Marina limps toward Eska, her imposing frame towering over her at six feet tall.
Eska waits patiently until she's directly in front of her, then speaks.
"I brought you a small piece of the cake we had yesterday. It's winter, so I won't be able to visit as often," she explains.
Marina accepts the cake with her massive left hand, her blackened claws contrasting against the pale treat.
"Winter?" she repeats in a raspy, broken voice before swallowing the entire piece in one bite.
She moves to a large, worn armchair near a brazier, settling down heavily, her form dwarfing the broken bookshelf beside her. Eska follows and takes a seat in a smaller chair nearby.
"It has been four winters? since we met. Four whole years," Marina says, her green eye glowing faintly as she looks at Eska.
Eska nods. "Mhmm."
"Then the day approaches when we must bid farewell."
Eska flinches. "Farewell? Why?" Her voice edged with worry.
"You mustn't concern yourself with the reason," Marina replies, her voice echoing softly in the cavern. "You only need to remember what your mother has taught you, and what I've taught you."
Marina shifts, reaching for a book on the floor as she continues.
"Your blood is important, but it shouldn't be your priority in combat. Never forget this." Her voice carries a sharpness as she adds, "What matters most are the basics. Your world is...limited."
She pauses, her tone growing more irritated. "For some stupid reason, your kind has forgotten true magic, replacing it with these inefficient chants. Real magic is far more powerful than that."
Her piercing green eye flickers as it shifts toward Eska, who looks up at her with wide eyes, absorbing every word.
"I-I get it, It's not like it used to be." Eska stammers, already knowing where this conversation is headed.
Magic always seems to be on Marina's mind, and Eska has learned to anticipate her frustration.
"Magic during my time was fierce," Marina begins, her voice rising with emotion. "Varied, even. Now you're stuck with just elements and some watered-down reconstruction magic."
She pauses, clearly seething as she reflects on how far magic has fallen. "Magic is control itself. It shouldn't be limited to elements—and not even the real elements!" she shouts, her voice cracking into a cough.
After catching her breath, Marina looks at Eska sharply. "Do you remember a few winters ago when I told you to avoid that southern cave? Do you know why?"
Eska thinks for a moment before answering. "You said something about my story ending. I thought the cave had a dangerous monster in it."
"You're correct," Marina replies, hesitating as though weighing her words. Her tone softens as she continues, "This winter, hunters will discovered that cave. But unlike most around here, this one holds something far worse—a hidden entrance to an ancient laboratory."
Eska's eyes widen as she shrinks back, a frown crossing her face. Her thoughts race, recalling the chilling stories Marina has shared about places like this.
Marina notices Eska's reaction but continues anyway. "This winter, I want you to go to the cave," she says firmly.
Eska jumps to her feet, stumbling as she blurts out, "B-But why?! You just sa-said it's—it's—!"
Marina raises a hand, silencing her gently. "I'm not asking you to go into the cave or investigate the laboratory. I only want you to go there, take a look and come back to tell me what you saw."
Eska hesitates, fear churning in her belly. "Why do I need to know what's in the cave if I'm not going inside?" she asks, her voice trembling.
"Information is everything, Eska," Marina replies, her calm tone tinged with sadness. "I just need to know if there's anything of importance there."
Eska takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. "So... I just need to see the entrance and come back to tell you what I saw. That's it, right?"
"That's all," Marina assures her with a faint smile. "The rest is up to you."
Eska nods, her voice steadier now. "Okay," she says, the tension in her shoulders easing.
Marina's green eye glimmers faintly as she studies Eska.
"Later, I will administer a test, Eska. If you pass, I will finally teach you something...more meaningful," she says, her voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of excitement. "It's time you learned real magic, the kind that isn't bound by shallow understanding."
Eska's face lights up, her usual composure breaking into pure joy. "Real magic? Finally?!" she exclaims, her voice almost too loud for the quiet room. She bounces on her heels, her energy brimming.
Marina raises a hand to temper her enthusiasm. "Don't misunderstand. The test you will take isn't simple, but I believe you can pass."
Eska tilts her head, curiosity overtaking her excitement for a moment as she finally processed the 'test' part of her statement. "A test?"
"A test of strength and character. Unfortunately, the things I've taught you won't be tested. Academics will not benefit you much during the test, so remember what your mother has taught you above all."
A shot of adrenaline bursts through Eska, and she opens her mouth to let out an onslaught of questions.
Marina raises her hand once more "It's good that you are excited, you'll need that energy."
Eska's excitement dims as Marina's expression shifts. The usual sharp amusement in her eye fades into something more measured.
"Now," Marina begins, her tone steady but firm. "I know you might not be ready for this, but I'd like to discuss your first attempt at using your blood."
Eska freezes.
The energy in her limbs evaporates, her body stiffening as the words settle in. Slowly, almost mechanically, she takes a step away, her golden eyes locking onto Marina.
Marina holds her gaze, unwavering. "No, I'm not referring to what you did," she clarifies, her voice calm, "but what caused you to do it."
A sigh escapes her, long and slow, as she closes her eye for a brief moment before opening it again. When she speaks next, her voice is gentler.
"Your mother has already told me everything. I've been avoiding the subject, but after today many things will change. You need to understand what is in your blood."
Eska doesn't move, doesn't respond, but the shift in her posture is clear. Her fingers twitch at her sides, and though she hasn't taken a step, she looks as though she might. Every part of her expression screams discomfort.
She's ready to bolt.
Marina notices, but she doesn't adjust her approach. She only continues, her tone even, certain.
"You are a bright kid. By all means, you should have had an easier time learning and using your bloodcraft, the same way many others use magic."
Then, the words that hit hardest.
"But your blood is contaminated."
Eska flinches, her body reacting before her mind does. She shrinks slightly, shoulders drawing inward, as if the very word has weight.
Her hands tighten along the seams of her sweater. "The werewolf," she says, her voice quiet, but certain.
Marina nods. "A werewolf has lost all sense of self, driven purely by instinct. Your bloodcraft is… stifled by this. By now, I'm sure you've felt it."
Eska swallows hard, her pulse drumming in her ears.
Marina leans forward slightly, her gaze unwavering. "You should avoid using too much of your blood. Both with bloodcraft and with common magic. In time, you should be able to control it—to use more and more without losing yourself to it. But for now, I need you to understand this: anything that uses blood has a chance to consume both your body and mind."
A few seconds of silence stretch between them, the weight of Marina's words lingering in the air. Eska's grip on her sweater remains tight, her expression unreadable.
Then, just as suddenly as the conversation had turned heavy, Marina's smile returns. She extends her arm, a book in hand.
"Take this."
Eska furrows her brow, eyeing it warily as she slowly steps forward. "Homework?" she mutters, a slight pout forming on her lips. First, she lectures her, and now she wants to hand her homework?
Marina chuckles. "No, dummy. It's the book you wanted. The one with the muscle himbo and the sassy muse."
Everything shifts.
Eska's entire posture changes in an instant. Her previous discomfort vanishes, replaced by sheer, unrestrained excitement. Her eyes widen, her entire body jolting with energy as she practically launches forward, grabbing the book with both hands.
"You found it?!" she nearly shouts, her face lighting up like a child on their birthday. She hugs the book to her chest, bouncing slightly on her heels. "I thought you said it was lost!"
Marina smirks, leaning back in her chair. "Eska, I have thousands of books, and none of them are organized. It takes time to find a single book when they're all stacked in piles across multiple rooms."
Eska barely hears her, too caught up in hugging the book to her chest, her excitement drowning out everything else.
"Now, I think that's enough for today," Marina says, her tone soft as she gestures toward the exit. "You still have your last hunt before winter, don't you?"
"Ah!" Eska exclaims, turning quickly as she heads for the tunnel. Before she moves, she carefully places her new book in her bag, ensuring it's secure.
Just before entering, she glances back and waves.
Emerging from the cliff, Eska feels the cold wind bite at her skin as the fake rock wall closes seamlessly behind her.
She doesn't stop, her feet carrying her northward with determined speed. The snow swirls around her, and the woods stretch endlessly, but Eska knows exactly where she's going.
Hours pass as she moves through the forest, her steps sure even without a clear trail.
Eska's sharp eyes catch movement ahead—a small group of deer-like creatures grazing quietly. Their fur is long and light brown, and two sets of antlers adorn their heads. She studies them for a moment, whispering to herself.
"Still brown, not white yet. It should still taste fine."
Drawing her bow, she nocks an arrow and murmurs an incantation under her breath. "Let flames ascend, a pyre of retribution to light our path," she whispers.
The tip of the arrow ignites with a flickering flame, and without hesitation, she releases it.
The arrow flies straight and strikes the largest creature square in the head. The impact sends the others scattering, their hooves thundering as they vanish into the trees.
Eska approaches her prey, inspecting it carefully.
She gets to work quickly, tying a rope securely around the antlers, and tying the legs together.
The task is completed swiftly.
She loops the rope around her shoulders and waist, ensuring it's secure but easy to release if necessary. With the load prepared, Eska whispers a small chant.
"A breath of wind to carry, a path to follow. Help the weak carry with gust."
A gentle wind rises, lifting the animal slightly off the ground, reducing its weight and making the journey easier.
With the creature in tow, Eska turns and begins her trek home. The forest stretches ahead, quiet except for the soft crunch of her boots against the snow. The wind carries her burden, lightening her steps as the sun dips low on the horizon.
Oblea sits outside the house, sipping a warm drink, her expression calm and watchful. Spotting her, Eska grins and picks up her pace.
"Mom! I caught a big one!"
Oblea stands and helps Eska drag the creature into the shed, her strength steady despite the obvious handicaps.
"Good catch. This will last us a long time," she says, pride evident in her voice. "I'll help you prepare it. You've really come a long way."
Eska beams, her smile wide and genuine. "Thanks, Mom," she says warmly.
They work together in the shed, cleaning and preparing the deer. By the time they're done, the sky has darkened.
Inside, Oblea settles into a chair with a book, while Eska finishes cleaning up. A few minutes later, dinner is ready, and they sit together to eat. The room is quiet, the only sounds the occasional clink of cutlery, until Eska decides to share her plans.
"Tomorrow, I'll probably head south," Eska begins, breaking the silence. "I want to check if there's anything of value in the dense part of the forest. I've avoided it before because of the thick trees, but I'll just scout and be back before the day's over."
Oblea listens intently, her face thoughtful as she nods. "South? That'll be a challenge this time of year," Oblea says, her tone serious. "You'll need to go far if you want something big enough to last a few weeks." She pauses, considering, then adds, "Just don't stay out too long. The snow on the trees will block the sun, making it easy to lose track of time. Not many cross that part of the forest for a reason—it's why I picked this location. Be careful."
Eska nods, her smile unwavering. "Of course. I'll head out at sunrise and won't stay out longer than necessary," she assures her.
Oblea looks down at her plate, deep in thought, before meeting Eska's gaze again. "I'd come with you if I could," she says, her voice softer now. "But you're an adult, and I trust you to make the right choices."
"I will. Thanks, Mom!" Eska replies, her excitement bubbling through her words.
After dinner, Oblea heads upstairs to rest while Eska cleans the dishes and settles on the couch with her new book near the flickering fireplace.
The flames cast a warm glow as she reads, their flickering light illuminating the pages. She's completely absorbed, eyes scanning every word, her mind lost in the story.
Eska has always liked adventures, stories filled with action, heroes struggling against impossible odds. But no matter how grand the journey, how thrilling the battles, she can't seem to stick to a book unless there's something else.
Romance.
A couple growing together, feelings shifting, hearts clashing and intertwining. She loves the push and pull, the unspoken moments, the way two people can fight side by side, not just for themselves, but for each other.
The thought lingers in the back of her mind—the idea of having someone beside you, someone you can be alone with and yet never feel lonely.
Marina seems to have caught on to this. She never says anything outright, but somehow, there's always a book waiting for her, always one that just happens to have all the right details.
Eska doesn't question it.
When the fire dies down, she places a bookmark between the pages and closes the book, securing it in her bag before stretching.
With a final glance at the dying flames, she heads off to bed, her thoughts still lingering in the world of heroes.