Year1111ofthePeacekeeperEra - TheArrival
Dessavah, West Province
"What a beautiful day." Tamara peered about and smiled at the blooming flowers. Spring was here, and the kiss of the sun's rays made everything alive. She had survived the winter without too much fuss and, thanks to Mistress Belena, had learned quite a bit about Earth-wielding.
"Tamara, it's time for the midday meal."
"Coming, Mistress Belena." She stood, dusted off her pants, and went inside to the tiny cottage they were staying in.
The table was set, and her mouth watered at the smells from the freshly baked bread and stew. She sat and waited until Mistress Belena had joined her before speaking the blessing.
"Water. Fire. Air. Earth. Four elements twined. Life. Dreams. Passion. Breath. Joined together and stronger than one alone. Water. Fire. Air. Earth. Enclose us, love us, and protect us as we protect you. May the First Ones bless."
"May the First Ones bless," Mistress Belena murmured. She waved her hand at the food. "Let us eat, Apprentice."
They ate quietly, and Tamara let her thoughts wander. They had spent the four long winter months in this quiet town. The people were kind and welcoming, and she had felt at ease in this place. The earth brimmed with happiness from the respect the people of the town paid it.
She couldn't wait to finish eating and go practice her latest skill of growing toleps. She couldn't really explain why she loved the flowers so much. They seemed to love her just as much, and that always put a smile on her face.
"May I be excused to do my lesson?"
Mistress Belena nodded. "Do not take too long, we will be leaving in a few hours."
"I understand." Tamara pushed her chair back, grabbed her bowl, spoon, and cup, and took them to the washtub. She washed them and put them back on the shelf. With a grin and a wave, she left through the back door.
She took the path behind the cottage and went to the stream. Hopping along the raised rocks that spanned the width of the stream, she finally stepped onto the lush purple Elaruo. It was a special grass that only grew in really wet places. The grass welcomed her, swaying as the long, thin, feathery blades tickled her arms and legs.
"Greetings to you, too."
The Elaruo parted, opening up a path for her, which she quickly walked to avoid stepping on the helpful Elaruo. She arrived at the giant Venhen grove. The tall, dark blue trees were filled with thousands of tiny pink buds that would blossom into pink and silver flowers at the height of spring. Venhen trees were some of Tamara's favorite trees and had the toughest bark of any tree in the West Province. It was also a curious tree and had been nice enough to allow her to practice her Element on it.
One of the branches lowered, and she dropped into a curtsy. "Great Venhen Elder, may I have leave to practice?"
The branches shook, showering her with their green leaves. Tamara giggled and rose from her curtsy. The branch was now low enough that she climbed on it. It slowly ascended until she was midway up the tall tree. She sat quietly for a long time, staring out across the land. She wasn't really seeing it. Inside her Element, she was connected to every little thing. She could hear the heartbeat of the land itself. It was amazing. It was frightening.
Abruptly, she broke the connection. Enough practice. She had to get back to Mistress Belena. She felt the Venhen Elder's sorrow at her leaving. The branch lowered to the ground, and she slid off. She walked to the tree's trunk and hugged it hard.
"I won't forget you. I'll do my best to come back and see you, Old One."
A surge of happiness mixed with amusement flooded through her bond to the tree. Happiness, she understood, but what did the tree think was funny? She didn't try to ask. Tree humor never made much sense to a human after all. She kissed the tree, stepped back, and waved. Skipping along, she returned to the cottage and Mistress Belena. She had packing to do for their journey to the Central Province.
***
Fortegul, North Province
"Again. You're not doing it right."
"I am, too!" Jazmine snapped and glared at Celena, who glared right back.
"No, you're not. If you were doing it right, I wouldn't say anything, now would I?"
Jazmine gritted her teeth and thought all sorts of evil things she would love to do to the older Apprentice. She spun around and stared at the space in front of her. She had been at this for hours. She was tired, hungry, and annoyed. And Celena was being bossy and irritating.
She bit back a snide comment when Celena walked over and stood in front of her.
"Now, do it again and do it right," Celena ordered.
Jazmine let out a large belch and unrepentantly stared at Celena's pale skin, which was fast turning into a bright red shade.
"Why, you little...,"
Jazmine flinched when she saw Celena pull her arm back to slap her. She hastily backed up. "If you hit me, I'm telling Mistress Yelena."
Celena, who was advancing toward her, froze. She glowered and lowered her hand. "Fine, Brat! You figure out the lesson yourself. We'll see if you're all high and mighty when Mistress Yelena punishes you for failing!"
Jazmine let out a sigh of relief when the older girl stormed off. She hated training with Celena. The older girl was such a grouch and short-tempered. It was only over the last few weeks that Celena had resorted to hitting. So far, Mistress Yelena hadn't noticed, and Jazmine had been too afraid to say anything. But, enough was enough. She wasn't going to let Celena bully her anymore.
Celena was right, though. She'd be punished if she didn't master this skill. She returned to the center of the courtyard and cleared her mind. She had to become one with the air. That meant her breathing had to be in time with the air flowing invisibly about. It was harder than it sounded and very taxing. She always slept deeply after this type of training.
A gentle breeze began to blow, and she forced herself to concentrate. She could almost hear a voice....
"Jazmine! First Ones above, what are you doing, you foolish Apprentice!"
Mistress Yelena's bellow broke her focus, and Jazmine blinked. Her mouth fell open in shock. Not one Vermerei tree remained standing. The beautifully maintained flower beds were flattened. Flower petals from the various flowers were scattered all about.
"I...uh, oh."
"You, inept Child! Why didn't you keep control of the Air?"
Jazmine's mind was reeling. She'd failed again! She yelped when a hand landed on her shoulder, and she was spun around to stare into Mistress Yelena's furious face.
"Answer me! Why didn't you control the Air?"
Jazmine was at a loss for words. How could she explain it when she herself didn't even know? She took too long to answer and received a hard shake from Mistress Yelena.
"Explain, now."
She shivered. Mistress Yelena's tone had gone soft, and that meant her ire was so great that only a miracle would appease it.
"Mistress Yelena, don't be so hard on her."
Jazmine's mouth fell open in surprise at Celena's words. The older girl was being nice? Maybe now they could start getting along.
"And, why shouldn't I?"
Mistress Yelena released her hold on Jazmine and straightened, though she didn't turn around to look at Celena, who was walking over to them.
"Because, if a person lacks the power or the skill to wield an Element, screaming at that person will not change that sad truth."
Jazmine scowled. She'd changed her mind. She and Celena would never get along.
Mistress Yelena's sudden laugh startled both girls. Her amused expression didn't make Jazmine feel any better.
"Perhaps you are right, Celena." She chuckled and started toward the house.
"Wait! Mistress Ye--,"
"Do not say another word, Jazmine. I'm very disappointed in you. Clean this mess up and then go apologize to the landowners. You will assist them tomorrow in replanting everything you destroyed."
"What! No way, I'm...," Jazmine squeaked and backed up when Mistress Yelena whipped around and pinned a scathing glare on her. She didn't even try to continue. "Understood, Mistress Yelena."
With a dismissive nod, Mistress Yelena left the garden.
"Told you," Celena mocked as she too left Jazmine alone.
Hot tears of anger spilled from Jazmine's eyes. She hated this and both of them! She flung back her head and screamed her rage to the sky. After all, it was the only thing that listened and didn't judge her.