SWNOVELS Chapter Bond in Crystalpeak
In the Crystalpeak Academy, the infirmary was a sanctuary of healing, tucked away in a quiet corner of the magnificent stone buildings. The room was adorned with tapestries bearing symbols of health and restoration, and the air was filled with a soothing, lavender-scented aroma. Soft sunlight filtered through the large arched windows, casting a warm and comforting glow over the space.
Healer Isolda, a woman of elder age with wisdom etched into the lines of her face, used her power to mend Eamon's injuries. When she finished, she turned to him and spoke with kindness, “There, they’re healed.” She summoned a bottle of calming potion and handed it to him. “Drink this; it’s a calming tonic. It will help you feel better.”
Eamon accepted the bottle with gratitude and took a sip. “Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with appreciation.
Healer Isolda, her eyes gentle, continued, “You’re a new face around here, aren’t you? I heard about your situation, Eamon. It’s a tough start, but you’re among friends now.”
Touched by her empathy, Eamon nodded. “Yes, it’s been a challenging journey, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to study here.”
Healer Isolda offered a reassuring smile, “The academy is a place of second chances. We believe in nurturing potential, no matter where you come from. And don’t worry about those bullies. The Fulmigeni and the Pyroclasmists may act tough, but not everyone here is like them. There are kind and supportive students, too.”
Eamon's smile widened, appreciating the comfort Healer Isolda provided. “Thank you for your words. It’s good to know that there are people like you here.”
Healer Isolda chuckled softly, “I’ve seen many students pass through these doors over the years, and I always do my best to make them feel welcome. Now, you should probably go and explore the academy more. If you see Rosche, tell her to visit me; she has some explaining to do.” She held up an empty bottle, symbolizing that Rosche had taken something from the infirmary. “Oh, I almost forgot. She’s the girl who brought you here.”
Curious, Eamon simply nodded in acknowledgment and walked out of the room quietly, prepared to find Rosche and deliver the message, feeling a bit more at ease thanks to his encounter with Healer Isolda.
As Eamon exited the infirmary, he was taken aback by a light tap on his shoulder. Startled, he turned to see Rosche standing behind him. Her eyes were inquisitive, and her expression was a mix of curiosity and a hint of mischief.
“Oh, so you’re a new student,” Rosche remarked with a friendly smile. “I’m Rosche.” She extended her hand for a handshake, and Eamon reciprocated with a handshake of his own, introducing himself.
As they began to walk together, Rosche couldn’t help but inquire, “I noticed you didn’t use your magic back there. Why didn’t you protect yourself?”
Eamon looked at the ground, and after a moment’s pause, he replied softly, “I don’t want any trouble.”
Rosche nodded in understanding and didn’t press further on the topic. Instead, she changed the subject, “So, what kind of mage are you?”
Eamon hesitated for a moment and then avoided the question, unsure of how to answer. Rosche, sensing his discomfort, decided to be more considerate and asked, “Alright, no need to share if you don’t want to. Let’s talk about something else.”
As they continued to walk, Rosche began to chat animatedly. She talked about her background, her family, and her experiences at Crystalpeak Academy. Eamon listened with a faint smile, gradually becoming more at ease in her company.
Rosche revealed, “You know, I have a bit of an issue with my roots. If I had magic like those mages back there, I’d definitely use it to protect myself. It’s tough not having any powers in a place like this.”
Their conversation flowed naturally, with Rosche doing most of the talking and Eamon opening up bit by bit as they went further into the academy. At one point, Eamon mentioned that Healer Isolda was looking for Rosche, but Rosche simply shrugged it off. “Don’t worry,” she said nonchalantly, “she’ll probably forget about it. She has a lot on her plate.”
As they continued their stroll through the academy, engrossed in conversation, they lost track of time. The sky gradually darkened, and the world around them transformed with the shift from day to night. They were so wrapped up in their exchange that they completely forgot about their classes.
The academy’s grounds took on a different ambiance under the moon’s gentle glow, and the pathways were illuminated by enchanting, softly glowing crystals embedded in the stone walkways. The hushed whispers of magical incantations and the distant laughter of students echoed through the courtyards.
Despite the lateness of the hour, Rosche and Eamon found solace in each other’s company, sharing stories and dreams beneath the night sky. Their shared experience had created a bond, one that transcended their differences and welcomed the promise of a new friendship. The academy had brought them together, and as the night deepened, they walked on, companions in the enchanting world of magic and mystery.