A Lesson For Louise 8

[center][font=Impact]Chapter 8:  School Day, Part 1

<<<Louise>>>[/font][/center]

Louise’s first hurdle in her new school life… was meeting her dormmates, something she was still struggling to adapt to. Fortunately for the first few days she managed to avoid them, not out of shame or arrogance but… pure nerves really. The last time she was in school things just… weren’t what she expected.

It helped that the first few days were mostly focused on orientation, learning the rules, and enrolling in classes.

She knew it was stupid to even think what she expected would happen again, not only was she on an entirely different world but magic wasn’t a sign of nobility there. Everyone here had the capacity to use magic, they either just lacked the talent or desire to learn. So expecting her dormmates to be similar to Kirche and some of the other big titted harlots wasn’t going to happen.

But knowing something consciously is one thing, but accepting it was another.

She wanted to reach out, she wanted actual friends, but simply put she was… scared of making that final step. She had without a doubt if Roc could see her, he’d just scoff at her and cuff her ‘gently’ upside the head and force her to talk to them.

But it was inevitable that they would eventually interact, especially with the orientation period coming to an end, and now the only reason they hadn’t was through her own actions. Staying in the library and finding a hideyhole to study in peace, and come in when her dormmates were already asleep.

And then one of them ambushed her as she woke up, a large breasted elf grasping onto her and practically laying atop. “You’re so shy,~” The silver haired beauty started, her skin dark as coal and eyes as red as an ember, “What’s your name? Mine’s Obsidia.”

Ignoring the fact that the beauty could make Kirche gape in envy, she couldn’t deny she wasn’t wrong either.

“L-Louise…” She mumbled as she tried (and failed horribly) to keep her cheeks from flushing with color.

She figured the rest of her name wasn’t necessary, and she didn’t know if adding runic names were customary either. Not that she was ashamed of being Steelheart, she just didn’t know if that was something that casually came up.

“I like it,” Obsidia replied, “You’re adorable. I love your hair, it’s such a brilliant color. Did you do that, or were you born with it?”

“Okay, now just remember. This is a different world and I shouldn’t expect the same treatment as back home.” It was rather sad that she felt more at peace in another world than her native one, but she took a breath and answered, “It’s natural,” She said with as much confidence as she could muster.

“Obsidia…” Her other dormmate started with a sigh, “You’re smothering her. Relax, you said she was yourself.” He was a stocky guy with an impressive beard. He still looked young, but he also looked rather weathered, like he’d been working his whole life.”

Obsidia just huffed, “I know, but still she’s been avoiding us for days,” She retorted before focusing back on Louise, “Natural? Oh, I’ve never been so jealous! Magical dyes simply never get the right look compared to natural,” She added as she rolled off her and simply laid beside her and played with her hair.

Louise just blushed even more, were all elves so… forward!? It certainly didn’t help that Rei was egging her on and telling her to steal a kiss!

“And I knew people who took months to get comfortable with the other miners when I was a kid!” He retorted, shifting and sliding off his own bed. He looked shorter than he really was, he was taller than she was by a few inches even! “I’m Hubbard,” He introduced, “I’m an elementalist specialized in Earth.”

“Which is a rarity,” Obsidia quipped, “My dear Hubbard is something of a black sheep, Dwarves generally don’t learn magic because they lack any affinity for the arts.”

“That’s a load of shit,” He replied, “We simply have our own ways of doing it.”

Obsidia just smugged (and that was the only way to really describe it) and giggled playfully.

“Uh… well, I guess I’m just learning a little bit of everything,” Louise said awkwardly, “But… I’m pretty interested in Fundamentalism and Arcane.”

“My, aren’t you ambitious?” Obsidia commented with a smile.

“Mm, Fundamentalism eh?” Hubbard asked, “That’s a tough one. Hope you don’t become like our last dormate. Arrogant ass blew himself up.”

Obsidia sneered (which had no right to look so attractive) at that. “Ebon had it coming to him,” She said primly, “The fact I was related to the fool makes it worse! Our grandfather cautioned us! Our uncles cautioned us! Our parents cautioned us! Fool got what he deserved, he was my brother and I loved him, but he brought it on himself.”

“He also punched me in the face,” Hubbard noted, “Just don’t think learning it makes you some type of god and you’ll be fine.”

Louise just blinked, honestly she’d been so focused on the orientation and learning the rules she actually never did any research into what Fundamentalism exactly was. And hearing that certainly made it sound like the school of magic is not for the weak willed.

“Actually, what is Fundamentalism? I haven’t had a chance to read up on it.” Which was more of a failing on her part more than anything else.

“Reshaping reality to suit your will,” Hubbard said, “You know, just little things like making the city we’re in.”

“That… sounds… horrifyingly complex…” Louise could only imagine the sheer amount of research needed to do the basics alone!

“Oh cutie, you have absolutely no idea,” Obsidia said, “This entire city exists because of Fundamentalism. And when a Fundamentalist takes to the battlefield… my uncle saw one once and he described it as apocalyptic…”

“From what I heard, you need to learn more about the second order effects of what you’re doing than first order ones,” Hubbard said, “Like ‘what happens to the air when you summon a large stone’. The answer is that it goes outwards. Very fast. You know, it explodes.” The boy sighed, pinching his nose, “Fucking idiot.”

“... There is no way I’m learning this before returning home…” And Louise had the feeling that that sort of magic was not safe to learn from books alone.

Obsidia just hummed in agreement. “But still… very ambitious cutie,” She said with a smile, “Just know that even if you only get the basics it's still very impressive. But… from how your magic feels? I think you’ll take to Arcane like a fish to water.~”

“Maybe, maybe,” Hubbard agreed with a nod, “But she feels a bit like a druid too.”

“Um, I learned a little shamanism from an orc,” Louise admitted, “Even did a vision quest…”

“Oh? Did you succeed or fail?” Obsidia asked curiously, “Vision quests are pretty tricky honestly.”

“I… I succeeded…” Louise mumbled a bit, “I, um… punched out my former headmaster…”

Hubbard chortled while Obsidia giggled, “Really? That’s not very common, you know?” She said with a smile, “So what’s your epitaph? Orcs always give those for completing a vision quest.”

“Steelheart…” Louise said, feeling unexpectedly proud, “So that’s what pride feels like…”

“Neat,” Obsidia started, “I think I prefer my race’s names for things.~ And a lot of our magic.” She giggled and stretched, half pressing Louise into her breasts, “It’s very sensual.”

“And painful,” Hubbard grunted, “Her race focuses on life manipulation, it can either be very pleasant as they change you… or very painful. Had her heal me once, I chose the second.”

“He chose poorly,” Obsidia stated, looking far too happy about it, “He cried.”

Louise would look back at this moment and laugh, but in the moment she felt nothing but mortification as she blurted out, “Can you make my breasts bigger?”

“Sure!” Obsidia replied, “You just need some food in you first! Would you prefer pain or pleasure?”

Hubbard just laughed once more and Louise? She wanted to be swallowed up by a hole and disappear!

It certainly didn’t help that Rei was… being Rei…

“I have lots of ideas for what she can do with you…” Rei whispered suggestively into her mind, “Enjoy your time, I’ll stop bothering you!”

“Well?~” Obsidia purred, “We gain mana from causing either one too, it’s not perfect efficiency when using the spells but… well, I certainly won’t say no to having you in bed. Screaming.”

“Um, um, um…” Louise’s face was beet red, “Um, so… when are classes?” Was her desperation to change the subject obvious? Yes.

Did she care? Absolutely not.

Hubbard laughed again, but did answer as Obsidia pouted. “In an hour,” He said, “After breakfast, before lunch.”

“Come on! Not even a little fooling around?” Obsidia whined.

[size=1]“Maybe… later?”[/size] She blamed her familiar for her muttering that.

It wasn’t because she had a weakness for attractive women and pouting, or the fact that she favored the fairer sex, or the fact that Rei was the single greatest experience she ever had and was genuinely curious about this life manipulation in a purely academic sense!

… Even to her, her reasoning about the magic sounded weak…

“Wonderful!” Obsidia announced, “I will, of course, gag you to prevent disturbing the sleep of others. And prevent you from making noise until I desire.”

“And another succumbs to the elves' wicked wiles,” Hubbard said dryly, “Good thing this year's group of students is smaller than usual, I can bunk in another dorm for a night.”

“Bah, I can just put you to sleep too!” Obsidia announced with a wide smile.

“And I wouldn’t put it past you to ensure I hear everything and have very wild dreams because of it,” The dwarf said dryly, “Sorry, the first time was nice but it made it difficult to pay attention to the teachers the next day”

“I can just make that not happen…” She mumbled, “But fine, I’m going to get breakfast with my new friend. I wanna show her one of my cultural dishes!”

Hubbard just chuckled. “Fair enough. Also I don’t think Louise would be comfortable if I was sleeping in the same room while you’re being intimate,” He said before he left the dorm to get some breakfast himself, or so Louise assumed.

“We need to find you a cute boy too,” Obsidia stated, “Someone that makes that little twat of yours wet.” Then she paused, “Or someone that you just want to make scream in anguish, one of the two. We have to use a criminal for that though! We aren’t allowed to torture other students without their permission.”

Louise felt she was in danger… and not the fun kind.

“Oh! A dark elf! Well at least you’ll have a solid grounding in BDSM! So you might get to use that sexy outfit sooner than you expected!~”

“You said you wouldn’t bother me!” Louise thought towards her overly affectionate and weird familiar.

“Well, to be fair I was… until that cutie mentioned that. While I could teach you how to dom? A dark elf will teach you how to dom and will teach you how to make your victim enjoy every second of it! But now I’ll leave you alone, she wants your opinion on her suggestions.” And then Rei fell silent though Louise knew she still kept her ear open.

“I, um, I don’t want to hurt anyone…” Louise said, voice soft.

“Oh sweetie, I have such wonders to show you,” Obsidia said, “Too much pain? I can understand you not wanting to inflict that, even if I adore it, but just a little can make the pleasure so much greater. I’ll teach you.~ Now come on, let’s get some breakfast! I want you to try some food from my culture!”

And with that, Obsidia helped her get dressed, the girl being far more touchy than could ever be considered appropriate, and then they went to get some food.

[hr][/hr]

“... You sure you want to eat that?” The ‘high’ elf started as he started plating food, “It has poisonous properties…”

Louise suddenly wondered if this was a good idea.

“She’s sure!” Obsidia started, “If she gets actually ill I’ll help her. This is what we feed children,” She explained, “To get them ready for the harder stuff. It will just make her a little light headed, a little on edge, and more focused!”

The elf just sniffed before resuming focusing on his own food, “Fine, on your head if the human dies,” He said snootily before moving off.

“Um…” Louise honestly wasn’t sure what to really said, “He’s… something…” She wanted to use more crude language but she was a noble and above such things!

“Oh he’s fine,” Obsidia replied, hand waving, “He just thinks that you’re being stupid and that I’m trying to kill or torture you for power! Which I’d never do… unless you asked for it anyway.”

“... I’m suddenly concerned…” Louise was rather proud that her words came out dry as a bone instead of showing her sudden nerves.

“I mean, it will also make you so much more sensitive than you’d normally be,” Obsidia replied, “But don’t worry, you’ll only get a bit of overstimulation and, if it’s too much, I can just give you the antidote.”

Louise was beginning to understand that the dark skinned elf was… perhaps not exactly sane. Or from a culture that hers would consider… completely evil.

But she’d either survive this and grow from it, or… well she didn’t want to think of the other possibility.

“It also makes food taste so much better, trust me. Just…” Obsidia paused, “Don’t eat anything spicy.”

“Well, I’ve never been that big a fan of spicy food anyway.” The one time her big sister slipped some spice in her food ruined it for her.

“We’ll change that later,” She replied with a smirk as she grabbed a few hard boiled eggs and potatoes. “Oh, and this pastry, you’ll love it. I think this one will be intense enough to be overwhelming but not to the point of being overwhelming.”

It smelled like cinnamon and ginger.

“You’re going to be a Spice Lord when you get home,~” Rei teased, thankfully she mostly kept herself limited to quips and comments.

“Well, it does smell good…” She almost thought she recognized the smell, but the shape was not like a cinnamon roll.

“It’ll be even better after the main dish. The potatoes are to wash it down so it doesn’t distract you in class.” At least Obsidia was… trying to be nice? In her own way?

She honestly couldn’t remember where she heard it from but… this qualified as a ‘If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger’ sentiment didn’t it? Still ignoring her possibly evilish roommate, it felt… so good to actually have a friend.

They were friends right? They introduced themselves to each other, talked, and Obsidia’d even flirted with her! And she was trying to share her culture! That’s what friends did, right?

The poisonous meal was… rather earthy, all things considered. It tasted unique, certainly, but almost… citrusy. “It takes a second to kick in, it isn’t a contact poison,” Obsidia stated, “That’s one of the reasons we give it to kids. We can regulate how much they eat easier than how much they touch. But you can eat all of it, you’re tall enough for that!”

Louise just blinked and just continued eating, honestly she was wondering if Obsidia was just messing with her. And when she finished her food it hit her, everything seemed more somehow. The lights seemed a little brighter, colors more vivid, sounds came into sharp focus, her head started swimming and she felt like she was floating, and oh god her clothes!

“Oh my god!” She’d never once considered going ‘commando’ before then, but she was considering it after every touch sent shivers through her.

Not just shivers either, but her skin was so ticklish too. She was thankful that her clothes were silk, she couldn’t imagine how cotton or, Brimmir forbid, burlap would feel. She’d have been so painfully itchy…

“Now for your pastry,~” Obsidia whispered into her ear, voice almost overwhelming and pleasurable all at once.

The pastry was… so intense that it made everything else fade away. It was delicious, but overwhelming. It was too much, far too much and Obsidia just kept feeding her more and making it stronger and stronger tasting with every second that passed.

“I… think I need to change…” She mumbled, her cheeks flushed, as she shuddered making Obsidia giggle. 

“No you don’t,” She whispered, feeding her the last piece of the pastry. “Let it rest like this for a second, drink some wine…”

It turned out to be a terrible idea for her to have taken the advice. The burning from the cinnamon and ginger intensified in the alcohol, but it tasted so much better than normal wine too.

“Now have some eggs…” More cinnamon was on them, and honey that tasted so, so sweet.

Like the voice of a dark and particularly vicious siren, Louise couldn’t help but listen. Even knowing she was just making things worse for her didn’t even make her hesitate. Was this what it’s like to be charmed, she wondered.

Though after finishing another egg she did promise, “I will get back at you for this,” She didn’t know how but she swore she would! Her honor demanded it!

“I hope you make me scream in agony,~” Obsidia whispered, “Now some potatoes to ease you down, just a few mild tastes…”

“... I’m going to be a proper terror when I get back home aren’t I?” She asked, knowing Rei was listening.

“Yes, yes you will be. But no one will ever DARE call you a Zero again!” Rei promised.

Yes, Louise realised as she helped herself to some potatoes, she could live with that.

Maybe her mother would even look at her with something other than disappointment?

“There, isn’t that better?~” Obsidia whispered, almost blowing on her ear and making her shudder, “It will wear off in the middle of your first class. I will give you more later tonight to make our first time together even better.”

Louise just nodded, as she listened to everything said around her.

[small=1]“Obsidia has a new toy? Gods have mercy on her.”

“I’m just glad she’s not looking at me. Last year was enough for me, thank you very much.”

“I dunno, the girl looks like she’s holding up pretty well…”

“Nah, that was the most mild one she had. And a half serving, could you imagine how she’d be screaming with a full serving? I still can’t forget when Kalish tried that to prove he was tough…”

“I have no doubt Obsidia will work her up to it. Humans are pretty adaptable, you know.”

“It should’ve been me!!!”

“Havard, just let it go man.”

“So, what do you think the human’s going to study? She feels like a druid, so maybe advanced shamanism?”

“So I bought the cloak from Madame Silvervale, isn’t it marvelous?”

“I love the color!”

“During lunch I have to show you some spells I was working on!”

“Only if you try out some potions!”

“Say, do you think that human used some magical dye on her hair? Pink isn’t a natural color.”

“I’m more curious if the carpet matches the drapes, honestly. You think I have a shot?”

“Alan, I don’t think you want a shot. Considering who has her fangs sunk into her.”[/size]

“You have quite the reputation…” Louise mumbled as she leaned on Obsidia, feeling surprisingly relaxed despite the overstimulation.

Or maybe she was doing it because she was tired? She wasn’t sure honestly.

Obsidia giggled. “I’m the only Dark Elf on campus and my family was always weird amongst my kind. We’re bigger fans of, oh, consent than the rest… it makes the pleasure and pain taste better when our partner wants more, like a spice.”

With a stroke of her finger, Obsidia started helping Louise stand up. “Off to your first class, darling. I think it’s your Arcane class, yes?”

Louise just hummed before pulling out her schedule along with a map to help her find the classroom. Though she did smile in excitement, while true she had shamanism which is magic… she would be learning magic that wouldn’t actually blow up!

Hopefully, baring miscasts and mistakes.

Still she nodded, “What do you have?” That’s what a friend would ask, right?

“Umbrakinesis first period, prayer second, Life Manipulation third, and final period is another prayer session,” Obsidia replied, “What about you?”

Louise… wasn’t entirely familiar with the name but she was reasonably sure that was another word for Shadow magic. Though she was curious about the prayer sessions, she figured she’d ask later as she looked at her schedule.

“Okay… Arcane, then Shamanism, Enchanting, and Fundamentalism last,” Louise said, “Though I’ll probably do independent studies for Alchemy, Ritual Craft, and I’m considering listening into a Necromancy lecture out of curiosity.”

“... Wow, you have a packed schedule,” Obsidia replied, “I’m only doing Umbrakinesis because I know my family has enemies who are experts in it and I don’t want to die in my sleep.”

Louise blushed, “I’ve always been a very studious person.” She said, “In my… last school I practically lived in the library…” She admitted hoping her friend didn’t notice her discomfort.

“Well, I’ll help you destress every night if you want!” Obsidia promised, “Just say the word!”

“I’m not sure Hubbard would appreciate having to sleep in a different dorm all the time,” Louise said.

Her hand waved it off, saying, “That’s why we’ll do it in different places every night. The roof, the gardens, a classroom…”

“... My time here is going to be very interesting…” Louise mumbled with a blush, but she couldn’t help but smile.

Maybe she could learn a spell that would allow her to visit? She’d love to see Obsidia more and a chance to resume her studies.

“Of course you’ll be able to!” Rei piped in, “We’ll come back all the time! It’s not like I can’t stop time here as we fuck with your world! Then we pop back here for a spell and back again. As often as it takes for mastery.”

Louise beamed happily at that, and Obsidia just giggled, thinking she was beaming at the thought of having the dark elf all to herself. Which… wasn’t wrong, but not the main reason.

Though she did look at her schedule, it wasn’t that packed… was it?

“It really is, Louise, but I think your thirst for knowledge is endearing,” Rei said, “And approved by me. Just let Obsidia help you relax.~”

Louise blushed, “I… look forward to relaxing later,” She said and after struggling for a few seconds leaned in and kissed her cheek before scurrying off to her first class.

Obsidia just sat there and laughed, and if Louise looked back she would notice (or not) a very faint hint of red on the elf’s cheeks..

“She’s dead,” She heard another student say, “That human is so incredibly dead.”

Louise pointedly ignored them, she was just happy to have a legitimate friend! It wasn’t weird! It wasn’t!

The route to her class was, surprisingly, simple. She was expecting to get lost, something that had happened on her first day in her old academy. As she stepped in and found a seat, she gave a faint sigh to see she was the first one to arrive.

It was an old habit of hers, though typically she tried to sit in front but given the current issues she didn’t think it would be a good idea. Thankfully it wouldn’t last the entire class.

Slowly, students filtered in and sat down. Several sat next to her, with one of them, a boy, patting her shoulder in seeming sympathy.

“I’ll pray to the gods you survive.” He said, and Louise wasn’t sure if she should feel offended or not.

“Ah… thank you?” She said before she looked to the front of class.

“Good, everyone’s here,” The professor started, her voice strong and important, “This class is on the element of Arcane, the study of which is called Arcanism. In some cultures, Arcane is also referred to as Void, Soul, or Force. It is an element of pure energy, and can be utilized in various other branches of magic. For today's subject we will be discussing the nature of Arcane, the applications of it, what forms of magic that draw from it, and the basics of control. Spells and rituals will be learned after everyone has gained an acceptable level of control and not a second sooner,” She added in a stern and firm voice as she looked at each student like she was piercing them with her eyes.

Louise internally whistled, “Must be serious…”

“The most basic control exercise, which I will have you practice today, is to infuse energy into an object without making it explode,” Professor Janice, her name was on the chalkboard, said, “The tools provided on my desk will suffice, as you can see… they are cloth balls, full of water. They can not take enough energy within themselves to hurt you upon detonation.”

An elf scoffed. “Maybe these blunt ears will need it,” He said.

Even Louise found her lip curling at the sheer disdain and derision in the voice.

“Then you will surely be capable of training with this paper ball instead?” Janice said, head tilting, “Though this is your first time in this class, I’m sure you won’t hurt yourself, will you?”

He sneered again as he grabbed one, Janice nodding, “Everyone else grab one of the beginner balls.”

The rest of the class took the beginner balls, and only Louise watched the elf with the paper ball. And to her inexperienced eyes it looked like he was doing well… until he wasn’t. The silence beyond the murmurs of the students was broken by a bang and a shriek, the elf was clutching his hand and the ball was shredded.

“I had not yet given you permission to start…” Janice started, “Go to the nurse for your hand. Now, everyone else, follow along with me.”

Louise tried not to snort, but she did.

The elf hissed before storming out, his cloak billowing dramatically behind him.

“Ah professor?” Louise asked as she raised her hand, “A question?”

Janice looked at her and nodded, “Speak up.”

“I’m just curious, but would having an affinity help or not?” Louise asked.

Janice raised a brow, “I would’ve explained it in another lesson, but I suppose a bit early wouldn’t hurt.” She said before she returned to her position, “But the answer is yes and no. It will give you more power, which will help with the more complex tasks, but simple tasks and other elements will cause problems until you master it. This control exercise counts as a simple task, so you may wish to fetch a change of clothes if you have such an affinity.”

“Ah, thank you professor,” Louise said, and though it didn’t show on her face, inwardly was a different matter entirely, “May I be excused to get another change of clothes?”

“I suggest something water resistant,” She advised, “Class is two hours long, so you have time.”

“Thank you,” Louse said with a respectful nod before getting up to get some more suitable clothes.

[hr][/hr]

She was soaked in water, alongside most of the rest of the class, but she had made some progress. In the beginning, the balls exploded instantly but after the first few dozen they started lasting longer and longer.

And it was so simple to do, just push power into the water and the ball to agitate it.

It was hard not to feel a surge of resentment bubbling in her chest, would she have still been a Zero if she just… pushed the teachings of the Church and everyone else's heckling from her mind and just experimented? Would it have even helped her, or would they have just doubled down? Would the Church decide to have her excommunicated for daring to try and touch the Void?

Honestly, if it wasn’t for the petty desire to rub it in everyone’s faces… it might’ve tempted her to stay in this world entirely. She was no Zero here, she was just another human wishing to master the arts of magic. Admittedly it was a rather tempting thought.

Her next class was, thankfully, something she was familiar enough with; Shamanism. Though she recalled Roc telling her that each Shaman was different to the other, so she was genuinely curious what the class actually offered. Maybe ways to refine your tools? She honestly wasn’t sure and couldn’t wait to find out.

Entering the class, she found there weren't as many students as before (maybe a dozen) and the room itself was fairly basic. Spartan in fact. Regardless, Louise took a seat and waited for the professor.

He was an odd looking man, covered in plants and… candles. Lots of candles, each giving off a different color of fire. “Great, great! We’re all here!” He said with a wide and exuberant smile. “Now, this class will primarily be about introducing you all to the basics, how to negotiate with more prickly spirits, and how to discover and craft your totem. Afterwards I will guide you all on how to discover your own way to commune with Spirits and if any of you show potential, Nature itself.”

“Professor?” Another student asked, raising his hand, “I heard from my father that Shamanism intersects with Necromancy…” He added looking uneasy.

“Ah, well he’s correct,” The professor said with a nod, “Dealing with Spirits and Souls are very similar after all. The only difference is that, sometimes, Souls simply can’t be negotiated with. It’s a sign of a proper Shaman to be able to bring Rest to the Restless,” He explained, “Of course this isn’t a requirement by any means, not all Shamans deal with Souls after all.”

“That’s certainly enlightening.” Louise thought as she wrote down some notes to later go over.

“Now before we begin, I must ask if everyone has undergone a Vision quest?” The professor asked, “It’s fine if you haven’t, this will just give me a starting point. Also what is your epitaph, though this is more curiosity than a requirement, of course.”

Louise raised her hand and the professor nodded, “I completed it,” She said, “And mine is Steelheart.”

“Steelheart? My, a strong name indeed…” The professor… Garlt, according to the chalkboard, said rubbing his chin, “Orcish, perhaps?”

Louise nodded, “I was taught by Roc, the Shaman of an orc tribe some distance from here.”

Garlt let out a laugh that vaguely made her think of groaning trees, “That crotchety old greenskin taught a little thing like you?” He asked, genuinely amused, “He must’ve seen something impressive in you, Steelheart. He never had the highest opinion of humans.”

A few of the others, one or two of them were orcs, who snorted, nodded.

“Now, we’ll be heading outside for this, because we don’t want everything to burn down,” He smirked, “My epitaph was Sunflower Soul, if anyone was curious.”

“Curious,” Her first thought, “We’re going to be negotiating with Fire spirits aren’t we?” was her second thought.

Still she and the rest of the class followed Professor Garlt out to the courtyard, the professor’s hands behind his back and Louise found it interesting that despite the fact that he was walking none of the flames on the candles flickered or moved.

Or the fact that she didn’t see any sign of the candles even melting.

“The spirits, and yes with an S, we will be working with will be fire and earth spirits,” He explained, half skipping forward, “You will be trying to convince them to work together to create lava.”

Louise nodded along, she certainly hadn’t done that with Roc. Though the orc was more interested in giving her a solid grounding in the basics than teaching her anything advanced.

“What sort of spirits will we be expected to learn how to negotiate with?” Another student asked before Louise could herself.

“Well, we’ll start with the basics first; elemental spirits. Afterwards we will gradually move on to more advanced spirits,” Professor Garlt said, “It’s my hope that, by the end of the year, you all will be capable of communing with greater elemental spirits. In later years we’ll be covering the more esoteric spirits. Time spirits, Death spirits, and so on.” He added with a smile, clearly loving having students interested in his subject.

“Time spirits, professor?” Louise couldn’t help but ask.

“Ah, a very fickle lot,” The professor said with a chuckle, “Very methodical, orderly, and hates any sort of delay. But they are extremely powerful if you can successfully make a deal with one.”

“Now then, take your campfires,” He made a gesture and flames shot from his candles into piles of sticks… which hadn’t been there moments ago to create small campfires. “And those stones there, and convince them to create lava by working together.”

Louise approached her fire and stone pile, and instead of getting straight to it she instead recalled everything she knew about the specific spirits. Fire is wild, passionate, ruly, and will hurt everyone around it unless if was given the proper respect and caution.

Earth by comparison is static, slow, stoic, and is resistant to change.

“So how do I get to exact opposites to agree to work together?” She wondered as she pulled out a journal and a pen (which she loved so much more than quills and ink pots) and started to write her thoughts down.

“Whatcha writing?” A human girl that looked younger than her asked, arm wrapping around her shoulder, “Ohh, no, you’re overthinking it. Way over thinking it.”

“I… tend to do that.” Louise agreed, “But it helps me… get the thoughts out. I’m Louise, and… you are?”

“Ah, heh. I’m actually Garlt’s TA,” She said with a smile, “I’m working on my Shaman mastery while assisting him, the name’s Yang-Long. And well… I’ve heard of you, let’s say your little kiss at breakfast spread like wildfire.”

Louise blushed deeply, cheeks going red.

“Oh don’t get me wrong, I personally found it cute. Dark elves have a bad reputation, admittedly most of it’s valid but they're not as bad as so many think,” She said, “I’ve had some relations with them over the years, they’re a very wild and sensual bunch, but they’re not sadistic monsters. Well monsters that is.”

“Oh no, they are. Mostly. Remember what Obsidia said? That her family was unique?” Rei noted in amusement, “They just tricked the cutie.”

“... Would any of those elves be related to Obsidia?” Louise asked, mostly out of a sense of hope.

“Nope,” She said, giving her a strange look.

Now… How did one explain to a younger girl that her past relations tricked her into thinking they’re not bad?

“Anyway, the spirits aren’t opposites, they want to breed and form new spirits just like humans do,” the girl said, “Why don’t you just give them the power to do it? You’ve got plenty of it, you might just need to put them close together…”

“I was going to, I just.. Well just getting thoughts out of my head,” Louise said again, not really bothered, just a bit annoyed.

“Then I’ll just let you get to it,” Yang-Long said, “But if you need anything, even if you just want to bounce ideas off me just ask okay? Also, I think you and Obisdia are cute,” She added with a wink before she walked off.

“Birmir save me from overly chipper people…” Though really looking back on it she cursed her impulsiveness. Of course giving Obsidia a kiss would spread like wildfire!

Grumbling faintly, she decided to negotiate with the spirits, maybe that would distract her from the very naive TA she just talked to.

It was… easier than she thought it would be, all she had to do was put the rock inside and then just… ask. And give them power, a lot of power.

It also made her pass out.

… Though now she had to deal with the fact she was too successful…

What use could all these Lava spirits have had? Maybe they could be used in forges? She honestly had no idea.

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