Chapter 7

Isolde's eyes snapped up, her stomach dropping, Natalia winked mischievously relishing in her shocked face before turning to the rest of the group, "Students' raw power is not enough, you must also have endurance. Take it from me, I've...struggled in my own past where power and will was simply not enough."

Natalia stepped back, her eyes twinkling with amusement and a hint of nostalgia. "Now, maintain the barrier. I'll be back to check on you, and we'll see how long you can keep it standing." With that, she turned and began to walk away, leaving Isolde alone with her task.

Isolde's heart pounded in her chest as she focused on the earth spirit's power within her. "Okay, Okay I can do this..." She mumbled to herself she looks around her observing the other students.

As Isolde scanned the training ground, she noticed that many of the other students had already begun their tasks al varying sizes and strengths. She saw Elias nearby, his brow furrowed in concentration as his barrier was shorter but much wider, he glanced up at Isolde a flash of envy in his eyes as he took in the height and glow of her earth wall. He quickly looked away, his hands moving in intricate patterns as he reinforced his own barrier. Next, she observed Rose her face was calm as though she weren't wasting any effort her barrier, a perfect rockface, was effortlessly maintained. Isolde felt a pang of insecurity as she compared her own efforts to Rose's apparent ease. The earth beneath her feet continued to pulse with the spirit's energy, sending waves of power through her body.

She focused on the connection, trying to channel the ancient magic to maintain the barrier. As time passed, Isolde's body began to ache from the strain of maintaining such a new powerful spell. Isolde's hands, still buried in the earth, began to tremble slightly as the minutes ticked by. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she poured her will and magic into maintaining the barrier. The other students were mere blurs in her peripheral vision, their own tasks fading into the background as Isolde's world narrowed to the earth beneath her and the stone wall before her. Her grip in the soil was unrelenting is she gripped any harder she feared her entire body would cramp.

The earth spirit's voice whispered in her mind, ancient and unnervingly calm, "You are strong, Isolde, but even the mightiest falter without rest." Isolde's legs began to buckle as fatigue set in.

The barrier flickered, the glow dimming slightly but not wavering. "You are doing well," the spirit continued, its words carrying both encouragement and warning, "but do not forget your body's limits."

"I-I can keep going, I just need to switch...." Isolde gritted her teeth, sweat dripping down her face as she tried to shift her stance, to relieve the pressure on her aching legs. The earth spirit's words echoed in her mind, a stark reminder of her physical limitations. She couldn't let herself fail, not now, not with the wall still standing. She took a deep breath, her lungs burning with the effort, and tried to focus her thoughts.

 "It's okay to let go, Isolde it is your first day." Isolde's muscles screamed in protest as she continued to pour her energy into the barrier.

The wall flickered again, its glow dimming noticeably this time. She felt her legs and knees give out beneath her, and she crumpled to the ground, her hands still buried in the earth. The barrier held for a moment longer, the stone wall standing tall and proud, before it finally crumbled with a thunderous crash, sending a shower of stone and dust into the air.

"Shit! No!" She cursed loudly tears of frustration blurring in her eyes, As the dust settled, Natalia emerged from the haze, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and understanding. "Well done, Isolde," she said, her voice warm and encouraging despite the harsh training. "You've shown remarkable endurance and control for your first attempt."

Isolde looked up at Natalia, her face flushed and her breath coming in ragged gasps. "Now, go get some rest, hopefully you won't be tired for tomorrow." As Natalia extended a hand to help Isolde up, the young mage's shoulders slumped in exhaustion.

Her body felt like it had been put through a wringer, every muscle aching and protesting. But there was also a sense of accomplishment, a warmth that radiated from within, fueled by the earth spirit's ancient power.

"Thank you," she murmurs, her voice hoarse, Natalia's hand lingers for a moment, squeezing Isolde's in a gesture of support. her exhaustion evident in the way she stands. Around them, the other students are beginning to disperse, their tasks complete.

Elias approaches, a sympathetic look on his face. "That was impressive, Isolde," he says, his words sincere. Isolde scoffed, "I could've gone longer I just couldn't find the strength-" A sudden sharp pain shoots through her knee as she attempts to another step, causing her to wince and stumble slightly her feet felt like mush she had no control over her own limbs anymore. Elias quickly moves to steady her, his arm wrapping around her waist. The earth spirit's voice echoes once more in her mind, its tone tinged with amusement: "Pride will always be your greatest adversary, Isolde."

"It's not pride it...."

" Come, Say goodbye. Let's get you back to your room." Elias wrapped his shoulder around her, "You'll need a full night's rest." Isolde leaned heavily against Elias as they walked, her legs shaking with every step.

The castle corridors seemed to stretch endlessly before them, Isolde suppressed her groans she was going to regret this in the morning. As they reached her chamber, Elena opened the door with a concerned expression.

"My lady," she said, "are you alright? I saw you stumble on your way back."

"She pushed herself too hard today, is there any way you can prepare a revitalizing bath and meal for her?" Elias asked gently. Isolde, exhausted and in pain, limped into her chambers with Elias's help.

"Thank you, Elias," Isolde murmured, her voice strained. "I'll be fine, just need some rest."

Elias nodded; his brow furrowed with concern. "Get some sleep, Isolde. You did remarkably well today, despite the outcome. Natalia was impressed, and so am I." Isolde glanced up at Elias, "See you tomorrow." Elias smiled warmly; his blue eyes soft with understanding. With a final squeeze of her hand, he turned and made his way down the corridor, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hall.

Elena helped Isolde to the edge of the bed, where she collapsed with a groan. The maid quickly set about preparing a warm, soothing bath, the steam rising invitingly. "What a nice young man, that one was don't you think?" Elena asked happily Isolde leaned back in the steaming tub, her muscles slowly beginning to relax. The warm water soothed her aching body, and she let out a soft sigh as the tension drained away.

"Elias is...kind," she said, her voice soft and thoughtful. "He's been a good friend so far."

Elena smiled, setting a tray of food on the nearby table. "A good friend indeed."

"Elena, can I ask you a question?" 

"Yes, of course my lady," Elena replies with a warm, motherly tone, pausing her tasks to give Isolde her full attention.

Isolde's brows furrow slightly as she ponders how to voice her thoughts. "Well, I was thinking...about my time here at the castle so far." She shifts in the bath, the water sloshing gently against the sides. "There are so many things I still don't fully understand...about magic, about the court...even about myself sometimes."

Elena's expression softens with understanding, and she nods encouragingly. "What would you like to know, my lady?" Isolde's gaze drifts to the steaming water, her brow furrowed in thought. "I... I'm not sure exactly. It's just that everything here seems so... complex. The magic, the politics, the people... it's all so much more intricate than I ever imagined."

She raises her eyes to meet Elena's, vulnerability clear in her expression. "I feel like I'm always a step behind, always trying to catch up." Elena's warm smile never wavers as she approaches the bath, her hands carefully wiping away the bubbles from the edge.

"My lady," she begins, her voice gentle and reassuring, "the castle is a vast and intricate place, filled with its own unique customs and secrets. It can be overwhelming at first, but remember, everyone here was once in your position. Even the great Royal Mage Natalia had to start somewhere."

"Did she really?" Elena nods, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Indeed, my lady. Though I'm sure her early days here were... considerably smoother than yours. I've heard stories that her magic was so powerful even then, she once accidentally teleported the entire Royal kitchen staff to the castle's highest tower. Quite the spectacle, they say." Isolde laughs softly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly at Elena's words.

"That...is something." Elena smiles, a twinkle in her eye. "Aye, she did indeed. A bit of a handful in her younger days, it seems." She leans against the edge of the tub, her hands folded neatly before her. "But even Natalia had to learn, to grow. The key, my lady, is to be patient with yourself. Embrace the learning process, for it is the very foundation upon which great mages are built."

Isolde considers this, her fingers trailing idly through the bathwater. "I... suppose you're right." Her words are laced with uncertainty, but beneath that, there's a subtle shift - a tiny crack in the wall of self-doubt. "It just seems like everyone here has this... polish, you know? Like they were born knowing all this."

She looks up at Elena, searching for reassurance in her eyes. "If I may be so bold, my dear, That is because the nobility are bred for this you are an ordinary woman, but....that doesn't make you any less extraordinary."

As Isolde slowly dried off and slipped into her nightgown with Elena's help, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. She climbed into the luxurious bed, the silky sheets enveloping her weary body. Her eyes drifted to the flickering fireplace across the room, and her thoughts wandered to Elias's comforting words. There was something undeniably endearing about him.

"You really should rest, my lady," Elena murmured as she straightened up the room. "Thank you, Elena, you remind me so much of my grandmother...." Isolde murmurs, her eyelids already heavy with exhaustion.

The last thing she hears before sleep claims her is Elena's soft reply, "Sleep well, my lady. Tomorrow is another day for you to write your own extraordinary story here at the castle." The gentle crackling of the fireplace and the soft sounds of Elena tidying the room fade into the background as Isolde finally surrenders to sleep, her body and mind too drained to resist.

*****

The first few weeks of her time as a mage flew by the summer was waning into the first part of fall, Isolde had settled into an easy routine. Her mornings were spent in the great hall, where she and the other initiates gathered for breakfast. She then spent her afternoons in lectures and practiced her skills on the training grounds, her skills were growing steadily, and she found herself also rising in rank. The days that were off, she spent in the castle's famed library, where she brushed up on her knowledge of herbs and potions she didn't want to forget her grandmother's teachings. Her friendship with Elias blossomed day by day she felt she could trust him she even spoke with other students like Marcus, Lorren and Helena. Her evenings were usually spent in her in her chambers, where Elena would have a hot bath waiting. She'd soak her weary muscles and let the events of the day drift through her mind like clouds on the wind. Some evenings she'd meet up with Elias for tea and conversation, and she cherished those moments of respite from the constant whirlwind of activity at the castle. Isolde's gaze drifts to the window, watching as the sun begins to set over the castle grounds. The warm golden light bathes everything in a soft, ethereal glow. She feels content, despite her initial hesitation, her life at the castle has become almost comfortable. The hustle and bustle of the day fades as the evening air grows cooler and quieter, and she's left alone with her thoughts and the gentle hum of the dying fire. She was curled up with a book, refreshing her memory on the topic of mugwart and its medicinal properties, when there was a quiet rap on her door barely audible over the crackling of the fireplace. Isolde looked up from her book, startled for a moment before setting it aside on the plush chaise lounge, she had been using as a makeshift reading nook. Rising to her feet, she moved across the room with graceful, if somewhat uncertain steps. She still wasn't quite used to the vast, luxurious space that had been allocated to her as living quarters.

She quickly opened the large door to find Elias standing there, glasses in his hand his face slightly flushed, "Elias?" Isolde's heart skips a beat as she takes in Elias's disheveled appearance. The usually put-together young man looks flustered, his hair slightly tousled and his cheeks flushed a deep crimson. She frowns with concern, her grip tightening on the doorknob. "Elias, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

Elias takes a deep breath, his eyes flickering behind her noting the book and fireplace before turning back to her. "Isolde, is this what you're doing on such a fine night? We don't have class tomorrow."

Isolde's brows furrowed, annoyed by his judgement "And what exactly is wrong with that, Elias?" she asks, her voice laced with a subtle edge. "I find great comfort in my studies, in the quiet solitude of my chambers. Not all of us have the luxury of leisure time." She crosses her arms, her posture stiffening slightly as she leans against the doorframe.

Elias's face falls, realizing his words came out harsher than intended. He runs a hand through his hair, looking genuinely remorseful. "Isolde, I... I didn't mean it like that. I just thought..." He pauses, collecting his thoughts. "You've been working so hard lately. I wanted to invite you to join me and some of the others for a celebration in the great hall."

"Celebration?" Isolde asks, her curiosity piqued despite her irritation. Elias's face breaks into a warm smile, his earlier fluster fading. "Yes, it's the autumn harvest festival! There's music, dancing, and plenty of good food. It's a time for the whole castle to come together and celebrate the year's bounty."

Isolde's arms remain crossed, but she leans forward slightly, interest sparks in her but still she didn't like putting herself in unfamiliar environments. "I..."

"Come on, Isolde, all the mages are invited. As your friend, I can't stand to see you exist like a hermit any longer. " Elias pleaded, "I already started," he added, motioning to the glasses in his hand, most obviously wine.

Isolde hesitated, glancing back at the cozy sanctuary of her chambers, the thought of immersing herself in the lively festivities of the great hall was both enticing and daunting. She had grown accustomed to the solitude of her studies, finding solace in the quiet pursuit of knowledge. However, Elias's earnest invitation stirred something within her - a longing for connection, for a moment of joy amidst the relentless grind of her magical training.

"But.." Elias's pleading eyes and the prospect of a night filled with music and merriment proved irresistible. She uncrossed her arms, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Alright, Elias. You've convinced me," she said, a note of playfulness entering her voice. "But give me a moment to change."

Elias's face lights up with genuine delight at Isolde's acceptance. "Wonderful!" he exclaims, his earlier fluster completely forgotten. "I'll wait for you in the hall."

He steps back, giving her space to prepare. Isolde nods, a small smile playing on her lips as she closes the door. She turns back to her chambers, her mind already racing with thoughts of the impending festivities. When she felt her face frown, she had nothing to wear she opened her wardrobe and opted for a nice deep green dress it was modest with its long sleeves and high neckline but was spacious enough to have a good time in after all, she was just a mage not a princess. She wrapped her hair in a tight, long braid the red contrasting nicely against the deep green. As Isolde slides the dress over her shoulders, the fabric shimmers softly in the firelight, its color a perfect complement to her warm complexion. She fastens the small row of buttons down the front, each one cool to the touch and bearing a delicate engraving of a silver lily.

 It didn't take long before she swung the door open, "Okay. let's go."