Tamire sat on a rocking chair, it's movement setting the pace for thinking. He crossed his arms sipping deep into the chair. He stared into space within the dark room that bore his cold demeanour.
He wasn't thinking about the training earlier or Tyra, but something significant to their backgrounds. It was about old memories, buried deep down which resurfaced after speaking with the Master.
He had visited the Master to report the progress of the training when he learnt that Tyra was a native of Havans.
It was a name he never wanted to hear, or a place he never wanted to see.
Agonising screams and loud cries of people haunted him every night, the flames seemed real- burning his skin and his soul within. He always woke up covered in sweat, like he reacted to the heat of the burning flames.
It flashed in his eyes as they welled up in tears. He clutched his cloak tightly as it became difficult to breathe, the suffocating smell of burning flames was the only thing he remembered.
But noises from the door distracted his thoughts. He jerked at the sound of aggressive knocks panting, slightly relieved that it brought him back to reality.
He knew that the disciples at Andoths feared and always avoided him. Eager to see the disciple that seemed courageous at the moment, he hastened his steps towards the door.
He could see one of Tyra's friends from the slightly ajar door. She seemed angry, unwilling to move aside. He closed the door behind him closing up the space between him and Isadore.
Gwaine avoided Tamire's gaze by pulling Isadore backwards, few steps away from him. The memory of being hit by Tamire long ago was still fresh in his mind, a moment he wanted to carve out of his brain.
.....
It happened when he newly entered Andoths as a young and mischievous boy in his teenage days. Unaware of the rumours circulating round the institution at that time, he came across Tamire's room.
It was carved out of the disciples sect, somewhat hidden behind the Master's quaters. He entered the dark empty space running his hands through every object in sight till he felt a presence in the room.
His aura was demeaning, a presence to make one hold their breaths. But Gwaine wasn't affected by it. He kept rampaging through things till he was held by his throat, his feets barely touching the ground, he swallowed hard.
Tamire had asked him severally the reason he entered a restricted room, but he couldn't reply, his strong grip prevented him from speaking, it was choking. Gwaine barely looked into Tamire's hood, but could make out the ruinings to his face. It was horrifying - worse in the dark.
Tamire had noticed his gaze and threw him to the ground, kicking his guts mercilessly. He had seen what he wasn't supposed to. Gwaine barely managed to escape out of his room, covered in bruises.
It was an experience he wanted to forget, but seeing Tamire again just made it resurface.
...
Isadore couldn't look into Tamire's eyes, his features were hidden beneath the hood as he leaned lazily on the stone cold wall. He was so lucky she couldn't see his face.
" You didn't have to treat her that way". She said sharply, her voice slicing through the silence.
" She needed to learn".
Isadore took a step closer. "She's trying. Its her first day. Tamire. You barely guided her".
Still no reaction, his silence stoked the fire burning within her.
"She came back to her room in tears. That didn't sound like learning to me ".
He sighed, slightly shifting but still refusing to meet her gaze. "You don't know what happened at the river. And emotions don't belong in training ".
"You pushed her ". She snapped.
"She lost control. She needed to understand the consequence ".
Isadore's voice trembled now, with fury. "You treat everyone like they are beneath you, like you are too cold to care".
At that, Tamire stood upright, his expression remained blank, indifferent.
"I don't care for distractions,". He replied flatly.
"She's not a distraction!"
Her voice cracked, "She is my friend. And she's better than you give her credit for".
He shrugged, that's your problem not mine"
A bitter silence stretched between them. Isadore's chest rose and fell with quickened breaths, her fists clenched at her sides.
"You are insufferable". She spat. "One day, your arrogance will cost you something important".
Tamire blinked slowly, unimpressed. "Let me know when that day comes ".
He walked past her without sparing a second glance. The sound of his boots echoed against the stone to each step fading into the distance until only silence remained.
She had hurt him with her last words. Those memories came flooding back like a gush of wind. What did she mean by saying he was insufferable? Hadn't he endured enough in his life already?
Isadore stood frozen, her hands trembled by her sides. She had come to defend Tyra, but now she felt even more powerless. The air was thick, her throat felt dry. She exhaled slowly then turned towards the opposite direction, unsure of where to go but restless to return. She had completely forgotten that Gwaine was beside her throughout the whole time.
Gwaine walked slowly behind her, aware of her helplessness. There was nothing he could do in that moment and they couldn't disobey the Master either, even if they wanted to.
"Isadore". He called out few steps away from her with a calm voice.
Isadore paused, hr shoulders dropping down.
"Do you remember what you said about Tyra after the tournament?"
She turned slightly, "What?"
"Tyra is stronger than we know. There is no reason actually to worry. In no time, she would become powerful enough to wield her own powers".
She nodded slowly.
"And will definitely teach Tamire some manners, show him his place if possible ".
A brief laughter escaped her lips as she wiped the drops of tears from her cheeks.
"Thanks Gwaine ". She whispered.
She hesitated before entering the room, lowering her head till she squatted before Tyra holding her hands.
"I know you feel unproductive and... and certainly not the best right now but I believe in you ", she paused looking at Rachel, they gazed at each other for few seconds before turning to Tyra again.
"We believe in you. We believe that you will make a great sorceress and great leader one day. Just see this as the beginning of your victory ".
Tears rolled down Tyra's cheeks as she nodded. Maybe she just needed to hear this - that at least one person believed in her.
The trio hugged tightly. Tyra felt her heavy heart lighten as she sunk into their embrace. Their presence alone was comforting than a thousand words.
She made the best decision to journey with her friends to Andoths.
"What could I do without you both?"