Gray Heroics #5.2

"Yeah, definitely. Hope you are, too, Qoreman."

"I certainly am, my friend." Words spoke from the blonde with a warm smile upon his face.

"It's really nice to see you, Galivinth!" Raice speaks out this time, moving in shortly after the handshake between the two males came to an end, and wraps her arms around his neck to give a hug. Her head resting right beside his.

"U-uuhh.. It's very, very nice to see you again too, Raice." He responds with a nervous smile on his lips that he just couldn't fight away. Though hesitantly, he does embrace her in kind and returns the friendly gesture. Just as they break apart, new voices make themselves heard.

"...Are you three mental? I thought it was just a jest... I thought it was just a one-time thing. I THOUGHT you people would know better. But lo and behold, you've shown just how scandalously daring you are, Naeth." A male with sunny beige skin and amethyst colored hair styled in a trim part speaks up.

"What is your grievance, Nathaniel? He wouldn't be here if he wasn't allowed to be." Naeth retorts.

"That's just it-- He's not supposed to be." Nathaniel responds.

"He's right, Naeth. Why did you bring-- No.. Better yet, why did you strong-arm an outsider inside the Cryo Kingdom? Do you believe you're above the King's ruling now?" A female speaks up this time. One with fair skin and hair like the midnight sky. Long and styled within a high ponytail in the back, a part in front that allows her lengthy bangs to drape neatly down past her jawline - a deep blue at top that fades into an onyx black midway down.

"I've always thought you were a confident soul, but I never suspected that your ego and audacity would go this far." A third voice speaks up. A male with very low trimmed hair and a mocha complexion.

By now, Galivinth was feeling a wave of guilt shifting behind his chest. Unsure of how to even respond in the moment.

"Hmm... I suppose it is bizarre that he'd be given special privilege to bypass such a strict decree from the King..." As much as it bothered him to do so, Qoreman comments honestly. 

"That's true, but is it truly harmful in any way? He's merely one outsider, after all." Raice chimes in.

"All it takes is one before more get the same idea. It's bad for public perception, and Naeth is fully aware of that." Nathaniel informs snidely.

"Enough. This isn't up for dispute. You may feel however you wish about it, but he's been given clearance to be here. If you feel that there's some sort of foul play taking place here, then by all means... Take it up with the King himself and waste his time with your feelings." Naeth firmly rebuttals.

"Fine then, be the stubborn fool. Just don't go expecting the majority of us to give the halfling a warm welcome. He's still not and never will be one of us." Nathaniel concludes his thoughts on the matter.

"I won't. I'm not here to lecture you on why you should, either. Now, can you bunch go grab the cloaks and do some warm-ups? And don't wait up for us, I'm going to be aiding him for the most part today." And with those words from Naeth, the group heads off to grab the equipment and head outside.

Just as the exit doors audible shut behind the last individual to step out, Galivinth speaks up.

"...I'm sorry. You know, for all that arguing I caused. I didn't come to make trouble for anyone."

"I know you didn't. I was the one who invited you back, so I don't blame you. But neither can I fault them for their point of view. I share it to some degree. That's not to say that I regret bringing you here, but if you were any one else, I likely would have been scolding at your presence here, too." Naeth responds honestly. 

"I see..." Was all Galivinth could say in his uncertainty.

"You recall when I said most of us died when we crashed here? Well, we're repopulating and... Having outsiders come in and dilute Cryonean genetics would be a fatal flaw. You can understand that, can't you?" Naeth asks.

"Yeah, I think. The guards at the entree gate said something similar. That they were in a crucial time."

"Yes, exactly. I'm attempting to be sympathetic toward you, but I feel downplaying the circumstance of you being here would be a disservice to you. As my friend -- my relative, I feel you deserve better, and know you're capable of adjusting accordingly. You're not weak willed, despite how much you doubt yourself at times." Naeth continues, pausing briefly to take a second to place his hands upon Galivinth's shoulders.

"I cannot stop people from speaking their minds, nor can I so easily sway the opinion of even a fraction of the masses. In fact, I will not deliberately try to. Just know that symbol on your arm is all the proof you need that you're free to walk among us here, even if it is just until nightfall. Develop an internal endurance for harsh words and conquer it. Treat it as if it's another aspect of your training here." Naeth goes on to advise.

"Okay. Okay, I can do that. I can do that for sure." Galivinth affirms with a nod and a new found sense of assurance.

"Good. Now, let's get you out there and practicing." And with that, Naeth lightly pats at his relatives shoulders before finally lowering his arms to his sides again and turning to head for head for the exit doors.

"I haven't forgotten your slip up in our last skirmish match. We'll start by sharpening your memorization of a handful."

"Fine by me." Galivinth follows behind the other and steps out into the everlasting cold weather of the city. After leaving through the side of the building, the two make a right to join the others at the rear side of the building. There, they see the rest of the group setting up target stands in the far back near the onyx wall that formed a spacious rectangle around them, as well as serving as indication of boundary of property. 

"Wait right here, I'll return shortly." Naeth instructs. While he jogs off toward the equipment and group, Galivinth takes the moment to take in his surroundings. It seems like it was designed for lounging and outside studying. It was mostly grassy for the most part, with stone pathways dividing the center and surrounding the edges. Several trees about. One to the far right and two to the left. Then, there were the navy blue bench tables that look to be made of polished wood near the trees. 

The sound of magic casting draws his attention to his left, and his eyes shift toward the others who are now standing far from the targets they've set up. His eyes narrow with curiosity, as well as due to his nearsightedness, at the different gestures some used when discharging spells. Within a moment, he also took notice of how the targets didn't disintegrate on impact. It was as if their spells were met with an immovable force. He thought it was quite odd, considering he's seen plenty of them send people and objects flying with tremendous impact. 

"Alright, let's get underway and YOU up to par." The sound of Naeth's voice grabs Galivinth's attention as the former jogs toward him.

"I want you to memorize at least two tier 2 spells, and three tier 1 spells. Your arsenal of spells should vary and be wisely chosen. We'll start off conditioning you into using two spells for offense. Do you have any particular preference in mind?"

"Water and ice, I guess." Galivinth answers with a shrug of his shoulders. From there, his training commences. Naeth starts off by having him repeatedly cast the tier 1 ice spell in the form of a softball-sized projectile at the target he setup 50 yards away. By his 20th casting, Galivinth was a bit fatigued. Breathing as if he was engaging in physically taxing movement. It was also when Naeth instructed him to start casting without speaking the spell out loud, and instead speak the incantation within his thoughts. 

And just as another round of the repetitive task was beginning, one of the others from the group yell in his direction to inform him that they were planning on heading to the front for a skirmish match. He encourages the bunch to head off without him, expressing that he was more focused on helping Galivinth improve. And they do just that. 

Naeth continues giving instructions, including repeating the process with the tier 1 water spell at some point. This goes on until a little after 30 minutes have passed.

"Enough." Naeth finally declares, sated with the progress thus far. Within seconds of him saying such, Galivinth's shaky knees finally give out and he collapses onto them, as well as his hands. Panting and sweating in the cold weather.

"W-why... Why am I tired? I didn't do much of anything!" The teen breathes out.

"Well, of course. You've been casting spells for a little while now. It's only natural that you'd be taxed from doing so." Naeth tells him.

"What? Why?" Galivinth asks while tilting his head to look up at the other.

"The same reason you get exhausted when you're in active motion. You're demanding effort from your body. Just imagine how you'd be feeling if you had to follow my instructions WHILE running laps. Conquest Bout tests and potentially evolves your physical capabilities."

"Ah, man. You've probably been at this for years, huh?"

"Not too long. Just eleven years so far." Naeth answers just before offering a hand to Galivinth. Once it's accepted, he helps lift his relative up onto his feet again.

"We'll conclude your training for today. For now, I want you to spectate the skirmish the others are participating in with me. Study the crucial elements of the sport. Wits, strategy, efficiency, and teamwork."

"All right, fine by me. I think it's pretty interesting to watch. Beats watching all of the sports back home." Galivinth admits. From there, another hour was spent spectating and discussing the matches between them while drinking from water bottles Galivinth along with him inside his backpack. Then, he was taken home by his father, accompanied by Naeth. They bid him farewell for the rest of the day and took their leave shortly after.

Hours pass by rather quickly and the next morning arrives. Same as before, Galivinth gets up and ready to head out again. Same time, same means of transportation that takes him back to the Cryo Kingdom for more practice. On their way there, Galivinth strikes up a conversation.

"Hey, by the way. Why is that research building always empty? I never see anyone roaming the halls." The teen inquires. 

"That's because it's not typically busy until well into the afternoon when lessons begin. I don't think you've ever stayed long enough to see it. Along with that, we're still growing in numbers." Naeth explains.

"Oh. Makes sense. Is that building like a college or something?"

"College?" Galelith repeats from the driver's seat. Then it suddenly dawns on him.

"Oh, that. Yes, I suppose that's what you could call it. It's a facility meant for research and turning students into scholars of science and magic. It's a direct pathway into our city's political space, which isn't quite too... Sought after. There may be just around 50 students all together who attend the lessons. There's no fee to enroll, though. The only requirement is a diploma of basic learning, which you could think of as a high school diploma equivalent."

"That's a pretty big building for just 50 students, don't you think?" Galivinth asks.

"An overestimation of interest. However, the surplus of space is good. More opportunities to house individual projects away from each other. It's easier to conduct research without any cluttering. Also, we've arrived." With that response, Galelith lowers the bus down and their morning goes on normally. Same meeting space, though a different method of training this time around. One Naeth only initiates when they're left alone in the back.

"Alright, next--" Naeth trails and begins doing motions with his hands that make Galivinth narrow his eyes with confusion. With his point and middle extended out in front of him and pointing skyward at an angle, Naeth begins drawing an invisible circle and tracing upon it countless times. It's not until a sudden aggressive flow of wind makes itself heard seconds later that Galivinth realizes some peculiar was happen. That wind was a vacuum, drawing in every bit of falling snow within its reach and manifesting a growing sphere of white that keeps afloat in place. Exactly where Naeth was pointing. Once content, Naeth ceases the motion and then forms a tight fist, squeezing as if he was crushing the life out of something - along with that gesture came the crackling sound of the gathered snow solidifying into crystallized ice until it was formidably sturdy. It was the size of a beach ball by the end.

"I want you to practice on a moving target today." Naeth finishes.

"How did you do that? How are you making it float like that?" 

"Sorcery. Different from magic. I can manipulate my surroundings and change any property of it I want at will. It's floating because I'm using magic energy as a tether. I also gave it the property to defy gravity." Naeth explains, both youths unaware of the group approaching from behind.

"Giving a course on the subject of sorcery, are we?" A young boyish voice questions from behind the two. Turning to face the origin, it's there the two adolescents see various people. Some regal individuals, but most are peers of Naeth - the bunch that curiously stands behind two knights in onyx armor adorned by navy blue garments. The long cloth hanging vertically over the center of their bodies bears the symbol of a white sphere that resembles a planet with four bridges extending from it that lead to less detailed spheres.

In front of those two stands a young boy who looks to be about twelve years of age, around 5'1 in height, has a rich mocha complexion, and short black and brushed over hair. Atop of his head rests a platinum crown with amethyst jewelry embedded around it, and upon his shoulders was a black cape with white fur that coils around his neck completely. Just by looking at the boy's eyes, he was able to discern that this fashionably pretentious kid was a full-blooded cryonean.

"No way..." Galivinth murmurs under his breath as he looks skeptically at the boy.

"My King." Naeth greets as he humbles himself before the crowned youth before him by taking a knee. At seeing him do so, a bit of panic arises within Galivinth. He eventually decides to swiftly take a kneeling position similar to Naeth.

"I was only giving him an explanation behind my doing. My only aim is to help him develop into an adequate player for Conquest Bout." Naeth goes on to explain.

"And that in of itself is such a curious notion, don't you think?" The King responds. Then, he shifts his eyes toward Galivinth while arching a brow, especially upon noticing the armband.

"And YOU, outsider. You are no subject of mine, nor do you appear to be anyone of importance. Spare me your allegiance and stand." He demands. And, though taken aback by it, Galivinth obliges and rises to stand again.

"Uh. Sorry.." Galivinth murmurs while adverting his eyes in embarrassment.

"And you may rise, Naeth. Tell me of your fascination with this outsider if such claims of your involvement are true." The King then commands the other. And he obeys.

"This is... My relative, my King. I met him the first time his father brought him to our city, specifically to this building. I had heard rumors of the outside world, with one of them being a sentimental closeness among relatives. I used it as an excuse to sate my curiosity of human society." Naeth answers.

"And now? Why does he suddenly dwell here at your behalf?" The King presses.

"I wanted to share a bit of our culture with him in turn after the many things he's shared with me. Even if it was only meant to be magic and a sport, I felt it was better than nothing. Having him experience it for himself was my intent."

"...Sentimental indeed. Foolishly so, as well." The king comments with disappointment lacing through his words. Then he suddenly begins approaching Galivinth, stopping just a meter away as he stares up at the teenager.

The latter uncomfortable exchanges stares, but hardly for long. His anxiety was making it quite difficult to maintain eye contact.

"It's just as the scientists have said. You're practically an abomination. You have defiled blood in your veins." The King finally comments, pausing shortly before continuing aloofly.

"I hear your aging process is like that of the humans on this planet. A blessing to your curse, I'd say. A mistake that'll die out before too long."

At such words, Galivinth blinks in disbelief. The King's words were tactless, much like the typical Cryonean. It wasn't necessarily surprising, but it was still awfully outlandish. In truth, it left him speechless.

Naeth extends a hand partially and opens his mouth as if he intended to speak out, but he holds his tongue and retracts his hand. 

"From your own tongue, outsider, tell me why do you come here?" The King proceeds to ask.

"To hang out with Naeth, I guess. He seemed enthusiastic about getting me to play the sport with him, and I didn't want to let him down." Galivinth answers.

"Hang... Out? That's... Deceitfully morbid contrast to your further elaboration." 

"It's a phrase that means to spend time with someone else, or at somewhere enjoyable."

"Ah. Strange... Very strange, indeed. So, how do you like Conquest Bout, abomination?" The King casually asks.

"...It's fun. I enjoy watching it, too. Maybe fairly more than playing." 

"Good enough! Because I'd like to play a match against you. And because I prefer to keep things interesting, I insist that we put forth stakes between you and I. A sense of urgency, if you will. Is there anything you'd like to receive should you win the wager?"

"Uhm... No, not... Not really." Galivinth answers with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Then I shall decide on your potential reward. Hmm. If your team somehow wins, I'll grant you legal citizenship and one request of a favor from me."

"Oh. That's kind of cool, I guess." Galivinth comments.

"However, when you undoubtedly lose, I will forbid you from ever stepping foot in my kingdom ever again, have you killed on sight should you ever be spotted near the city's walls, and in addition I will have your father locked away for the rest of his life." The King informs.

"That's.. That's definitely not cool. Seems unnecessarily cruel..."

"I know! Isn't it exciting to think about?" The king comments with a grin that seems eerily out of place.

"No... I can't agree to that. I'd rather just not play and stay out of the city forever."

"So you forfeit, then? In that case, I'll grant you that proposal... And have your father executed." 

"What!?" Galivinth blurts in horror.

"Was there a misunderstanding? I said I will grant you the option to not play and leave. And also--

"And also kill my dad!?" Galivinth finishes for the Cryonean royalty.

"Precisely."

"But why that last part? My dad hasn't done anything."

"Ha! Surely you know better than to think that, don't you? Or are you truly so mentally inefficient that you fail to realize the audacity of you frequenting this city, let alone just being here? I'm actually being more than reasonable and generous with my approach to Galelith's questionable behavior. I'm giving you an opportunity to become a legal citizen and absolve him of my scrutiny. Do you wish to reconsider your forfeit?" The king arches his brow again.

"Yes, I reconsider. Just please don't kill my dad, all right?"

"Splendid. Then it's settled." The king concludes and extends a hand to Galivinth.

"Yeah, it's a deal..." Galivinth reluctantly agrees as he reaches out to shake the King's hand in agreement.

"Your highness, if I may be allowed to speak on the matter..." Naeth speaks up with concern.

"Have you no shame, citizen?" A masculine voice from one of the guards rhetorically asks before both approach to physically withdraw Naeth away from the other two. However, a hand signaling for them to desists comes from the boyish King.

"I will entertain your input. Speak clearly and directly." The royalty demands.

"More time is needed to better prepare him. He wouldn't be able to provide much of a challenge at his current level, so I humbly want to request a few days to train him further." Naeth responds.

"Ah, well that won't be an issue. I don't have the time to play today, honestly. I'll grant you no more than five days to prepare, though. I expect to see you both at the coliseum on the fifth day, or else. Am I understood?"

"Yes."

"...Yes." Both Galivinth and Neath answers.

"Satisfactory arrangement, then. I shall leave you two to your affairs now." And with that said, the King, knights, and who Galivinth could only surmise were high standing members of their society, take their leave through the building.

"Dude, what the actual hell!? That was your king?" Galivinth aggressively questions at a near whisper.

"Settle down... And yes, that was him." Naeth answers.

"Was he joking about that stuff? Killing and locking my dad away?"

"Probably not."

"Probably not? This is crazy... This is- this is a mess. My DAD could be locked away if we lose, man!" Galivinth exclaims in distress as he brushes his hands through his raven hair.

"I know. Which is why we should make certain that we don't lose." Naeth comments with a determined look on his face as he folds his arms across his chest.

It's then that two of Naeth's peers approach them.

"That was more than fairly unnerving... Are you okay, Galivinth?" Raice asks with gentleness behind her tone as she moves to stand at the latter's side and place a hand upon his shoulders.

"Yes, that wasn't anything I, or any of us, could have foresaw coming. Are you feeling alright?" Qoreman also expresses his concern.

"I... Don't know. I'm nervous and worried about what's going to happen to my dad." He answers without tearing his eyes away from the ground.

"I can't imagine how you must feel right now, but you have my sympathy." Raice attempts to soothe his nerves, even going so far as to move to stand in front of him and wrap her arms around his neck to hug him. In turn, he coils his arms around her waist and rests his chin upon her shoulder.

"I shouldn't have kept coming here. This is all my fault..." Galivinth murmurs.

"Well, partly yours. Naeth shares the blame, too. You two were fully aware of our cultural stipulation, yet chose to neglect it." Raice, despite her upbeat tone, chides the two.

"She's right you know. You two brought this on. I wish it was otherwise, but reality has dictated the actuality of the situation." Qoreman comments in agreement.

"Unfortunately true, but we can't afford to dwell on the what ifs and the misfortune of the predicament. We have to be focused and battle ready. The King will not be thwarted by our dismay and complaints." Naeth firmly responds.