4 An interesting new face.

-6 years later-

As Elias trained he saw that his mentor was in unusually high spirits that day. Eventual as his curiosity got the best of him he asked why.

"Grandfather, why do you have that smug look for, don't tell me your making me jump off the cliff again."

"What, no, no that would be Wednesday... joking. No today is a very important day, in fact you don't even know do you?"

As Elias thought of what day it was he noticed the leafs begin to change into bright green. As he thought of spring time events he ran over many things. Celestial movements, migrations, possibly a visitor.

"Ha, ha, my boy you are as clueless as ever, you must take a break from training on a day such as this. Besides, if a sixteen year old cant enjoy his birthdays whats the point in celebrating.

It then hit Elias that it was his birthday. He had honestly forgotten and silently cursed at himself.

"It seems I forgot this year as well, huh."

"My lad, it runs in the family, trust me when I say this, Iv'e lost count myself." As they both laughed there was a howling in the distance.

"Ohhh, It seems I lost track of time, hurry now go and wash up and put some good clothes on. We have company coming over later."

Elias rushed into the cabin preparing for the night. Although he noticed something off about his teacher. There was something missing from his hand, he forgot about it as he searched for his good clothes and prepared his makeshift shower. Outside Jahrico looked down the path with a smile.

"Yes, I believe he is ready to join the knights, what do you think... Lilith, Eric."

When Elias got done shaving he put on one of his finer sets of clothes. He came out side to see his grand father had gone all out. He had prepared a fine dinner, enough for many people. There was turkey, chicken and even boar, along with many other sides.

As he searched for his grandfather, which was no where to be found, he saw an older lady cross into the yard by the road. It was Myra, the witch, at least that was her title. She was actually a great healer with a Nature Affinity, behind her followed her Drako, called Mir.

Mir had the body of a deer, a head of an eagle along with its wings on its back. It's back legs were also that of an eagle. When Mir saw Elias it let out a little sound and trotted to him.

Swoo swoo

"If it isn't little Eli, seems your of good health, he he."

Elias couldn't help but smile at the old hag, it was thanks to her that he was even hear at all, and there is no telling how many illnesses she cured him of before he could use his healing abilities. He ran and hugged the old woman.

"It's good to see you too."

"Now where is that sack of old bones, I need to talk to him. Oh, happy birthday Sonny, it seems like this will be one of our last dinners for awhile huh. Well see here I can still out drink ya."

As they laughed, even Mir joined in. It sounded a little wonky. though.

Swoo-oo Swoo-oo

Elias then caught his grandfather further down the path. A dark long haired man was following him. As Elias saw the man there gazes caught each others. His golden eyes against the mans bright red ones. It was not an Ominous gaze, but a prideful one. The eyes of a warrior is how Elias would described them.

"Ahh, Myra, you were ahead of us, it's good to-"

The old woman had shot towards Jahrico at lightning speed and kicked him in his shin. The old man toppled over dramatically.

"Ahh you hag, Elias hel-."

Elias had created two fireballs in his hands and looked down at his grandfather menacingly.

"What did you do."

"Mercy!"

After thirty minutes of torture from Myra, Jahrico had finally coughed up the money for the drinks that he "Borrowed" from her. At the table the four were eating, but the eyes of the dark haired man was still fixed on Elias. Mir caught a piece of chicken that Myra tossed into the air.

"Oh I forgot to introduce you haven't I, this is-"

"No its fine J, I can do that. Hello Elias my name is Lucius, professor at Wellsprings Academy, and old friend of your father and grand father."

The man who had not smiled once was now grinning at Elias.

"You knew my father, did you and him go to school together."

"Yes, me and him were best friends, well when I say friends more like... enemy's with the same skill. Us and your mother were the top students of our class and so formed a friendship through battle."

Lucius took a drink of his wine and another bite of turkey.

"Your father asked me long ago that if I wanted too, I could crash his kids birthdays. So now I'm doing just that."

Lucius got up and walked into the middle of the yard and threw the cloak he had on to the ground. He was bare chested, scars on his chest made the man look even more intimidating.

"Now lets see your skills, boy."

Elias who was took back by the sudden request recoiled. What this man was asking for was a fight. Inside Elias had mixed feelings, but something else spoke up out of him. He knew a strong opponent when he saw one and some sort of pride sneaked it's way onto his face, turning his usual grin into a smirk.

Elias walked from the table and into the middle of the yard in front of the man. Loosening his tie, his smirk worked it's way onto Lucius as well. Lucius had seen that face on someone else before, the one man that could give him a challenge in this boring world, it made him all the more exited.

"So you fought my dad and mom, well, get ready the best of both worlds."