"Alright then. I'll just borrow this pedal harp over here," Erin walked over to the harp and then started to perform the song "Scarborough Fair"

(Erin played this arrangement of this song on the harp until she finished her song.
https://youtu.be/EdwB-gKQPek )

(Erin pretty much sings like this. Here's Scarborough Fair.
[https://youtu.be/lm8mhqt_Dag )

Rick Knight

As Erin began to play the harp and sing, the room fell still. Her talent was quite obvious from the way she played, and I was somewhat surprised that she was able to play the instrument so well. How many is she capable of playing? I wondered to myself, adjusting my collar with shaking hands. If everyone else is like this...

Suddenly, a second wave of illness struck me. It took quite a bit of effort to stop myself from gagging. I have to leave the room, my thoughts repeated, yet I did not want to interrupt Erin's performance.

It was now that Gervasius noticed. Rick? I shook my head quickly, trying to dismiss the thought that something was wrong. For once, he seemed genuinely concerned, and glanced at Ceol. Ceol! He called out to get the other Lunemara's attention - something that I did not want him to do, though I kept my words to myself.

What is it Gervasius? Is something wrong with Rick? Ceol asked.

Rick Knight

I shook my head another time, glancing at Gervasius. Able to convey meaning only through my gestures, out of fear of being caught speaking and potentially causing myself to feel worse, there was no way that I could possibly show how desperate I was to stay in class. I have to stay here, it's the first lesson! I can't skip it. My skin was still a very light shade of grey, and I was shivering slightly. Gervasius took a second glance at me, and, despite my efforts to hide my symptoms and my clear insistence that I did not want to leave the room, he decided to reply to whatever Ceol had said.

It appears so. He does not appear well at all. I pushed my glasses up my face with one finger, not wanting to pull my hand away from covering my expression. I didn't want them to know, but it was too late now.

Erin finished her song. Ceol told her about Rick. Erin's eyes went wide.
"Master Coleen? My companion told me that my friend over there is feeling sick." Erin pointed at Rick and said this with worry in her voice.

Rick Knight

My blood froze. I glanced over at Gervasius. Although having not been technically betrayed, it certainly felt that way. My hand slid from my face.

"I-I'm fine," I answered, my voice barely holding together. I didn't want to say too much, concerned that it would portray me as anything but well. By my side, my hands were shaking, and my face was still pale, however, I was still determined not to leave class. "I'm fine, Master Coleen." I managed to hold myself together for a little longer the second time, to sound more convincing, but I was certain that the first time had already squandered my chances at trying to contradict it.

Rick, don't push yourself, you idiot! As always, Gervasius was being rather rude, despite the circumstances. You have to be in top form, or you can't show your true abilities! Though despite being rude, he was right. And I hated to admit it.

"Believe me, we know who you are" Rhys said low enough so only Piper could hear him. Rhys sat patiently, waiting for class to begin, and plotting his way to make Xander's life a living heck.

Master Coleen eyed Erin. "Well done Ms. Healy. As for you, Mr. Knight, I believe you really are sick- you can be tested when you're well. Ms. Healy, take him to the Medical Wing. Floor 15, Room A."

Master Coleen then nodded to the rest of the group. "Let's begin."

"Come on Rick let's get you there," Erin said as she went over and helped him get to the Medical Wing.
"Ceol, tell the others about Rick."
Okay, Ceol said softly.

Master Ciana explained her family tree and her relation to the first light mage. She then explained how light mages almost always could do things themselves, but when first starting, would have to use a partner to help control the light.

"For turning invisible, say, you wouldn't want to lose consciousness when you make yourself hidden from view. You could easily faint if you use up too much energy, and very possibly stay invisible your entire life. Using someone else to help you at first can ensure nothing such shall happen until you are powerful enough." She turned back, pacing the other side of the room.

"After making your pairs, we will also be joining the Tzala mages for the next few weeks, learning how to create their duplicate. They will control their shadow to follow beside them, and you must learn how to make the shadow appear like a live person." She paused, scrutinizing the crowd. "Your companions are here to help you as well. They are used for communication and protection. They will soon learn offensive spells, and you shall work to command them. I myself have a companion- they bond with you and stay with you your entire life. Would you like to meet mine?"

Without waiting for an answer, she muttered a few words. Her finger glowed- wait, no, that was her ring. The golden ring that sat on Ciana's finger was emitting a light. It exploded into a bunch of yellow-gold smoke that started to form a figure.

Finally, a huge Ny'Vene appeared.


Ciana smiled, stroking the beast's head. "This is Zia. Once you do something that forms a strong bond between you two, they shall become something you can keep forever- just like Zia is my ring at times and can still turn into her beastie form. Now- we have to form our pairs."