Several years had passed since the day Azia brought the grell home. The twins had grown and matured into young adults. It was another morning in Darkmist Village. Today the twin’s parents had arranged for one of the finest Archmages of the Shen’dralar to meet with them. The goal? To have the Archmage agree to accept the sisters as his apprentices. For a change, Azia had woken up before her sister and had already finished her morning routine of brushing her hair before Eure woke up. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Eure turned to Azia.
“You are awake rather early, Azia.” Eure said as she grabbed her glasses to put them on.
“Of course” Azia replied. “I intend to make the grandest of first impressions today, I could not hope to stay asleep with this excitement.”
“I believe the Archmage is not coming until this evening… correct?” Eure questioned.
“Well… maybe, but it will take a while to pick out the right robes to wear.” Azia countered. “We also have to be careful not to pick out outfits that look too similar. That might be fun when we are doing the whole twin thing, but today we each need to make a good impression… Individually. Got it?”
“I suppose so… Why do you not just pick out your robes and then I will make sure to not wear something similar. Does that work?” Eure questioned.
“Yeah, I guess that could work.” Azia said as she continued to go through her dress robes one by one.
Eure sighed standing from her bed as she picked out a simple set of purple and gold robes to wear. She knew once Azia finally settled on her ideal dress robes she would likely have to change. In the meantime she decided to head down to the dining room table and wait for breakfast.
It took some time for Sylgorn and Mazurna to join Eure down at the table. The casualty of being an early riser, she was sure. Once they did join her at the table breakfast was served and the morning conversation began.
“Morning dear, is Azia still sleeping?” Mazurna began.
“No, she woke up rather early actually. She is finding it rather difficult to pick out a set of robes for the Archmage’s visit this afternoon.” Eure explained.
“As she should be.” Sylgorn continued. “Should this interview go well, it will put you girls on the fast track for success. First you become apprentices, then join the house of Shen’dralar yourselves, then perhaps even the magistrate. I believe that you girls will prove yourselves worthy of your noble lineage.”
“I will do my best father.” Eure nodded as her breakfast was brought to her. She was getting nervous at this point. Her entire future was on the line. Would she be any good at this? Should she even try to become a mage? Let alone an archmage? She wanted to learn all she could, that much was true, but… She Just did not know anymore. Maybe it was just nerves… It had to be her nerves. Azia should be able to ease her nerves. She was always the confident one. If Eure was lucky, maybe some of her sister’s confidence would rub off on her, if she was lucky. Once her breakfast was finished Eure left the table and returned to her bedroom to speak with her sister.
“Azia?” Eure said quietly as she opened the door to their room. Azia had already gone through numerous dresses and robes. With all the rejected choices piled up on Azia’s bed it was difficult to tell where the clothes ended and the sheets began.
“You need something?” Azia said, holding two different robes in front of her in front of a mirror.
“I… I… I was… I was wondering… How are you feeling about the archmage’s arrival this evening?”
“How am I feeling?” Azia repeated. “I’d feel better if I could settle on an outfit.”
Eure sighed. “That… does not really answer my question.”
“Well, what kind of answer are you looking for? I’m not some kind of mind reader you know. Just be honest with me, then I can try to help.”
Eure sighed again. Azia was right. How could she expect to get any sort of help if she didn’t explain what was wrong. At least her sister knew when something was wrong.
“I’m nervous, Azia.” Eure explained. “I am not sure how I should be feeling right now…”
Azia put the dresses she was holding on top of the pile on her bed. Azia walked over to Eure placing her hands on her sister’s shoulders.
“Look, this is nothing to be worried about. We are going to do fine in this interview. Really, this is just a formality. Who in their right mind would pass us up? Just look at us! You are smart, you have been studying magic for what seems like forever. Face it sister, you are a complete and total nerd… In a good way. Besides, look at me I’m a catch. Sassy, talented, and absolutely beautiful beyond comparison.”
“We… We are twins, Azia. Identical twins.” Eure stated.
“I know, I know, I guess you might, possibly, in the smallest way be comparable to me. Anyway, between the two of us we’re perfect. There is not a single thing to be nervous about. Got it?”
“Thank you Azia, I needed that.” Eure smiled; she could always count on Azia to not only make her more confident but to make her smile. Azia returned to the pile of dresses and robes she had left on her bed, setting a few aside, and she picked up a simple red set of robes with dark purple and gold trim.
“Here.” Azia said, handing the robe to her sister. “You always looked better in red than I did. I mean, not that I look bad in red, I’m gorgeous, it was always just more your color.” Eure took the robe in her hands, it wasn’t the flashiest robes in Azia’s collection, but it was fitting… If only Azia could pick out a set of robes for herself this easily. “Now why don’t you stay and help me pick out a set of robes? Maybe we can even find an even better set of robes for you. Sure, the set I picked out is good, but we can always do better.” Perhaps Eure thought things were too easy too soon. Oh well, at least this would be a good way to both pass the time until the archmage arrived and take her mind off of her nerves.
Azia was eventually able to find a set of robes she deemed acceptable, and she really only took a break from looking to eat something for lunch after she missed breakfast. For someone who seemed so confident in herself, she took forever to decide on something to wear in order to make a good impression. Perhaps it was her own form of nerves? Perhaps, perhaps not. At any rate the time finally came for the archmage to arrive. Azia and Eure stood in front of the door of their home while Sylgorn and Mazurna stood in front of them. Together they stood waiting for the archmage. Eventually, the Shadowmoon family saw a lone figure dressed in purple and gold approaching Darkmist from the horizon. Could this be the archmage? If it was, it was odd that he would come without any attendants, or guards, or even a mount, truly bizarre. Any questions they had would soon be answered as the figure finally approached the family.
“Greetings,” the figure began. “I trust you are the family Shadowmoon I was arranged to meet with this evening?”
Sylgorn stepped forward to speak first. “Yes, I am Sylgorn Shadowmoon, this is my wife Mazurna and my daughters Azia and Eure.”
“A pleasure Lord Shadowmoon, As you may have suspected I am Lord Zuramon Stormsong, Archmage of the Shen’dralar.”
“Of course Lord Stormsong. Would you please come in?” Sylgorn said as he gestured to the door. Zuramon nodded and followed Sylgorn inside.
“Remember to make a good impression girls, best behaviors” Mazurna whispered to her daughters as she followed the two men inside. She was in turn followed by Azia and Eure.
Once inside everyone found a place to sit down and get comfortable in the family’s main room. An attendant brought Zuramon some tea upon request from Sylgorn. After receiving his tea, Lord Zuramon partook in some light conversation with Sylgorn and Mazurna. The topics sort of bled together after a while. Talk of politics, family history, history in general… not the best of small talk, but it was small talk nonetheless. Then, as if out of nowhere Zuramon’s attention turned to the twins.
“Now then, the reason for my visit. Azia and Eure was it? Tell me a bit about yourself.”
Azia took this as a queue to speak first. “I am Azia Shadowmoon. My greatest hope is to make a name for myself in the grand city of Eldre’thalas. To be a prime and perfect example for the Highborne.”
Zuramon ponders before asking Azia any questions. “So you are after glory?”
Azia flipped her hair. “I was thinking more of a role model… or an idol!”
“I see… “ Zuramon seemed less than impressed with Azia’s attitude. He then turned to Eure. “And you?”
Eure found it difficult to look the archmage in the eye. “I… I just want to learn all I can” she said humbly.”
Zuramon’s questions were kept fairly minimal. Eure had expected this interview to be extensive, more intrusive. It was hard to tell what was on his mind now as he sat their pondering. Was this part of the interview? To keep cool under pressure? Or was Eure just overthinking these pauses in Zuramon’s speech? He took another sip from his tea cup before setting it aside and speaking once more.
“I believe we should move on to the next part of the evening.”
“Next part?” Eure questioned, looking up at the archmage.
“Of course, I require a demonstration of each of your skills before I make my final decision. I suggest we take said demonstrations outside.” Zuramon once again turned to Sylgorn. “Do you have a location in mind? Preferably one where the girls can perform a large display.”
Sylgorn stood up “I am sure we can find one suitable to your needs, Lord Stormsong. Please follow me outside.”
Once outside, Zuramon instructed Sylgorn and Mazurna to stand close to the house while he told the twins to stand closer to him. Once each of the family members were in their respective places. Zuramon explained how the twins would showcase their arcane experience.
“Consider this your first real test. I will create an arcane elemental for each of you. Your goal is to dispatch the elemental by any magical means. Do not hold back, I want to see what you are capable of.” With his instructions complete Zuramon summoned an arcane elemental to stand in front of the two sisters. Once summoned Zuramon moved to stand behind Azia and Eure. Azia nudged Eure’s shoulder with her own.
“It is all your’s sister. I want to make sure I dazzle with my display, save the best for last, you know how it is…. Not that you won’t do great too, I just plan on doing better… just… Good Luck!” Azia smiled an awkward smile pushing her sister lightly towards the elemental. Eure adjusted her glasses and gulped a nervous gulp staring at the elemental. It stood about the size of an average elf, not too large, but still daunting for Eure. When she examined the elemental, it was made entirely out of mana. There was nothing just being held together by mana like fire or water, the creature itself was just pure arcane energy. It was impressive… although if it was just mana, perhaps it could be dispelled, maybe contained, or compressed… Eure began drawing a circle of runes around the elemental. She focused on crafting a good enchantment, one that could disperse the elemental’s energy into the runes. It took some time, but eventually her circle of runes were complete. Once she was sure her runes would accomplish her goal she took a deep breath and outstretched her arms to activate her runes. Once activated, her runes began to suck in the energy from the creature into the ground. Pretty soon nothing was left of the elemental aside from the glow from Eure’s enchantment. Zuramon approached Eure, slowly clapping his hands.
“Well done Eure, excellent spell work. To dispel one of my spells, despite the time it took to set it up, it is impressive, you should be proud.”
Eure bowed to Zuramon. “That you sir, you honor me.”
Zuramon waved a hand standing next to Eure’s runes. In a flash the runes vanished and Zuramon held a ball made of concentrated arcane energy in a single hand. Holding the same hand out, Zuramon used the same energy to remake the elemental as it was. It looked so simple for him. Eure backed away from the elemental. She and Zuramon now stood together a safe distance from it to watch how Azia would handle this task. She confidently smiled holding an arm straight toward the elemental. Her approach was… much less subtle. Azia launched a large roaring ball of fire directly at the elemental. Once the fireball connected to the elemental. It exploded, not a single trace of it remained! Azia’s spell was powerful enough to disrupt the elemental at its core. Eure was sure she could hear Zuramon mutter a single word under his breath. “Amazing.”
After the test the twins and Zuramon rejoined Sylgorn and Mazurna in front of the house. He would address Sylgorn and Mazurna first.
“I would like to thank you all for this wonderful evening. As for our proper business, I want to say I am very impressed with what I saw here today. You both should be very proud of your children.”
“You are too kind, Lord Stormsong” Sylgorn replied.
“Not at all, I speak the truth. They both show promise, albeit in their own ways. I will allow them to be my students in Eldre’thalas.” Zuramon nodded to each member of the Shadowmoon family. “We will move you into the commons within a week. I wish each of you the best.”
The archmage left soon after that. Azia and Eure returned to their room and started getting their things together. They did not really need to begin packing so soon, but both sisters were excited to get started. Well, Azia was excited. Eure was more anxious, Azia had suggested packing might help, she… was not exactly wrong.
“Do you think we will have our own rooms in commons?” Azia questioned, trying to decide how many sets of robes she should, or rather could bring with her.
“I would not know.” Eure responded, going through her spell books.
“Eh, you’ll probably miss me too much if we do. Lord Stormsong was really handsome wasn’t he? You think he is single? We should have asked if he was single. Azia asked.
“I believe he is. Nothing I have read about him mentioned that he had a wife or children.”
Azia smiled at her sister. “This is going to be fun.”
Neither sister could sleep very well. They continued well into the night asking each other various questions on what they expected of life in Eldre’thalas. Even after Eure eventually fell asleep, Azia went outside to talk with the grell she kept in the garden. She knew she would have to find some way to sneak the grell back into Eldre’thalas. It had to be easier than getting it out in the first place years before, it just had to be.
(Tell me what you guys think!)
Link to Part 3 : The Shadowmoon Sisters: Part 3 Education in Eldre’thalas
Link to Part 4 : The Shadowmoon Sisters Part 4: The Final Exam
Link to Part 5 : The Shadowmoon Sisters Part 5: Farewell [Finale]