MP Pot and a Hero

"This is why you shouldn't've used all of your magic!"

Aveline gave a weak smile up at Kyra, the latter's professional manner slipping as she help Aveline sit. They had made it back to the mansion, almost late for the party. Going through her second, but weaker, Mana Burn, Aveline was watching the roof and avoiding guests.

"Sorry Kyra. We were excited."

Her weak smile faded into curiosity as her friend pulled out a glistening bottle of a blue liquid.

"Ugh. Such a hassle, you dummy! I meant to give this to you later, a gift since you're gonna become a powerful person in the comin future. Somethin tuh give yuh a boost when yuh use up yur magic."

Aveline's eyes went wide and her mouth fell slack.

"Yuh that excited for a bit uva magic pot? Damn yuh never know what'll excite a gal."

Aveline blinked rapidly, rubbed her eyes and began to unravel Kyra's words.

"Kyra... that accent. You're so cute!"

"Accent? Sh-shit! No, no, no!"

Kyra didn't realize as her countryside accent began to slip out. It was heavy, rattled off nicely and made Aveline smile.

"F-forget you heard any of that, Lady Aveline! I worked so hard..."

Kyra began to pout a little, but Aveline grabbed her hands.

"Kyra, please, I'm begging you. Do not hide that accent when we are alone. I love it!"

Kyra began to resist, but the pleading look in Aveline's eyes made her sigh. It was deep, southern and full of regret.

"Fine. Only cause it's you, Lady Aveline. I tried my damndest... wait, I feel like I'm a little too informal if I go back."

Aveline waved her hands.

"No. You're great. I love listening to you talk like that! I always felt like something was off, and this was it! You're a southern beauty! Not a noble lady maid!"

Aveline's eyes gleamed with an energetic fire, jumping out of her chair. As soon as she was on her feet, however, the effects of Mana Burn kicked in. Aveline fell directly against Kyra, the latter holding onto Aveline almost instinctually.

"Be careful! Yur pretty damn klutzy when ya got Mana Burn goin. Seriously, drink some uh this mana pot. Just a sip should fix ya right up."

Aveline continued to hold onto Kyra as the latter rolled her eyes. Giving in, Kyra pulled the cork from the bottle. She angled it over Aveline's head and smirked slightly.

"Ya gonna open that little mouth for me?"

Her eyes going wide and her face burning up, Aveline opened her mouth enough for a drop to fall in. Almost immediately, she could feel the potion begin to take effect. Aveline let go, steadying herself.

"I think I need to wash my face. Th-then we should join my parents."

Aveline darted off, not so much a run but still quick on her feet. Kyra had no issues with catching up, so she followed at a distance. The maid could only sigh to herself.

"I think I shoulda said somethin else."

The two girls made their way to Aveline's parents, Aveline's face freshly washed.

"Are you ready, sweetie? Your Papa and I set up a special show for you today."

Nilly smiled at Aveline, her eyes alight. Thorin on the other hand, seemed to be thinking long and hard. His eyes flit to his daughter, causing a smug grin to appear.

"I'll be off. Make sure she is ready before the show starts, my love."

Thorin walked off, his smug grin never once leaving his face. Nilly could only sigh, though she alone understood his smugness.

"We know how disappointed you were, with the magic lessons being postponed for now, but we came up with something to get you looking forward to what you can learn. I still don't see what's wrong with teaching you early, besides the whole... Mana Burn incident."

Her face was apologetic, but Aveline was never upset with her parents. Having Kyra and Niall on her side, she had already begun her own training.

Nilly had begun to lead the two girls, but stopped in the corridor.

"Aveline, there is something your father and I should have told you. We made preparations with an old family friend, something to ensure that we would continue to work together in the future."

Kyra seemed to have frozen a little, her ears intent on Nilly's words.

"A young man, four years your senior, will be here. Rumors... many rumors have spread about him. Take them with a grain of salt, try to get along. The two of you are betrothed, although should he be exactly as we fear..."

Aveline took her mother's hand.

"I will do what I can. Preferably, I don't think I want to marry him. Meeting him will be alright, so I shall be on my best behavior."

Nilly crouched down, kissing Aveline's forehead. Her smile caused Aveline to smile back, the two were a strange sight together, for a mother and daughter combo.

"So, what is the show? Papa seemed really pleased with himself."

Nilly only winked as she led them towards an open field, a field that the two girls chose to avoid for Aveline's own practice. It was a place for Thorin, Nilly and some of the soldiers and guards to train if they so chose too. Currently, the decently large field, held a countless assortment of people. The majority being nobles invited for Aveline's birthday, while a select few were standing away from them. Some disgruntled, others excited. Each and every last one was strong, wielding enchanted weapons or playing with their magic.

"M-mama... did you?"

Nilly continued to lead, making sure to grab Aveline's hand before spreading the crowd. As they parted, Aveline was greeted by some of the kinder voices. She was ignored by those that avoided eye contact. They would pretend not to see her.

'Erm... I'm not some sort of issue. Am I? Could it be those jealous of my parents? Hmm...'

Aveline was lead into the center of the field, her father already waiting. He had a massive spear stuck into the ground beside him. His eyes lit up as the girls came close, though Kyra stayed at a respectful distance.

"There are my girls!"

Thorin quickly lifted Aveline onto his shoulder, the girl flailing a little until she got her balance. She stayed quiet, noticing all of the eyes on her.

"Everyone, I thank you all for coming to see us on my little girl's special day. This is a little event we decided on, as Aveline has shown a certain interest in magic and aura! So that everyone is aware, the men and women standing off to the side are good and kind adventurers I hired to come out here! Very sorry for the inconvenience."

He gave them an apologetic smile, though the adventurers didn't seem to mind beyond the large group of nobles staring them down.

"I, too, was once an adventurer. Choosing a life away from home, no matter how long, will be difficult for those with no prior experience. I was an adventurer for only a few years before my own father had me return to take the Dukedom. Now, I shall show my lovely daughter the power one can obtain through training!"

Thorin lifted his spear high, only to be cut off by a strange laugh.

"You think training is important? Why don't you get something more important? Like being blessed by a God!"

Piercing blue eyes and shaggy blond hair. He was a few years older than Aveline, just by his appearance alone. His eyes were cold, yet almost seething with some strange form of rage or annoyance.

"For a Duke of this kingdom, you're pretty pathetic. An adventurer? Weak."

His smug attitude was a shocker for the crowd, yet none seemed to want to intervene. Even Thorin seemed to back down, leaving Aveline confused. Her face whipped back and forth before she finally glared down at the boy.

"Aveline, don't. Just... just forgive him. The Hero is backed heavily by the Holy Church of Alton."

Aveline blinked a few times before bursting into laughter.

'He... he is the Hero?! I can't take this! Niall... he's pathetic!'