“Apparent? You mean, how abilities develop in mages?” She asked, having to take a moment to think of all the ways in which power manifested in young magic users. While she pondered on how best to respond, she couldn’t help but notice the way Tedric’s eyes always seemed to gaze upon their busty barmaid. In a brief moment of amusement, since he struggled to make his lingering looks discrete, she gave him a playful but knowing glare. “I’ve heard many stories of how mages come to know their elements. They’re usually quite destructive, especially for those of us who develop earlier. You see, mages tend to show signs of elemental ability around the age of twelve or thirteen. Some, like myself, show signs much younger. I was . . . seven when I exhibited an inclination to earth. The foundation would quake in my sleep or shudder in moments when I might have felt distressed. Needless to say, my uncle lost many valuable possession in my youth.” Alaria smiled, thinking back to those memories fondly. “My secondary element is fire, which did develop about the age it was supposed to. It doesn’t come as naturally to me and lifting rock or commanding vines, but I am proficient.”<br/><br/>Relieved to hear that he was not cross with her, she did notice a flicker of sorrow move across his handsome features. Even his tone was tinged with it as he spoke of his parents. It was not the first time his expression had suffered a subtle shift at mention of his parents. In their short time together, she was already beginning to suspect that their relationship had some strain. Being that it was none of her business, she decided not to pry—especially since the moment passed rather quickly. The knight was back to his lighthearted chuckles and rubbing the back of his neck nervously soon after. “Not foolish at all.” Alaria assured him, taking yet another sip of her wine.<br/><br/>Voices rose and egos flared, making the tavern livelier with each tankard that slammed against the bar and every wager that called across the space. It made her tense, something that must have been evident in her posture or the way her wary brown hues moved about in anticipation of trouble. “N-no, I’m not.” She admitted, tucking her silvery blonde hair behind her ear. “I do not frequent many taverns. I usually keep to quieter settings. Like I said, this will be the best we’ll get with the festivities nearing. Speaking of,” she said after chewing a bite of the delicious stew. “We should hurry. If we wait any longer, the roads will be congested with travelers trying to enter the capitol, making it take twice as long to reach my home.”<br/><br/>The two continued to chat over the boisterous voices, the catchy melody, and the laughter that filled the room. Sara made her way back to them, a basket of warm bread in hand. Not without a lustful wink did she place it on the table, closest to Tedric. Alaria smirked, “If only robes were so effective.” She muttered.<br/><br/>Eventually they finished their meal, laying down coins for the food and service. No doubt the full bodied maiden would be please with her earnings when they left. The bonded pair made their way out of the rowdy tavern, successfully merging with the flow of the crowd, moving through the streets like a flowing river. On the outskirts of the capital, vendors and merchants were pouring in, bringing with them caravans full of fireworks, goods, and materials. Getting out was slightly troublesome, but once they squeezed past the gates they hit their stride on the dirt path that led them to the picturesque countryside. Rolling verdant hills stretched on as far as the eye could see, bathed in the amber glow of the sun setting behind the vast mounds. The short journey soon led them to the city of<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJWGqWdW.jpg&amp;hash=82b2b781f40f8fd6f1e28ef0b4e1bafb" href="https://i.imgur.com/JWGqWdW.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">Madrigal</a>, a smaller metropolis that was home to the kingdom’s most prestigious academy of mages—Alaria included.<br/><br/>“Here we are,” she said, opening the small wrought iron gate that brought them to her<a class="link link--external" data-proxy-href="/proxy.php?link=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F0MJlcS2.jpg&amp;hash=39b812598fe05a670f0a7788f4f365f6" href="https://i.imgur.com/0MJlcS2.jpg" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">doorstep</a>. On it was a trunk, likely the attire the knight had requested of Jack.<br/><br/>From her pocket she retrieved a key, and used it to unlock her door. The interior was a quaint sight, a space of simple elegance. It was light and airy, decorated with fresh peonies and large canvases of art. Books occupied nearly every surface, some open to pages she used often and others with colorful tassels nestled between the pages while closed. “I could give you a tour, or I could show you to your room if you’re tired. We have a few hours till the festival begins.” Alaria told him, allowing him the freedom to explore and investigate if he desired to.