Chapter 7: Interlude; Kassia.
Heron remained unconscious for three days. Sometimes he would wake up screaming, calling out for names I cannot recognize, it took me a while to realize he was calling for a family he longer has. Nightmares plague his mind.
During these times, he sometimes remain lucid enough to eat, but I mostly fed him. I took care of him. Always watching. Rarely leaving his side.
Father and the elder checked on him multiple times a day, I think the elder is terrified of him.
I hear them talking some times, father told him the snake was a bonded familiar. I believe the elder has his doubts.
I am especially proud of Heron, achieving the iron stage just two days after discovering a whole new world of magic, is nothing short of legendary --- without guidance and proper preparations no less.
But as father said, his body has not yet adapted to the changes. Which are getting more physical with each passing day.
By the fourth day, his once mouse brown hair was a pitch so black it seemed to swallow light, there were strands of silver scattered at random too. Making his hair look a silver-black silk, falling over his pale face.
The serpent tattoo just under his collarbone, was... growing? Stretching? I don't know. But it was certainly bigger and looked more real, like a live serpent was coiled around his flesh and less like a tattoo.
Sometimes I think the eyes move. It could've been a figment of my imagination, though I don't think so.
It's not easy to detect aura at my level. Silver rank and above is where things get interesting. I believe I'm halfway into the silver stage, my training has been picking up steam for a while now.
I might be able to make the push in a couple of months, but I think I'll slow down and let Heron catch up. He seems the type to level quickly.
Wringing the water from the cloth in my hands, I wipe away sweat from his brow, willing him to wake up. Seeing him like this breaks my heart. I resolve to always watch over him, always stand by him.
He mumbles something incoherent. The door creaks open. I don't turn.
"How is he?" Father asks, not really expecting an answer. I don't give one.
He strides into the small hut and peers down at Heron. His eyes soften. I know he's assessing Heron's state, using aura. At silver rank, father is quite skilled with aura manipulation.
"He'll wake up soon. When he does, we leave. There's nothing here but pain and the memory of what he's lost. Prepare yourself, I'm going to push both of you. I think I can get you both to silver before we reach Hira clan territory."
He takes one last look at Heron, then his eyes find mine. He nods, pats my head and walk out.
I sit there, simultaneously dreading and excited about seeing the clan my father came from.
This should be quite an adventure. Especially considering my training has already been... rigorous? And father says he's going to up the ante. I do so like a challenge.
I wonder if Heron can keep up. Looking at the unconscious boy, then remembering just how new he was to all of this... I think he can keep pace.
If anything, I should wonder if I can keep pace with him, once he finds his feet. I smile a little.
Fun times ahead.