Adrian Denan looked around at the burnt out mess of what had once been a clearing and decided something had to be done. He swung his gaze around to glare at his son, Malcolm, who shifted uncomfortably and dropped his eyes.
"I didn't do it on purpose!" Mal protested, trying not to sound like a whiny teenager. "It just sort of..." He waved his hands around and mimicked the noise of an explosion.
His father sighed, shoulders slumping, and he winced guiltily. "It always, "just sort of", Mal," Adrian said tiredly.
The younger man gave a sigh of his own. "I know...I really am sorry, Da."
Adrian shook his head sharply. "Sorry isn't enough anymore. You could have really hurt someone!" Before Mal had a chance to respond- though what he might have said he wasn't sure- his father held out his hand and muttered a spell.
A gleaming scarlet feather appeared over his open palm. Mal felt suddenly and inexplicably drawn to the thing, taking a hesitant step forward to get a closer look. The mage murmured again, and the feather suddenly caught fire. Mal yelped and jumped back, looking to his father in bewilderment. "What is that supposed to do?"
"I called for backup," the older man grumbled. He sighed again and rubbed the back of his head, leaving mussed salt-and-pepper hair in his wake. "There are...things I should have told you, Mal. About your magic. About you. I thought I might have more time, but..." He gestured around them at the blackened devastation and Mal winced again.
So quietly he almost didn't catch it, Mal heard his father mutter, "I just hope she can help."
''I told him... fire will find a way...'' Silmeria thought the moment she felt the familiar sensation in her body; someone called upon her by burning one of her feathers. She was not exactly close by however and turned back towards her new destination. Not knowing what she would get herself into. She knew vaguely the one who set her feather ablaze and that some adoptive kid he had taken in posessed the gift of fire magic. But not the reason why the kid had it. Well kid. She supposed he was a young adult by now.
---
Reaching her destination took her two days and her arrival was not exactly a secret as she litterly landed in her natural phoenix form in front of Adrian's house.
Mal had been outside the cottage, meditating on their little stoop. It felt like he'd been meditating for two damn days. Whenever he tried to move around, do something, his father was suddenly there, shoving food and water at him and then snapping at him to "Keep clearing your mind".
So when the giant scarlet bird suddenly landed right in front of him, he yelped and jumped to his feet, eyes and wide and mouth agape. Before he could react further though, Adrian was at his side, waving a hand to hail the bird- what that even a bird? It was huge!
"Silmeria," he called, a small smile curving his mouth. Mal looked rapidly back and forth between the two, utterly bewildered.
It was even more surprising when the bird shrank in size and turned into a woman in white clothes with black accents, fair skin and long white hair. ''Hello Adrian. It has been a while.'' Silmeria replied and gave a polite bow.
''Sorry for the wait. I was kind of on another planet. Litterly.'' Silmeria admitted. ''I hope you have been well. Can not deny I had expected your call sooner.''
"Whoa whoa whoa." Mal managed to find his voice. "You two know each other? How- is this what you meant by backup? And what the hell even are you?" he demanded, turning to the bird-now-woman.
Adrian shot him a glare and he added quickly, flushing slightly, "Er, ma'am. Sorry, that was a...bit of a shock."
"Silmeria, you may remember I mentioned my son," Adrian said, putting a hand on the young man's shoulder and pushing him forward a bit. "This is Malcolm. He's the reason I called you."
''Yes Malcolm. I remember you. Although last time I saw you you were but an infant. I suppose his fire magic got out of hand right?'' she asked with a smile.
She looked at Malcolm. ''Your father and I met once. I scared off some raiders. As for what I am, I am a phoenix. No need to worry for your reaction I am kind of used to it by now. You should've seen your father.'' she jestered.
Adrian chuckled a bit while Mal just continued to look between them, confused. "Alright, we can regale him with embarrassing tales later." His expression sobered and he looked at Mal.
The young man gulped. He didn't see that expression on his father's face often. "What?" he demanded.
The mage ran a hand through his hair again, letting out a sharp breath. "Yes, his magic is getting...out of hand. And I believe you may be the only person who can help him."
Mal frowned. That was a big claim to make. There were plenty of fire mages he was sure his father could have gone to, why was this...phoenix- he still had a hard time wrapping his head around that- the one he'd called?
Adrian sighed again. "Please do not think less of me, Silmeria," he said quietly, looking at her. "I didn't know what else to do when I found him. I'd yet to encounter one of your kind, I wasn't sure-"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Mal cut across him, exasperated. Something was going on- something that quite clearly he was involved in- but he had no idea what.
"Perhaps we should go inside, and I'll explain," Adrian said quietly, gesturing toward the door and looking at them both.
''I agree. Magic matters in detail are usually best to discuss indoors. After you.'' Silmeria replied calmly. Although a bit of suspicion grew somewhere in her gut. With a bit of research indeed Adrian could've found a regular fire mage but she had promised Adrian to help him would the need arise in exchange for the fact he had not told anyone else she was exactly a phoenix. Most others who had seen her just thought she was a mage with a good parler trick but Adrian had been the only one to had actually seen her morph all those years ago.
She would give Adrian the chance to explain when indoors and waited for Adrian to enter first.
Ushering their guest inside, Adrian suddenly started pacing, a habit he only got into when he was very stressed. "Mal, you may want to sit down."
Slowly, he did, taking the small chair by their hearth. This did not bode well.
"You may want to sit as well," Adrian added, nodding to Silmeria. There was an armchair the mage himself usually used, but with his pacing that wasn't looking likely.
Silmera nodded and sat down. She watched Adrian closely. Almost like a vulture. ''Calm down Adrian. Please. I already am resisting the urge of pushing you down in this chair myself. How bad can your message be? It is not raiders or opressors right?'' she asked.
Adrian gave a short laugh and shook his head, stopping his pacing. "No. No it's nothing like that. It's just-"
He looked over at Mal and once again his son gulped. "Da, what is it?"
Crossing his arms over his chest, Adrian let out a sharp breath. "Look, there's no easy way to say this, so..." He glanced between the two of them. "Silmeria, Malcolm is...what you are. He isn't human, I mean. I told you I found a child abandoned in the Thunderblacks, well that wasn't quite true..."
His voice faded from Mal's attention, replaced by the sound of blood pounding in his ears. What? What did he mean, he wasn't human? He knew Adrian wasn't his biological father, but he'd never thought- he'd never even considered he might not be human!
''He is what I am?...'' Silmeria asked and froze. ''You are saying he is a phoenix? And you did not tell me this until now why?'' she got on her feet but there was no anger only an expression of amazement as her gaze went to Malcolm.
Never in her 1400 years of life had she met a phoenix. Sure Malcolm looked cute and she somewhat had motherly feelings when she saw him but she thought that was just her instinct of taking care of something defenseless. Come to think of it with Malcolm the feeling had been stronger. Was that because he was a phoenix like herself?
''How...'' she started but did not finish the scentence. ''If finding him as a child was not true then what is the true version of the story?''
"I know it was stupid and selfish, but I knew he wouldn't survive on his own, and the only way I could think to care for him was to keep him in human form," Adrian told her. Malcolm, still in a state of shock, simply sat there, staring. "I didn't tell you because- well, he was just a baby! I'd hoped I'd have time to figure things out, to explain." He shook his head. "I realize now that was a mistake."
Running his hand through his hair yet again, he took a calming breath and began to explain, "I was exploring the mountains, the Thunderblacks, and I stumbled across an abandoned nest. There was only one egg, too large for a bird, and at first I assumed it belonged to a dragon. I waited for two days, but the parents never returned. So I took it home."
It. His father had just called him "it". Or his...egg? What the hell?
Adrian was still talking. "After reading up on magical creatures, I learned what the egg really was. I didn't know what to do with him, so when he hatched..." He shrugged. "I knew a phoenix could take a human form. A bit of magic was all it took to keep him in it."
Mal's head was spinning. With a soft groan, he leaned forward and dropped his head into his hands. He didn't know how to handle this.
''It took me years to master human form and elvenform in order to blend in but then again I litterly had no one when I hatched.'' Silmeria spoke and pondered. Her eyes went to Malcolm. ''It is most likely a lot for you to take in. I will give you a choice. I will teach you how to control your fire magic to the degree it will not harm you or your loved ones. With this choice you can live your life as a human. Or, I will not only help you mastering your fire magic but also flight, how to hunt and the like. Regardless though I will not leave until you control fire enough so you will not burn things you will not want to burn. I doubt we can leave things as they are. You did well though Adrian... calling me. Although if it happens again despite very unlikely. If you know it is a phoenix then let me know? I truth be told never encountered one of my kin before. And I've been around. Long.''
"I-I..." Mal stammered, unable to form coherent sentences. "I need some fresh air."
He bolted for the door, ignoring his father calling after him. He didn't know where he was going, he just needed to get away from that house and Adrian's pity and guilt filled eyes.
A choice? To control his magic? An hour ago that would have been an easy decision, and he knew he should have just accepted her help. But everything just seemed upside down. He need to think.
''Give him time. He is still a pyromancer.'' Silmeria replied and got on her feet. ''Hence why I am going to tail him for a little bit. Fire reacts mainly on emotion if it's user can not control it. If he would light anything ablaze at the least I can prevent thigns from escalating to much. You though. Do not feel guilty. It is kind of the best you kept the truth from him. I kind of made a mess in Connlaoth.''
She left the house as well following Malcolms trail but did not close up on him to much. Only made sure she was in range for magic would it be nessesary.
By the time he was aware of his surroundings, Mal found himself in a small grove of trees a decent distance away from the house he'd grown up in.
Panting lightly, he leaned back against a trunk and closed his eyes. With a frustrated groan, he ran his hand through his hair, a habit he'd picked up from Adrian.
"Damnit," he muttered. "Damnit damnit damnit!" He could feel his body heating up and his eyes flew open. Oh no... "Oh not again, please stop," he ground out, clenching his eyes shut and desperately clamping down on his power.
He didn't know why he even bothered at this point- it's not like he'd ever been able to control it before.
If there normally would be fire in this moment, it certainly took a long time to appear. ''It will only stop if you manage to calm down. Breathe in calmly through your nose, and out through your mouth.'' Silmeria said after having watched him for a moment. The young man was a mess. Not that she could blame him for it. It was not every day someone got to hear he was an actual phoenix.
''Though luckily enough I can prevent you from burning things to a crisp with my own power.''
Mal jumped in surprise, hearing a new voice, and fire licked into being along his arms. He yelped and closed his eyes again, taking her advice on reflex.
It was difficult, but he somehow managed to calm himself down enough to get a handle on his power. Opening his eyes, he saw the woman- phoenix- and narrowed his eyes a bit. "Did you follow me?" There was no real bite to his words, he sounded more tired than anything else.
''No I walked randomly in this direction.'' Silmeria spoke with a kind of kind sarcasm. ''Of course I followed you. Right now you are one emotional mess which for pyromancers already equals disaster. I use my own magic right now to supress the fire you are making to prevent from everything to turn into ashes. Would you mind to sit down with me for a bit to talk? It can be about anything you wish.''
He scowled at her, but flopped to the ground with a sigh. "Yeah. Alright. Fine."
He looked up at her sidelong, frowning not in anger now but in sheer confusion. "Look, sorry about...running out like that. It's just- this is-" He waved his hand with a breathless, not-at-all-amused laugh.
''Well most people with fire magic are impulsive. Sometimes rude. But also tend to be very loyal people when it comes to family and friends. Your father used one of my feathers to call me to help you. I am still going to scold him for not having done so sooner but that aside. You do have a choice. Magic binds you to your human form. You can decide to keep living as a human with fire magic or you decide you want to embrace your heritage. Do note. Living as a human will not make your lifespam as one. I for one am 1400 years old.''
"Fourteen hundred-" Mal repeated incredulously, then choked off, staring at her with wide eyes. She looked about his age, maybe even younger. Of course he knew that didn't really mean anything, but such a high number was still a bit of a shock.
"I don't- I don't know what I want to do," he mumbled after a few moments, feeling rather shell-shocked. He glanced up at her a little warily. "Do I have to decide now?"
''No. What is important now is that the magic will not control you. I will admit it is not easy. But at the least unlike me you have someone to help and a home. Fire is not your only concern but heat as well. If someone manages to get under your skin, a glare is all you need to burn someone. On a positive note. Not that I recommend visiting Connlaoth until the war is over... normal mordecai do not unfluence you. Only the knights of the white Lily are capable of blocking our magic. Only in our terms it means we lose our human form and need to rely on talons for defence until we distance ourselves from them.'' Not that she would think Malcolm would get near Connlaoth, but she figured that a warning was better then none.
''You can decide where to start with training. Either with how to keep your emotions in check, or how you can create, manipulate and control fire.''
He shook his head, feeling helpless. That was a lot of information to take in. "I just...I need to learn to control it," he admitted, forlorn. "I don't care how, but I can't let it get away from me again. I might- I might really hurt someone."
He frowned at the thought, sort of slouching in on himself.
''What did you feel when it got out of hand the other times. Or did something happen beforehand?'' Silmeria asked. ''Depending on what you answer we will focus on either emotion or the magic itself. Also. Please be less grim? You can do amazing things you know? Heal the most severe wounds. Cure people from poison. Heck you can even entertain.''
A smile formed on her face and a group of birds made of fire formed into mid air. Each bird moved individually. Their wings and direction. With another glance the birds became butterflies. Landing on the plants and flowers without burning them.
His eyes widened. "Whoa." A wondering sort of smile crossed his face as he got to his feet and cautiously moved closer to the fire-butterflies.
Pulling himself together, he straightened up and ran his hands through his hair. "It's usually... It just gets away from me, you know? I can start out with a simply spell, something like that-" he gestured to her little creations- "but it always ends up blowing up in my face. Literally." He shrugged, looking at her sidelong.
''Ok I am going to take a rough guess. You found a magic book somewhere once and thought 'Hey let's try out those spells'. If so then truth be told you are a bloody idiot so I hope I was actually wrong. Magic is alive. If you do not respect it then it backfires. Also, you do not need spells to make fire. Very amusing truth be told when being somewhere gagged and blindfolded and let the captors realise you could just walk off at any given time.''
She looked at the butterflies. ''Also those are no result from a spell. I make it so the fire is shaped that way and acts that way. When initiating magic with a spell does not give you control over that magic. You need to keep your mind with it. Most people who have the ability to cast magic say a spell, get exited when it works and things go wrong.''
She paused briefly. ''Spell number one from my book. It is nothing but a simple flame. Khalindra!'' She spoke the spell loud and clear with a wave of her hand creating a simple flame in the palm of her hand but it faded as soon as it was made. ''That is one of the things that happen if you do not keep your mind with what you create. Explosion one of the others.''
He glowered at her, a little miffed by the "bloody idiot" comment. "I was raised by a fairly accomplished mage," he pointed out wryly. "I know better than to try some any random spell I find. I know magic is alive. The problem with my magic is it seems to want to live beyond me. Once it's out I have no control."
He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Should I try that spell then. Khalin-" He stopped, worried he might inadvertently actually cast the spell. He waved his hand expressively.
''Are you always this uncertain with spells?'' Silmeria asked. ''It is alright. Cast it. I'm ready to intervene if something bad happens.'' she assured.
He nodded, took a breath, and closed his eyes. "Khalindra!" He tried to mimic her inflection.
A flame sparked to life in his hand and his eyes flew open. He started to smile, though he was also frowning a bit in concentration as he tried to keep his focus on making the flame last.
''Relax.'' Silmeria said calmly. ''You said it yourself too. Magic is alive. It feels when it's caster is frightened. When I feared my own magic, or the results of spells I knew it always went wrong. You are the caster. You are in control whilest respecting the magic at the same time. When you relax, you can allow the fire to 'breathe'. It will increase a little in size but it will burn more evenly.''
Mal nodded slowly and tried to do as she said, taking deep, meditative breaths and letting his shoulders relax. The flame seemed to respond, changing from a flicker to a steady burn.
"Huh." He looked up at her with a small smile. "Well look at that."
Silmeria clapped. ''Good.'' she said with a smile.
''My guesses is that inside you always feared a tad to much with a 'what if the spell goes wrong' kind of feeling. That thought channels itself as doubt. Or fear. Or both. You are in control. You will be glad to know too that neither you and me need spells to create fire. But I think starting with Khalindra was not a bad idea in this case. I do admit. Not that I am disappointed but I pictured my first meeting with another phoenix a lot different.''
"Yeah, me too," Mal quipped, arching an eyebrow. He rubbed his temples, closing his eyes with a sigh. "Gods, I didn't even know- I mean I had no idea, I thought I was just a terrible mage." He glanced at her. "How am I supposed to...do this? Be this, I guess."
''Be yourself. Nobody can say you do it wrong. Unless you are a homocidal maniac. Now since you got this... hop on. I want to show you something.'' Silmeria said with a sortof girlish giggle and turned into her natural feathered form.
'Not to worry... I promise it will be amazing.'
The last scentence was not spoken but more like as if the words entered Malcolm's mind directly in a none pressing manner.
he skittered back a step when she shifted forms. Ok, that'll take some getting used to. "You sure?" he asked as he approached cautiously.
Would he really be able to do that? Was that what he really looked like? Dozens of questions circled in his mind as he looked her over.
'Please do not pull out any feathers. It is highly unpleasant.' she pleaded before spreading her wings and flew off with Malcolm on her back. It was far from as fast as she could but she simply wanted to show him things from her perspective since he had not been able to do so thus far.
She brought him up higher, and higher until they were above a few small clouds. A red aura around them like a strange soap bubble keeping the temperature warm enough and the air good enough to breathe.
"Whoa!" Mal grabbed at her feathers, remembered her warning not to pull any out, and sort of leaned forward to wrap his arms around her neck and anchor himself.
Breathing a little panicky, he chanced a glance over her side. "Oh, wow..."
He used to have dreams about flying, but it was nothing compared to the real thing. With an incredulous laugh, he straightened up a bit, looking around with more confidence. "This- this is incredible."
'Good. If you would find it dull then you would be the first. The nice thing though about being a phoenix. We can fly higher then most dragons could even dream off.'
And she was certain to prove that by going higher and higher. The summer blue sky got darker and the air felt different but the aura was still active. Even so Silmeria did not yet stop. Not until the Earth was beneath them and there was darkness all around. Other then earth, there were planets too. And tons of stars and starclusters.
'We can fly in here. Of course not limitless but thus far I managed to visit a few planets other then our own. The duration of the aura of course depends on how much a person practises. It allows us to be able to breathe and not freeze to death. And of course when we reach the atmosphere, we are not harmed.'
Mal was stunned. He opened his mouth, but he was literally struck dumb.
This was a lot to absorb all at once.
"Other...planets?" Nope. No no no he could not deal with this right now. "Oh gods. Um, can you take me back? Please." His voice was shaking a little and he cleared his throat, somehow trying to see everything around him and block it out all at the same time.
'Of course. Not to worry though I was not planning on taking you further then this. I just wanted you to see the world we live on.' she assured and started to fly back. 'Normally I would drop my phoenix form too on cloud level and just allow us to fall only for me to either morph back into this or cast a spell to make sure we would land safely but I think it is a bit to much for you despite it is amazing.'
There was a hint of a chuckle from her as she descended.
"Yeah, uh...maybe some other time," he squeaked out, clinging to her as they descended.
He knew he'd probably be having a very good time if his head wasn't crowded full of thoughts along the lines of Dear gods am I supposed to be able to do all this too?
'Just relax.' Silmeria adviced. 'I am not sure if other phoenixes taught themselves this. I did it with the solemn purpose in the hope my family would be on another planet. Also with the fire magic and whatever else I will teach you. Do know that no matter what, you are free to make use of it however you please. But I will ask of you not to go... rogue. Not that my slate is completely clean but... if something happens when I am gone and you need me, summon me. Do we have a deal?'
Mal nodded. "Yeah, deal." He had no interest in "going rogue" as she put it. All he wanted was to control his power so he wouldn't end up making a real mess of things someday.
Well, that and...he had to admit, flying seemed pretty cool.
''perfect.'' Silmeria replied and landed in spot Malcolm had burned several days prior.
''When you catch your breath, I want you to cast the firespell again I taught you. After that however. We will see if you can summon fire from within yourself without a spell.''
Mal nodded, sliding to the ground. "Yeah, yeah. Okay. Just...One minute."
He sort of staggered to the burnt husk of a tree, reaching out a hand to hold himself up while his mind desperately tried to work through everything that was happening.
After Malcolm was off her back, Silmeria turned into her human form. ''You know... despite these outbursts initially cause fear and damage... ashes are always covering life like a blanket. When the wind blows the ashes away or the soil takes them in, new life will have grown. Fire is not nessesarily destructive. But it takes time for someone to realise what it does on a longer term.''
Mal nodded slowly. "Yeah. Da- Adrian keeps trying to tell me that." He shrugged. It was difficult to see the good in fire when it seemed like he burned everything he touched.
Taking a breath, he held out his hand and murmured the spell again. This time the flame leaped easily to life, but he didn't feel quite as nervous about it getting out of hand. He let out the breath he'd been holding, letting the flame grow just a bit.
He smiled, just a little.
''Good progress.'' Silmeria assured with almost a motherly smile.
Sitting herself down on a charred log she watched Malcolm closely. ''If we are back at your father's place... I'd like to do a small ritual if that is alright with you. No strings attached whatever the result is but I would like to know if you are potentionally... bloodrelated to me. Over a millenia I've been looking for my family or those who share at the least the same traits as I have and you are the first. It would... mean a lot to me.''
Mal glanced up at her in surprise and the fire sputtered out. "Oh. Um, yeah. Sure, I don't mind." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "But I mean... You're over a thousand years old, and I'm- well, not. Are you sure you won't just end up...disappointed?"
Then again, he knew almost nothing about her kind- their kind. Perhaps it was possible for the egg Adrian had found to lie dormant for many years.
''I will not be disappointed.'' Silmeria assured. ''If you are a brother, nephew... or anything else bloodrelated with me, I'd be happy. But meeting you already... you have no idea how much that meant for me. I knew I was not the only phoenix alive but never meeting one... it made me feel lonely.''
"Well, uh..." He offered a small smile. "Let's head back then. Do this ritual of yours."
''And make sure your father is not so worried anymore.'' as the spontanious person she could be, she hooked her arm in Malcolm's and made her way back to Adrian's home with the young man. She wondered though what Malcolm would choose. Remaining in his human form or embracing his true inner self. Either way it was his choice and she would respect it
Mal started a bit when she hooked her arm through his, but he gave her a slightly awkward smile. "So, how do you know my dad? Adrian?" he asked as they walked.
The village he resended in back then had a serious bandit problem. I had visited the village in my human form and kicked the leader around a little after he demanded pay. The village was already poor and had nothing to give. So instead of money he wanted women. Let's just say I was not fond of a smelly bandit grabbing my wrist so a good kick and a flame to render him naked was something I found amusing. The bandits did not come back for a while and I had just left the village, turned into my natural form and was ready to leave until I heard a ruckus. The bandits were back. The whole clan to be exact. It being my fault I decided kicking them around as a human would not suffice this time so I descended between the villagers and the bandits. I had to kill a dozin or so until they got the message but I kindof had a sword thrown at me so was wounded. I flew off and turned into my human form to make sure the wound was not to serious. Not knowing Adrian had followed me. I promised to come when he needed my help if he kept my secret. He had not told anyone ever since. I've changed in the meantime though. I am less secretive about what I am now then I was back then.'' she explained.
''Although I am not someone who bluntly tells people I'm a phoenix.''
"Woah." He blinked. "He never mentioned anything like that." Then he frowned a bit. "Of course, he never bothered to tell me that I'm not human either," he mumbled.
''Surely for your own protection. Phoenixes are really good at hiding or just a rare existence. Our tears heal basicly anything. Our feathers are not an ugly sight either. Surely people would not mind accesories with them. A phoenix having settled somewhere could cause attention like bandits. Hunters. Maybe someone who wishes to make a contract. A piece of advise. Contracts only bring misery to you and you end up being exploited. Take that from someone who knows. I will explain how it works would you decide to walk the feathered path but... best is to keep that power to yourself.''
They reached the border of the village and soon Adrian's house. ''You first. I'm sure he was a bit worried.''
Mal let out a sharp breath at the newest influx of information, but he nodded reluctantly when she said he should go first.
A little hesitantly, he pushed the door open. "Uh...Da?"
Adrian, sitting in a chair and apparently staring off into nothing, started. He looked over to his foster son and got quickly to his feet. "Mal. You...ahem. That is, I-"
He offered a quick, small smile. "No, it's- it's fine. Sorry I um, took off like that."
The mage smiled, looking relieved, and reached out. It looked like he was going to pull the younger man into a hug, then he paused and instead gripped his shoulder, squeezing briefly before letting go.
"Silmeria," he said, turning to the door, "what do you think?"
''What I think huh?'' Silmeria said half in thought as she cloed the door. ''I think Malcolm should decide himself what he wants. At the least he has some control over fire which is good. If he wishes to learn more then just controlling it all he has to do is ask but I will not leave until he will no longer set anything ablaze without intention. In other words. I hope you have a spare bed or haybale. I do need shelter in case of rain. We keep the fact Malcolm is a phoenix only in this household. If anyone asks, a phoenix is helping him train fire magic. Nothing more. For now though I want to see if Malcolm and I are related in any way.''
Adrian nodded. "Of course. I can make you up a bed." His eyes widened a bit. "Related?" Shaking off his apparent surprise, he became instantly businesslike. "Which spell do you think we should use?"
Mal, looking back and forth between them as they talked, arched an eyebrow. He hadn't realized there were options for a spell like this.
''Bloodmagic.'' Silmeria replied bluntly. ''Nothing to worry about though. Bloodmagic may have a really, really bad reputation but we do not need a sacrifice. I merely need a few drops of your blood Malcolm, and a couple of mine. Other then that I will need parchment and ink but I have those.''
She grabbed her bag and retrieved the two spoken items. With a quill she wrote her name on the parchment and offered the quill to Malcolm. ''I will need you to write your name on the parchment. It does not matter where.''
Though he frowned a bit at the mention of bloodmagic, Mal just shrugged. "Alright, got it." He took the quill and signed his name, then looked to her and Adrian. "If there like a special knife or something I need to use...?"
''Any knife will suffice. But we can take one of mine.'' Silmeria assured. Taking one from a sheath that was present on her thigh. ''I can make a little cut in the palm of your hand or you do it yourself. Whichever you prefer.''
Mal took the knife and made a quick cut across his palm, hissing quietly. "I'm assuming I'm supposed to drip some of this on the parchment?" he said, looking back to Silmeria.
''Correct. It does not matter where but a few drops in the middle will suffice.'' Silmeria replied and without bothering to clean the knife she made a cut in her hand as well and allowed some blood to drip on the parchment. ''Aur Aleyis Ahn mas Phere. Esserin Mar Thuar Mon Slivandra. Eriyas man drar nar till'' the words left her mouth fluently but it was not until Malcolms blood was on the parchment as well the crimson fluid started to move on the paper.
It seemed like nothing at first but slowly it seemed to form trees with branches. One branch ended with Malcolm's written name and the other to Silmeria's.
The phoenix followed all flowing lines carefully but eventually she brought her her uncut hand to her mouth as the two blood trees entwined and became one. ''We... we are family...'' a smile formed on her lips. '' she traced the lines with care. ''This branch is my mother. The one connected to that... my grandfather. Then my uncle whom had two daughters. You are the child of that one.'' she pointed to another nameless branch.''
He blinked, looking between his name on the paper and her. "So...we're cousins?" he said slowly, a small smile starting to work it's way across his face.
Adrian watched them with his arms folded over his chest, looking pleased if a little wistful.
''We are.'' Silmeria said with a smile. Wrapping a piece of fabric around her hand. ''Which will make things easier. For starters, healing tears. Do not use your own healing tears for your own wounds. It will be poison for you. A very, potent deadly poison.'' from her bag she took a tiny vial with a silvery liquid in them and offered it to Malcolm.
''They work both ingested and directly on a wound. If you happen to get in a situation you will need magic healing, make sure to mix it with a lot of water. It is still poison but it will be less likely to kill you. From my own experience... one drop in a full one litre water skin. Throw away two third of it. Add water. Mix. Throw out two third again, and fill. It will not work fast and your veins will turn black still. Not to mention excrusiating pain. But it will heal you.''
Her gaze then went to Adrian unable to ignore the look on his face. ''Do not tell me you knew this already too.'' she said calmly.
While Mal tried to digest this new information, his foster father chuckled softly.
"I didn't know," he protested. "I'll confess to some...suspicion. But truly I didn't know."
''Makes me wonder where that suspicion came from though.'' Silmeria said with a cheeky smile. Her gaze returning to the parchment. Remarkably though once the trees were complete the blood had completely dried.
''Every other branch by the way Malcolm, is another member of the family. Your tree is your father's side. Your mother's tree is our side. Of course this magic does not allow us to see whom is still alive or whomever was born after us. But it feels nice to know I'm not alone.''
Staring at the paper, Mal nodded slowly, mute. When he was younger he'd been more interested in discovering his birth family, but as he'd grown into adulthood he's resigned himself to never really know who they were.
Now that he did, at least partly...he wasn't quite sure what to do with the information.
Adrian was in no such stupor. "Would you stay for dinner, Silmeria?" he asked easily.
''Well since I'm going to stay here for a while I might as well eat with you two. We do may want to explain to the fellow villagers that a phoenix is teaching your son how to use and control his magic. They do not need to know anything more then that.''
She took the paper from the table and ignited it causing her eyes to turn red.
"You got it," Adrian said, moving off toward the kitchen. "I'm afraid we don't have much, but you're welcome to what we do have. Mal."
The younger man jolted. "Huh?"
"Come help me with supper."
"Oh, right." With a quick smile at Silmeria, he followed his foster father out of the room.
''I will contribute, no need to worry. I will hunt tomorrow. There are deer in the woods. If you want smaller game I could get rabbits as well. Or we hold a village feast and get some boards from a spit. If I can help with anything just let me know.'' Silmeria walked towards one of the windows and looked outside. She was not exactly used into settling down in this manner but a promise was a promise and she wanted to help Malcolm the best she could.
"That would be appreciated, thank you," Adrian called back to her. "Perhaps you could take Mal with you on a hunt."
Mal tilted his head at the suggestion, looking between his father and his apparent cousin. "You mean- as a giant bird?" He considered it. That might be a pretty useful trick.
''I could, yes. My senses are sharper in my natural form. But I can imagine a settlement of this size would appreciate it if the coat of the deer could still be used by a tanner. Being a phoenix kind of makes the coat useless due to my talons.'' Silmeria admitted. She looked at Malcolm. ''If the coat is not needed though I think taking something down as a bird will be my way to do it.''
Mal nodded along with her explanations, trying to absorb as much information as he could. Then, with a shrug and a small smile, he said, "Well, I guess it can wait until tomorrow. C'mon, Da's not a great cook but it's better than nothing."
"I heard that!"
Chuckling, the young man offered Silmeria his arm, nodding toward the other room.
The first time since she had arrived Silmeria seemed hesitant but accepted the offered arm and hooked hers into it.
''No need to worry about Adrian's cooking. Unless he got worse in the past 25 years. Although nothing beats that one landlord I met about 500 years ago. Some guy attempted to prove he was worth my tailfeathers.'' she giggled.
Chuckling, Mal led her into their small kitchen and politely pulled out a chair for her at the little round table he and Adrian usually dined at.
"See, now why can't I get you to use manners like that normally?" his foster father huffed dramatically, reaching out to ruffle his hair. He ducked away and wrinkled his nose as he took his own seat.
Adrian laid bowls in front of them and ladled some rather delicious smelling stew into them before taking his own seat. "Dig in," he said without preamble.
''Well I am a 1400 year old hag...'' Silmeria jestered. She ate the stew without complaints. ''I do envy you a bit Malcolm. I had a life like this for a short while but my true colors showed so I had to go.''
Mal froze for a moment. "Why did you have to leave?" he asked slowly. Just because she was a phoenix? Did that mean, if he chose to explore what he was- would he have to go?
''Every time a new cycle starts I have no memory but my name. With one of my cycles a farmer and his wife took me in. I got my memory back with the passage of time but hid what I was. Until my foster family was in danger. I was in my early, or mid teens. And in order to safe the people who took me in I revealed what I was. It was not without bloodshed. Despite they still loved me, when it was over I could see the fear in their eyes. For that reason I had to leave. It was my own fault for not telling them what I was to begin with.'' Silmeria replied calmly.
"Oh." Mal blinked, returning to his stew awkwardly. "I'm...sorry." Bloodshed. This wasn't going to be easy, was it?
''No need to say sorry. A positive side is however that there is no angry mob outside ready to kill me or pluck my feathers. Also Adrian knows what you are and he accepted you for it. My life Malcolm, I've met a lot of people and a lot of them have been exploiting me. There has actually been a moment where I wanted nothing more then to eradicate as many people as I could because of that. But people change. At least, I keep hoping that they do. And those like Adrian who are actually respectful, they are worth it. You had a very stable childhood whilest in mine, I was surrounded in war. Your reactions to things will never be like mine. And that is a good thing.''
He nodded slowly. He knew she was right, it was just a lot to take in. "So...how long will you stay here? Is it safe for you to be in one place for long?" he asked after a moment, glancing up at her with a mixture of concern and curiosity.
''I will stay for as long as I am needed. In Serendipity I'm not a wanted person. Nobody knows where I am. Once in a while I will take flight for maybe a day or two if an idiot decides to hunt me. But the villagers do not seem to hate me and I will make sure I keep it that way. I could be able to help with farming or making a piece of land available for crops or an orchard. I have not exactly checked what this place needs just yet.'' Silmeria replied.
"The people in the nearest villages are usually very open minded," Adrian said kindly. "You are welcome to stay as long as you like."
Mal nodded quickly. "I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of help with...all this," he said with a sheepish sort of smile.
''At least you got the spell right and seem to control that flame well so that is a good start. I think the difference between the both of us is that I have a bit of a temper and you lack selfconfidence. It is not something I can fix in one day. But not to worry. I will teach you everything you need to know. If you want to know more after that then I will teach you that too.''
"Oh he has a temper, you just haven't seen it yet," Adrian commented dryly. Malcolm shot him a quick glare, then nodded gratefully at Silmeria.
"I really appreciate the help," he said quietly, smiling a bit.
''every pyromancer has a temper. Some just trigger easier then the others.'' Silmeria said with a smile.
She then looked at her cousin. ''I am happy to help. Like I said before. Meeting you, even before I knew we were family meant a lot to me. Tomorrow we will start with the spoken spell again to get you more familiar with controlling fire. Then we will see if you can summon it from yourself. No spell. And no cheating by even the faintest whisper you hear me?'' she teased.
Mal nodded, chuckling. "Alright, alright, I got it," he said, giving her a crooked grin.
With a sharp breath, Adrian stood. "I'll clean up here, why don't you two go...talk about phoenix-y things," he suggested with a wry smile. "Then you can help Silmeria get settled in, Mal."
The younger man nodded and stood. "Okay." He offered Silmeria his hand. "Come on then."
''So what are we going to do first then.'' Silmeria asked as she accepted his hand. Truth be told she was fine with sleeping on the floor even. She was a traveler, not a noblewoman.
"Well..." He led her out to the hearth and gestured for her to sit in one of the chairs. "Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself. I mean, we're family-" he flashed a quick grin- "but we don't really know each other."
''Well I should be careful with what I say then. A thousand and fourhundred years is a long time and truth be told many things were unpleasant.'' Silmeria said as she sat down.
''I am more of a traveler. I can settle but it never really went that well. I do not know if you are the exact same type of phoenix I am but it is I think safe to say you are. We work with cycles. When a cycle ends for example with death, we turn back to about our seven year old selfs. It can be short like twenty years. Or long, and it can go into the hundreds. In my first cycle, I was not exactly a friend of mankind. Know the stories of vicious dragons attacking settlements and such? I kind of went there. I was hunted and no place was safe so I returned that favor. I suppose a feral beast was an appropiate discription. In my second cycle, I was the general of an army. And after that... a farmer's adoptive daughter.'' a warm smile formed on her face as she said that.
"How many cycles have you lived then?" Mal asked. It was easier to focus on her than imagine that he would actually live for fourteen hundred years.
''I am in my fifth cycle.'' Silmeria replied calmly. ''Actually my longest thus far regarding years of life but I've spent most of the time soaring the sky rather then walking.''
"Wow." He cleared his throat and glanced at the hearth, considering that. "So...so if I wanted to- do what you do. I mean, become a giant bird or whatever...you could teach me?"
''When the spell is lifted, yes. I will teach you how to fly, land. Even hunt. And the strength that our blood has. I mentioned contracts before. Despite I advice against it, teaching you how it works is better then letting you find it out in a wrong way. You will be most likely smaller then me since you are younger but I am sure you will surpass me. Also. I do not know if water affects you a lot but realise this. Water, is dangerous. Never fly in the rain or be in the bird form in the rain. Long enough exposure to water is lethal.''
Mal nodded along as she talked, doing his best to commit her advice to memory. "Alright. Thanks."
''Now for as far as the contract magic goes. It is a form of bloodmagic. I suppose we are from the subspecies bloodphoenix but I am not really certain. Basicly you make a cut in the hand, and the person you make a contract with does so as well. Then you grasp the hand letting the wounds touch one another. It will cause the blood to mix. A person tells what he or she wants. You either say agreed or denied. And then you make a demand back. For example someone wants a temporary share of my power, would I agree I can make a demand back to for example not kill with it. Then the person needs to accept or decline. It ends with both sides agreeing to protect the other once everything needed has been accepted. Automaticly you share your lifespam with the one you contract with so if I would contract Adrian, he could live a hundred years if that is the duration of the contract. A contract is over when all demands have been fullfilled, or when one is not able to fullfill the promise. We however as the contract keepers can also pause it at any time. If we die, the contracted person goes too. Only we, revive. If the contract is paused they will feel our death but not suffer the consequences. Is that clear so far?''
"Um." He blinked, trying to take in the sudden overload of information. "Uh, y-yeah. I think so..."
''A contract is something sacred. Never under any circumstance do it with the thought of saving someone. There are a lot of loopholes. The power the ones you contract with get a small share of the power you have. And despite small compared to us it is still a lot and easily abused. Do not make the same mistakes I had. Never help someone with vengeance.'' she paused briefly.
''Of course in the end it is you making the choice. But I've just been used way to much due to my inexperience with people's motives.''
Mal nodded again. "Right. Contract is a serious thing, don't take it lightly." He tilted his head at her, wanting to say something comforting but not quite sure what.
So he changed the subject. "Um...so do you know how to lift this spell Da's got on me? Or is that something he has to do?"
''I can, if I know what spell it is.'' Silmeria replied. ''To play it safe I think it is best to let him do it though, and not here. Since there is a risk you will morph right away. Truth be told it could even be possible you have a hard time turning back human. I did not learn to morph until I was in my late twenties. And it was hard. If you morph, or can not morph back you should not panic alright?''
Though he was panicking a little just at her voicing that idea, Mal forced himself to nod and mumble, "Alright," trying to take deep, relaxing breaths.
''We can ask your father tomorrow to join us in the woods and lift the spell if you wish. Since supplies seem to be low I could teach you how to hunt. It is a lot different as a phoenix then with a bow and arrow or traps. Your senses will be different. You will interpet sound and smells differently too and sight as well. With the passage of time you will learn to use those same senses if you appear human though.''
''That Adrian... to think he could even cast magic in the first place.'' she said softly and raised her arms a bit to stretch her body before getting on her feet. ''I will pay a visit I think to the town leader. I am not one who likes to draw attention to herself but... I think it is wise to at the least inform him and the people that there is a phoenix in this town but one with no bad intentions...''
Mal nodded along with her. Quirking an eyebrow at her last remark, he stood and offered a hand. "Want me to show you?"
''Yes please.'' Silmeria said as she took the offered hand.''Adrian, me and Malcolm will be headed to the town leader for a moment. You know, before they come with the torches and the pitchforks.'' she jestered.
"Fine, fine." Adrian waved them off with a smile as Mal led her to the door. "Just be back before full dark, if you can manage it."
"Will do," the phoenix threw over his shoulder.
Outside, Silmeria inhaled the cool air and exhaled calmly. ''Are you alright? It must have been a hell of a day for you.''
Mal chuckled quietly. "That's certainly true." He shrugged. "I'm...processing. But yeah, I'm alright." He shot her a quick grin.
''I will tell you though. I can not exactly say my trainings are easy. If I go to fast I need you to tell me. I'd rather want you to let me explain something a hundred times so you are certain you understand, then only once and cause damage. When you've made the choice of the type of life you wish to have it is also up to you to tell it to the townsfolk. If you decide the phoenix life, me having been her for a while should put their minds at ease. As long as I behave anyway.''
"Yes ma'am." Mal shot her a crooked smile, nodding. "I'll say this for Da- I'm definitely used to being a student."
''Being a student is not always the same. I had nobody to teach me all of this. You're a lucky man. Now. Lets go before it is dark. Would not want to worry your father.'' Silmeria said with a cheeky smile. She had not walked around here like she normally would when arriving somewhere but now she would be able to learn the primairy locations of this settlement.
"Right. Town's this way," Mal said, setting off down a small path through the trees that led vaguely east.
Silmeria nodded and followed Malcolm. During their walk, she made sure to remember where the bakery shop and butcher shop were. Also the tailor and the blacksmith. It was a neat little town but had everything that was needed.
It was still a good fifteen minute walk until they reached the city hall. Silmeria's superstitions had not been completely wrong though. A few people had gathered and they looked at Silmeria with a bit of a worried expression.
Mal found his step faltering under the stares, and he gave an awkward little wave and a smile to the people he recognized.
"Here, uh.." He offered his arm to his cousin, nodding to the large building.
Silmeria took it but had a whole different aura around her. Her steps and posture were different. If she had a proper dress she surely could've been mistaken for a noble.
''Let's hope that the townleader accepts visitors who had not given a notice.'' she said calmly. She was used to being pointed at but it always remained a situation she hoped that would never escalate.
"Honestly, I've never really had the occasion to test the town council," Mal said with an almost nervous little laugh. "It's a pretty friendly place though, I think we'll be alright."
''I hope I can convince them I do not mean harm.'' Silmeria replied. After all if she was banished there was little she could do about it.
Once reaching the door she knocked gently and the door opened by whom Silmeria assumed, was a servant. ''My sincere apolagies for coming here at this hour. I'd like to have an audience with the town leader, or council.'' she said
The man blinked, a little surprised by her formal tone. The town didn't get many visiting nobles. "Um, of course...milady? Just wait here, I'll be back in a moment."
Mal nodded at the man and smiled. "Hey, Dom."
The servant gave him a nod in return and a quick grin. "There's a story here, Malcolm, and I'm gonna get it out of you," he said before scurrying away.
''Well, usually those who say that tend to do anything to find out...'' Silmeria said with a calm smile. ''I suppos revealing some truth is not going to harm anyone. After all. They have the right to know I suppose how I got here in a secluded place like this.''
She was refering to the feather Adrian burned in order to get her attention.
Mal shrugged. "Hey, you're the expert, cuz. Whatever you want to tell them."
''Already adressing me so informaly are you?'' Silmeria jestered.
It did not take long for the servant to return. ''If you mi-lady, and Malcolm would like to follow me please. The council members are being gathered. I do hope you forgive us for the security. It is not every day people see well. A creature of legend turn into well. A young woman.''
''It is forgiven. Although there is no need to worry. I shall remain in this form and not attack anyone. Unless physically provoked and then all I will do is just defend.''
She entered the building. Truth be told Silmeria hated audiences but this had to be done before people would take measures into their own hands or things would escalate.
Mal trotted easily after her, giving Dom a nod and a smile. "These people are usually really accepting," he said quietly to Silmeria. "I wouldn't worry too much."
''You would be surprised how people can respond if they see something they usually do not. Many people told me they accepted me for what I was when they found out but when they did, more often then not they were frightened. Some even hostile. I am just cautious.''
They were lead to a room where seats were appointed to the both of them.
''It is true, many do not believe the few who saw you changing from a dragonsized bird into a young woman.'' Dom spoke.
''I can demonstrate if need to be. As long as nobody plucks feathers, and it is outside. I do not want to risk damaging the building. I'm a fine carpenter but a whole building is to much.'' Silmeria said with a smile. She did feel at ease. But at the other hand she could not help but to be a bit careful.
Mal shrugged. "They've put up with me and Da and all our magical eperiments for the past twenty-odd years, I'm sure it'll be fine."
''There is magic, and there is magic dearest Malcolm.'' Silmeria replied calmly.
After being brought to a room, Silmeria and Malcolm were directed to seats. Already a few council members were present and the female phoenix kept a calm expression and attitide.
One by one with the passage of fifteen minutes more and more councilmembers joined and when the last one did the doors of the room were shut. It did seem by the looks of it there were plenty of guards. Most with swords but some had lances.
A hammer was once hit on a small block on the table and for a moment Silmeria felt as if she was on trial and one of the council members got on his feet.
''We understand that you wished an audience with us?'' the man spoke who hit the hammer as well.
''Correct.'' Silmeria said as she stood up. ''My name, is Silmeria Elemred. I am a phoenix. Adrian whom I was indepted to called me here to assist Malcolm regarding his fire magic. I am sure that you and many villagers are concerned by my arrival or perhaps even scared. I wanted this audience to answer questions and hopefully assure those with doubts I am here with good intentions.''
Mal simply hovered beside her, feeling a little awkward and shuffling his feet. Small town it may be, but this was an odd, slightly stressful situation.
''Teaching Malcolm magic. Is that truely everything you came here for? A phoenix as you just called yourself. A creature of prey your size can disturb our way of living significantly. Crops have failed on occasion so we are not rich in food. Your presence surely shall fear the animals in the forest.'' a female council member spoke.
''I can assure you ma'am that it will not be the case. I could even help hunting. I can not fix crops already spoiled but I can see if there is anything causing it. Anything I can to help. I may not have the answer to everything but am rather knowledgeable. All I need is a chance to prove it.''
Mal kept his mouth shut, looking between his cousin and the council.
''To prove it huh.'' one of the council members spoke pondering. ''Teaching him magic is not a bad idea. But can he not learn from books?''
''I personally am not fond of books. Also, fire tends to have a will of it's own. It is not just the magic he needs to learn how to use and how not to use, but also keeping his emotions at bay. No book can teach him what he must do if he for example would panic. It is easy for fire to turn into a disaster. Especially when Summer comes. I do understand your concern. But I will tell you again. I mean no harm to this village or those living in it.''
"Well." Mal clapped his hands once and smiled brightly. "That seems settled, yes?" He looked around the room with an almost dramatic innocence.
''You will be watched just so you know. You are expected here around nine in the morning. Other then you training Malcolm if you said you can help the village. How did you know regarding our failing crops.''
Silmeria pondered slightly. ''The bugs and birds. I did not hear that many as normal. I recomment to harvest what you can and I will look into it tomorrow.''
''Very well. This concludes the meeting then. One action out of order and we will banish you.''
''Understood.'' Silmeria replied and got on her feet. ''I do understand your descisions though. Hopefully you will all learn to trust me.''
"C'mon, let's get outta here," Mal urged, taking her arm gently.
''I agree...'' Silmeria replied. It did not go as bad as she expected but somehow she felt as if she was a criminal without having even done anything. Most likely though they would be just as nervous with a dragon.
As she and Malcolm exited the room she bad the council members a good evening. Outside though there were still a few people who were all curious what the verdict had been but since they saw Silmeria exiting the town hall with Malcolm they quickly conluded she was allowed to stand wherever she pleased. Some greeted the pair friendly while others were still a bit frightened.
''Did this place had trouble with a big animal or something?'' Silmeria asked Malcolm. Most likely though not and the villagers merely read one to many stories.
He gave her a noncommittal sort of shrug. "Don't think so, nothing unusual at any rate. But Da and I mostly keep to ourselves, we're not in town much."
''We should hurry back home. We had to be home before it was fully dark. We might just make it if we take a bit of a sprint.'' Silmeria replied. ''Or we accept the scolding and keep it at walking.''
Mal sighed and started into a bit of a jog. "Rather not piss Da of too much," he muttered.
''Not our fault I somehow struck fear in your fellow villagers without doing anything.'' Silmeria jestered.
By the time they reached Malcolms home though the colors of dusk were almost gone. Silmeria opened the door. ''We're back'' she spoke with what actually seemed enthausiasm.
Adrian glanced up and gave the two phoenixes a quick smile. "That took a while," he noted, raising an eyebrow meaningfully.
"But we're back," Mal pointed out, smirking.
''Well if I had to conclude the meeting I suppose it can be summed up in four words. They don't like me.'' Silmeria sighed. It was not exactly something new but now it was actually troublesome since she had to teach Malcolm enough things to be stuck here at the least a month depending on his progress.
''But, it is not pitchfork rage so hopefully they will grow accustomed to me. I do suppose it is best to play dumb for a short while regarding Malcolm being a phoenix. If he decides he just wants to learn how to control the magic but not spread his wings so to say, it will most likely only complicate matters if they know he is like me racial wise.''
"Really?" Adrian frowned slightly. "I've always found the people here to be quite accepting of most things. Hm." He shrugged and turned back to making dinner.
Mal sank into a chair with a sigh and let his head fall back. "Meh, coulda been worse, all things considered."
''Maybe they are a bit on edge because I am still a bird of prey and a large one of that. Their concerns are not nessesarily misplaced. Animals can sense me and depending on my actions they will leave the area. Not to mention we are in a forest. One misplaced spark and it could burn everything to the ground. Not that it will happen but I do understand why they think that.'' Silmeria sat down as well.
Mal sort of flinched sheepishly and Adrian gave his foster son a dry look. "Oh, yes. The people in town have some experience with that an out of control blaze can do."
"I fixed it!" the younger phoenix protested. "It- it took me a while, but I fixed it!"
''Nobody blames you Malcolm. At least, I do not. Not to mention. Ashes are actually really good for the soil.'' Silmeria replied. ''You burned a forest, I kind of burned a kingdom. Ok... half of it and it was an island.'' she jestered. ''But no innocents got hurt.'' she assured quickly afterwards.
She then yawned. ''By the Gods what a day. Still. Worth it thus far.''
Mal was growing used to his cousin's odd sense of humor. "Here, I'll make you u a bed," he said, clambering to his feet. "You and Da just- chat or whatever. I'll only be a few minutes."
''the couch is fine by me you know, or just in front of the fire place. I am not picky.'' Silmeria assured although her feeling told her she would be getting a bed here anyway.
She turned to Adrian after Malcolm was out of the room. ''So how are things with you?'' she asked.
Mal waved her off as he slipped out.
Adrain gave her a small smile. "As they always are. Raising a phoenix hasn't exactly been easy, but he's a good kid, really."
''Still no woman than huh?'' Silmeria asked. ''Also, ofcourse Malcolm is a good lad. Why wouldn't he be? I think you raised him well. And now, I hope that I can teach him well.''
The mage chuckled. "No, no woman." He smiled at her. "I'm sure it'll be fine. He's a little impulsive, but eager to learn."
''Impulsive comes with the brand of magic old friend.'' Silmeria jestered. She then sighed deeply. She was tired to say the least. ''the amount that I will teach him does depend on him. Whether he just wants to learn how to control it, or maybe learn how to use it, or whether he fully embraces it. For the latter the spell has to be lifted. It is a choice he has to make on his own. Mostl ikely after lifting the spell though, it can not be activated again on him.''
Adrian sighed and leaned back against a wall. "Yes. I know." He offered her a small, slightly strained smile. "Old as you are, you don't have children. It's...difficult to admit when they've grown up."
''True. I never had children. Malcolm is the first phoenix I met since I was born and we are cousins. I kindof start to think our race is extinct. Also I have been betrayed so many times by humans, elves, I do not think you'd blame me. I loved a man, once. One I had a bloodcontract with. And in the end, he wanted to sell me to tamers. Not all people I met were that bad and I would love to have children. But I am carefull. If I settle down it is forever. And that, Adrian. Is a very long time. Human lives pass by me like the blink of an eye. And many mortals wonder how immortality feels like. In truth, it is hell if you have nobody to share it with.'' despite the topic she smiled.
He sighed. "I know. I worry for him and you both in that regard. The only creatures who match your lifespan are fea, and gods know they're not the easiest to love."
''If I desire the species to continue on existing then Malcolm would've been my only current option despite we are family but despite I miss phoenixes in my life I prefer to enter a relationship that I know I can maintain mentally. The partner having a long lifespam is easier yes. But this far even among fae. It was someone who looked human whom I once met whom was actually immortal. Sortof. He got accused of witchcraft and got pulled apart by four horses. He had lived over a thousand years. Could even have been two thousand. he told me he did not remember. But yea. If Malcolm and I are the only one left then so be it. It is not our job to continue the species. Maybe all he and I were meant to do was live our lives the way we want to and die. I am alright with that.'' Silmeria admitted.
Adrian frowned. "That's a lot to put on a kid's shoulders. And phoenix or not, Mal is still a kid, really."
''Hence, I keep it at a thought. He has to decide his own life. All I want him to focus on now is learning how to use his gifts. What he does is then his own. If he falls in love with a human girl then so be it. If they get together and have offspring, then so be it. Although maybe in that case teaching him the bloodbond would not be a bad idea. Just like me he is immortal of sorts.''
Mal had started to return to the main room but paused, catching the end of what they were speaking of.
Adrian tapped his fingers against his legs. "And what would such a child be?" he mused aloud. "Half fae is one thing, but half fell?"