Dalanor looked uneasily at the entrance of a narrow trail leading into the small patch of woods. He turned a glance back towards the open rolling plains and the farmhouse in the distance, second guessing for a moment if he made the right choice in coming this way.

The directions from the farmer were clear and the trail seemed fairly straightforward so far, but he followed behind Zinnia‘s lead nonetheless, as she likely knew the trail well. Her orange hair matched the changing colors of the fall foliage, which covered the trail before them in a light scattering of leaves.

The sun was still high in the sky and the shade of the trees brought comfort. As they walked, Dalanor looked towards the ground immediately outside of the trail for any signs of plants or vegetables, either alchemical or edible. He picked a few while he walked, nearly without pause, by quickly plucking them at a distance with his magic and beckoning them to float to his hand [1].

Before long he had a nice collection growing in the large pockets of his long blue jacket - 
persimmons and wild berries, dandelion greens, hickory nuts and chanterelles. He wasn’t quite sure yet what he would make with them all, perhaps a King’s Valley take on an autumn harvest salad.

---

[1] Telekinesis

Zinnia's body felt horribly discomforting, if not just plain wrong, as she tried not to show weakness in front of the farmer and Dalanor. She hadn't the slightest idea why she felt this way, and L'atio simply wouldn't respond to any of her words. The myriad feelings did not subside even as she walked along the forest shortcut home, stumbling and almost tripping due to bad footing a number of times. Eventually though, some of the sensations did begin to subside as the spirit awoke once more and redirected the agonies from her consciousness to his, though he too was feeling no better than the girl from the backlash of doing what he had to do and thus was in no mood for chatter. Not until he could regather himself proper.

After what felt like an eternity thanks to her slowed pace and constant pains, the girl would finally exit the forest and in front of her stood Teach's house, a small two-storey building that came with a back door. She knocked on the door, which immediately signalled Arlebus that something was wrong and he would open the door post-haste. He barely took a glance at Zinnia before noticing a blue-haired stranger following behind her, then observed the girl proper. He then swiftly pulled out a bottle containing a bluish liquid from the cabinet, shoved that into Zinnia's hands and ordered, "Room. Now."

The girl did not like the attitude Teach was taking in the slightest, but she was in no condition to even retort so she had little choice but to do just that and headed up the stairs. Just before she could head into the corridor to her room, however, L'atio would finally deign it appropriate to call out of her.
Child, are you just going to let him push you around like that?
L'atio! You're awake! The girl felt a sense of relief washing over her, even if it was ultimately unhelpful in the face of the bodily aches she was experiencing.
I am. There would be no apologies from the spirit, no, not with the sheer level of arrogance he possessed.
I was worried that I might never hear from you again! Her mind's voice was truly emotional, which spoke to just how lonely she was before he came along.
Come now, child. I promised that I would train you to become a full-fledged mage, did I not? Seeing no reason not to take advantage of the vulnerability she was demonstrating, he did precisely that.
You shouldn't scare me like that! I... I... Tears trickled down her cheek as her eyes laid downcast, looking at the bottle given to her by Teach.
Drink the bottle, child. It will help. L'atio found it a curious affair that the liquid seemed so similar to the solutions he used to consume for his own mana regulation in his childhood, but perhaps some things never changed even ages later. After finishing the bottle, L'atio would have another go at steering the girl for his own benefit.
What do you say to staying here and listening to what the two might have to say? He was genuinely curious about how the man behaved when not in the child's presence.
Huh? You mean... eavesdropping? The girl's expression shifted to that of unease.
Do you find it fair that the man has the right to your obedience when he has done so little for you? L'atio certainly appreciated how ineffectual her 'Teach' was in that it opened the girl up to being manipulated so readily.
That's... W-well, I guess it should be fine so long as Teach doesn't find out... Right? The girl didn't feel quite comfortable betraying Teach in this manner, but she couldn't deny L'atio's words either so she relented and sat on the floor as quietly as she could.

Dalanor stood in the doorway to Zinnia and Arlebus home. He watched the scene in silence as Zinnia took the blue bottle and headed upstairs.

A flashback from his youth came to mind - of a deathly cold winter. It was his earliest years at the academy, before he received a scholarship to cover the cost of room and board. A blizzard had descended unexpectedly, and a dispute among the faculty on how to handle the day-students had finalized on sending them home. The ferryboat ride back to Sol City was unpleasant. Howling winds and rough waves rocked the boat. Flurries quickly became continuous sheets of snow. Dense cold fog blocked visibility across the channel. The Sea and Sky domain wizards used their magic to ensure safe passage. The trip would have likely been impossible otherwise. When they arrived at Gold Port, most students had parents waiting and ready. Dalanor's mother was not. She had business on another island that day, and was stranded due to the conditions. Amidst the chaos and hastiness, Dalanor slipped away. Whether by foolishness or bravery, he set out to make the trek alone through the waist high snow to their humble suburban flat.

It is days like these that raise our constitution. Perhaps Zinnia is trudging through the snow of her own blizzard.

Dalanor raised a hand in neutral greeting. "Hi there. I'm Dalanor Zai of Capitol Landing. I'm an adjunct professor at the academy. Are you Zinnia's guardian?"

Capitol Landing. Academy. The disheveled Sylvan Elf's eyes widened just slightly at the words spoken by the blue-haired man. One of the last things he wanted was for the Astralblood child to end up in the Arcane Academy of all places. Especially not with-

"Yes, I am indeed Zinnia's legal quardian. The name is Arlebus Semele. To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from an esteemed professor such as yourself?" He spoke with a diplomatic tone, determined not to betray any of his personal feelings about whatever conversations were going to occur. The child was practicing magic behind his back, that much he already knew. He had to teach her the bare minimum of magic control only because she was a perpetual risk to everyone else around her, and he was very aware the anti-magic seal he placed over her was starting to fail. The rate in which that would disintegrate would likely only increase as time went on. Also, Zinnia likely believed she was getting away with it due to how lackadaisical he acts around her, but he had lived in this house long enough to memorize every creak the second floor's floorboards made to know she is not in her room, and so he had to be as tactful as possible.

"But where are my manners? Please, come in and have a seat." Arlebus invited Dalanor into the house, which was a simple place with the kitchen on the right when observed from the back entrance, a bathroom on the left, and a stairway leading to the second floor next to that, its opening close to the front entrance. A simple dining table with four chairs sat right in the middle of the space, lit by magical lamps strategically placed at key locations. He then gestured at the chair closest to the back entrance before asking,
"Would you like some tea or coffee?"

Dalanor gave a quiet thank you, almost a whisper, as Arlebus beckoned for him to enter. Dalanor stepped inside, pausing for a moment in the entryway as Arlebus closed the door behind him. As Arlebus headed towards the kitchen, Dalanor looked around at the furnishings, decor and overall conditions. The house had a cozy charm to it.

The mild creek of a floorboard from up above caught his ear and he held back a smile. He headed towards the chair which Arlebus indicated. He almost instinctively pulled it out using his mind, but his restraint on using magic around newcomers was a well practiced mental barrier.

He was especially cautious in the world outside of his own backyard. Were it not for Zinnia's magical inclinations, he might not have even introduced himself in affiliation with the academy. In this circumstance it was important that he didn't come across as hiding any information. To learn more about Zinnia, he would have to earn Arlebus trust.

Dalanor pulled the chair out normally, and settled in the seat, taking care not to sit on his jacket. He softly smiled at Arlebus subtle compliment. His lectures were not quite esteemed, but they might be considered full of steam!

Arlebus offer of tea or coffee was the best thing he heard since leaving Capitol Landing. At this time of day he might normally be sipping a cup of chamomile or rooibos in his study.

"Yes, absolutely, tea sounds nice."

"Very well. One moment please." Arlebus turned to the cabinets and reached for one of the higher cabinets that the girl would not be able to reach without assistance which was normally locked and unlocked it with a key in one of his pockets, then removed a jar filled with dried flowers and tea leaves and placed a handful of them into a teapot before returning it to its original position and locking the cabinet once more. Then, he would begin to boil the water on the kettle hanging above firewood using the traditional method of flint over firewood. Dalanor did not seem to give any indication about whether he knew the Sylvan Elf was a mage, and he sorely wished to remain a fool in his guest's eyes. Not that he wasn't one, but still.

Meanwhile, on the second floor, Zinnia was still feeling queasy, though her symptoms have significantly subsided since drinking the solution. In fact, she was starting... to... feel... sleepy...
An instant later, her consciousness faded and her head falling to the side, causing a slight thud against the floorboards that indicated as much.

"Zinnia?" Arlebus called out with feigned concern, waiting a brief moment to allow for time to signal a lack of response.

"Please allow me a moment to check on her." He bowed, then climbed up the stairs to check on the child. After taking a moment to confirm that she was indeed unconscious, he would carry her to her bed and tuck her in. That settles one problem. Now for the other one.

Arlebus would descend the stairs once more, and inform his guest as such:-

"Zinnia had the bright idea of trying to eavesdrop on us, but it seemed the fatigue got the better of her, so I have carried her to her bed." He would have preferred that to be the genuine truth, but he could not take any chances.

"Now then, what brings you here, Mr. Dalanor Zai?" Arlebus inquired once he took up a seat opposite his guest, trying to remain as dispassionate as he could.

Dalanor nodded in understanding as Arlebus went to check on Zinnia and waited quietly for him to return. Once Arlebus was back downstairs, Dalanor gave him a few moments to reestablish himself in the room before jumping into conversation again.

"Well Mr Semele, Zinnia had quite an interesting day...." Dalanor recounted the events since first meeting Zinnia at the farm. He described the encounter with the Barghest and her magical surge, followed by the brief fainting spell.

"What I saw Zinnia perform is incredibly rare for someone so young. Even if we put her magical ability aside, her bravery against the Barghest is a heroic feat that stands on its own. Most kids her age would have run the other way."

Dalanor was hesitant to make any assumptions, and cautious about starting an investigative line of questioning. He needed to ease into the conversation and didn't want to make Arlebus uncomfortable with probing inquiry. He wanted to ask if this happened before, but to get to the answers, he would have to ask without asking.

The blue bottle that Arlebus handed Zinnia was another curiosity, but that too would have to wait. Dalanor knew he wasn't entitled to any information about Zinnia at all, but he at least wanted to establish if Arlebus acknowledged her uniqueness.

Blink, followed by Chromatic Blast in what was undoubtedly quick succession. Neither were easy feats, especially for a child at the young age of 12. The fainting spell was probably a given - the child's true mana reserves were repressed on the default and her body had long since adapted to the limiter thanks to 4 years of no true spellcasting. That she was already developing the capacity to actually cast spells - those of the Space Domain - no less, shortly after she got her hands on the spellbook, was certainly a concerning affair. Arlebus had found nothing unusual about the spellbook - while it undoubtedly served as a spell focus, that did not, and could not possibly explain her sudden heightened proficiency.

Listening to Dalanor's anecdote, that Zinnia did not run from the Barghest was less likely out of heroism, and more likely out of desperation in his view. The child may not remember, but she had actually witnessed her uncle to ash in front of her very eyes. That she Blinked forward past the creature to avoid the creature's attack, however, was another interesting matter. A smart choice, but not an instinct a mere child would normally have. Besides, Blinking sideways would have been the more pragmatic choice since it was easier to swivel around for a counterattack rather than having to turn around 180 degrees. Perhaps he should have been a little more proactive in keeping an eye on the child after all.

"Bravery, huh. Sounds more like recklessness to my ears. I suppose Zinnia is reaching that age after all." The Sylvan Elf deliberately avoided any mention of her magical prowess, hoping to feign genuine ignorance and perhaps use his race to his advantage. Sylvan Elves were known to be in tune with nature and all. Do not give this man a opening.

"Hm, I see..." Dalanor rubbed his bearded chin. He was all too familiar with that fickle coin - heroism on one side and recklessness on the other.

When he was young, he too had his fair share of poor judgement. It is a challenging world out there, and no one can avoid every possible mistake. All we can do is learn from it, avoid repeating it, and try to grow from it.

Dalanor paused for a moment and continued compassionately.

"I am concerned Mr Semele. For Zinnia's safety, and for yours. Power like hers, power that develops too fast, it can have consequences. She could lose control. Or worse yet, there are those out there that would seek to control her, for themselves."

Dalanor paused again, glancing at Arlebus face for any sign of a reaction. He couldn't tell if his words were getting through.

"You seem like a kind man Mr Semele, and you have lived a longer life than I have... so you know the dangers that are out there. She won't be safe here forever."

Dalanor's voice was calm and his eyes showed empathy.

"If you like, I can be an ally for you and Zinnia. If you are ever at a time in need, I would try my best to help. I cannot speak on behalf of the academy, but I can be a friend."

The Sylvan Elf simply listened to word after word, expression remaining neutral as though disallowing any sign of the compassion the adjunct professor was demonstrating to him pierce through his mask. He already knew all of what Dalanor was saying, read of gruesome tales surrounding power and of first-hand experiences through the memoirs of his ancestors. What he was doing now was ultimately a fool's errand, a meaningless journey in an attempt to find answers where there are none.

"Have you considered that Zinnia is here, in what could best be described as in the middle of nowhere, precisely because of the concerns you have just brought up, Mr. Dalanor Zai?" Arlebus' voice was as dispassionate as ever despite, if not precisely because of the gravity of the discussion. He did not like where this conversation was going in the slightest, but he did not want to seem entirely unreasonable, and so cards would have to be shown.

"Nowhere is safe, that much I know myself." For her and from her.

"Be an ally in what? Handing over the reins of her own destruction?" Arlebus Semele's expression finally showed a slight change in the conversation, with a narrowing of his eyes. If he appeared as a fearful, superstitious coward, then so be it. It was his belief, no, his conviction that the child's magic could never be tamed or tempered. Not when she had burned down an entire house, and threatened more, had he not stopped her in time.

Arlebus exhibited a cautiousness and guardedness that Dalanor interpreted as a good sign. It was all he really needed to see - that the young prodigy was in good hands. He felt he owned Zinnia a debt, but this was less about that and more about human connection.

"Hm, please let me apologize if I've upset you. I may have come across the wrong way..." Dalanor rubbed his bearded chin. These type of conversations with guardians were always difficult to navigate, especially those with talented children. His approach was well mannered, but as usual was too forward. It would have probably sufficed to simply meet with Arlebus in casual discussion, and see if anything flourished over the long term. Instead his words had the opposite intended effect, and reinforced the barrier to keep outsiders out. It was a defense mechanism he should have anticipated, probably one that was necessary for their survival.

"I could have chosen my words better. I very much may be wrong - Zinnia may be safe here now and forever; I cannot divine her path. You may both persevere through any dangers you encounter, especially so long as you have each other. I have only just met you both, and I can see that you care for her, and are taking great care in her protection."

Dalanor reached into his pocket and pulled out a small plain white card on medium cardstock with a gold border. The words Dalanor Zai were written in a cursive cerulean blue. Underneath, embossed in smaller, black plain-faced lettering, were the words Arcane Academy. The corner of the card had a purple silhouette of a planet with a reflective silver ring around it.

"If you or Zinnia ever wish to get in touch, you can write to me here and the letter will find me. I will help in any way I can."

Him, care for Zinnia? Him? Oh, how Arlebus Semele wished to break into laughter before crumpling into tears at that instant. He could not possibly care for the child proper, no, that was not his role. That was never his role. He was nothing more than a half-hearted failure who could not commit one way or the other, neither able to turn a blind eye nor capable of assuming his responsibilities in full. The Sylvan Elf was an ugly mess of contradictions, his loathing immeasurable to him and yet at the same time not so much that it could drive him to do better or worse. His actions - whenever he saw fit to perform - and his inactions, everything he did, and did not, were all in service of providing future excuses that would never suffice. His perpetual cowardice, however, would have him live only in the past and present, and never the future. Though one could argue he had none, and that was precisely what fueled his endless escapism.

"No, there is nothing for you to apologize for. Allow me to extend my apologies as well for my curtness." Arlebus has had human lifetimes to wonder, and wonder, and wonder. There was never a satisfactory answer he could find, and he has long since given up trying to think.

Arlebus then cast his gaze on the card laid in front of him, the words Arcane Academy haunting the recesses of his mind as he said the following:-
"I appreciate your concern for Zinnia, Mr. Dalanor Zai, and if gods willing, for mine." He then took the card and slipped it into one of his pockets before sipping his cup of tea. As he set his cup down once more, he would see fit to check if there was anything else the professor desired from him. He would much prefer the man leave by his own volition without doubt in his mind.
"Is there anything else you would like to talk about?" He could certainly have phrased it better or be less direct, but the Sylvan Elf had no interest in further subtleties.

Dalanor was content that Arlebus and Zinnia would be ok, and his thoughts returned back to his own mission - the search for the artifact. He was curious about the lifetimes of experiences which Arlebus had shelved in his mind, but it didn't seem like the right time to ask unless Arlebus openly shared of his own volition.

It was possible that Arlebus might even know something about the artifact, but Dalanor kept his dreams closely guarded. He considered leaving the conversation there, but it was his first time in a strange land. He still needed to make some solars to buy a horse so he could head to Thunderhoof. The clansmen village itself was another intermediary destination, but even getting there was turning out to be an adventure.

He was unsure how long Arlebus and/or Zinnia lived here, but hoped Arlebus might be able to provide some guidance in this dilemma.

"Thank you for your time Mr. Semele. Before I go, one last question if that's alright, on a completely different subject. My stipend from the academy is paused while I am on leave, and my earnings are often quickly consumed in books and reagents anyway... so I am looking to earn some solars to buy a horse. Do you know if anyone around here might be in need of the services of a wizard? Or simply an extra pair of hands?"

The need for coin, a much more grounded subject, one Arlebus Semele was well-acquainted with himself. The scattered excuse of a village they were on would bear little in the way of opportunities, however. It was why the Sylvan Elf found himself going on long trips every now and then to ensure the two would live, though he will not pretend it was yet another flimsy justification for his hands-off approach to the child's life. Though it seemed that the professor might be in luck today.

"There is a travelling caravan outside as we speak, their members taking a moment to rest and relax in the only tavern around these parts. If the winds are in your favour, they might accept your service, Mr. Dalanor Zai." Arlebus raised himself from his seat and opened the front door, gesturing for Dalanor to come over before pointing at the largest building amidst the various houses and hovels, then pointing at the caravan parked near it.

"Now, then. Mr. Dalanor Zai." The man placed his hand over his chest. "I wish you safe journeys, and may nature guide you."

Once Arlebus was certain the professor was out of earshot, he would slump into his seat and ponder the turn of events. Zinnia's magical talent was rapidly developing even though he had kept her stunted for the past 4 years. Was it a sudden course correction, for all the time she had lost? No. The last time that happened, it was much more erratic and it overshot by too far. The Sylvan Elf would have definitive answers if he would just check on the anti-magic seal on the back of the child's neck, and yet his body would refuse to move in the slightest. He knew why. He already had his answer. He was simply deciding never to acknowledge it. As long as he can maintain ignorance, he can keep his conflicting emotions at a stalemate, and never be forced to make a decision.

The only thing he saw fit to acknowledge through today's events was that this time, it will be different.

Dalanor thanked Mr Semele for his time and wished him and Zinnia the best as he headed out the door. He flipped up his hood and put his hands into his jacket pockets. The midday sun had fallen low, and a slight chill was in the air. He walked the path from the house, pausing once to turn and look back, then continued onward.

Something about the home seemed familiar - not this home in particular, but the image of it; the semblance of it, nestled peacefully by the small woods nearby. He was struck with a sense of deja vu. The home was unlike anything from his own childhood, but it was like he had seem something like this before.

Maybe a past life.

The traveling caravan sounded... interesting, and worth checking out, so he headed that direction. He passed by the small trail which led through the spinney to the farm.

It turned out to be a decent shortcut after all. Who knows what would have happened if we took the other route...

The path from the house eventually wound up to a small hill, a crest where the grasslands expanded and curved - a rolling countryside in all directions, as far as the eye could see. It was the edge of the Sunset Plains, and only fitting that the first time he looked upon it, the sun hung low in the sky. A herd of wild horses crossed a distant field, a beautiful black and white dappled mare in the lead.

Dalanor took a few minutes to watch the horses run - their forms glowing, manes flowing - free under the orange setting sun.