

In an instant, as if materialising out of thin air, Atticus appeared at Celine's side.

Dressed in a tailored black suit, his silver hair meticulously groomed, he exuded an air of professionalism and unwavering loyalty.

"Yes, Miss Celine?" Atticus asked, his voice calm and at attention.

Celine smiled warmly at her trusted attendant. "I'm quite hungry after training today, will mother and father be present at the dining room?"

"I'm afraid both your mother and the patriarch will be unable to attend today, however shall I inform the kitchen staff to prepare your favourite dishes?"

Celine's eyes dimmed for a moment before lighting up at the mention of her favourite food. "Oh, please do! It would be nice if I could indulge in some sorbet today as well."

Atticus bowed, his posture exemplifying grace and deference. "Very well, Miss Celine. Your wish is my command. Should you require anything further, do not hesitate to call upon me."

"Thank you, Atticus." 

With that, Celine resumed her walk down the hall, the soft glow of the flickering lights casting shadows against the ornate tapestries and decorations adoring the walls.

***

As she neared the grand double doors leading to the dining hall, Celine's steps slowed, allowing her to take in the opulence of her surroundings. The mansion's architecture spoke of a rich history, and she was privileged to call it her home.

Having one of the doors opened for her by a servant, Celine entered the dining hall, a spacious room adorned with a long, polished mahogany table and plush velvet chairs. As she took her seat at the side of the table, Celine reflected on the day's events. 

From her intense magical training with Master Galen to her rigorous sword practice with Master Arden. As the servants began to serve her favourite dishes, Celine let out a contented sigh as she readied herself to dine on the food that would be served.