Eldrick paying attention to his body this time while entering the trance noticed the shift subconsciously. Reaching for the tomes on his right he began to absorb the information locked in the written word. This time the speed at which he flipped through the tomes was much slower than before. This material was much more involved than the tomes of yesterday. He still procured the knowledge at an alarming pace but was devoting more time to provide the information a basis to understanding. He did not understand some of the information initially as he realized it would take more experience for the lessons to fully sink in. After perusing the first two tomes Eldrick returned to a normal state gently. His head was beginning to pound. Sergei handed Eldrick a cup of tea. Which he accepted gratefully.
“You are capable of entering the learning trance on your own however you are tapping into a different form of energy to do so and it is causing an explosive release just prior to your entering the trance. We are going to need to refine your approach to it so that you are not broadcasting your location to any with unscrupulous desires. Also, I believe the training I offered to Sebastian would be beneficial for you as well, with a few tweaks.”
“I take it you wish to do this before I continue reading the tomes you have assigned me, sir?”
“Yes, I do believe that may be the most beneficial. I hope you understand why that may be the case.”
"I too think it would be wise," Sebastian stuck his head through the doorway "You're entering the learning trance is having unforeseen repercussions on my own study as well. I have shielded my room extensively, but there is still leakage."
“Ah, I am very sorry Sebastian. I didn’t realize. Ok sir I am ready.”
Sergei set out the basics, explaining the difference between complete disguise to the minimization of power. The power levels needed to be balanced. With the different types of abilities Eldrick needed to learn which ones to disguise and which ones to allow through.
For the next several days Eldrick focused on this task. He was beginning to become frustrated trying to separate out his draconic power. He couldn’t find a way to distinguish between them as they were all his. After a few days of trying this Sergei approached him.
“So, you cannot hide just one style of energy. I believe I know why. You may not know it but you have draconic heritage. Let’s try blending the magic together, then work on disguising the strength,” Sergei scratched his beard.
Attempting this, Eldrick found it easier. He could disguise his power level and still present enough to pass the trials. After a week of practice, Eldrick was able to maintain the levels without conscious control.
After many run-ins with testing from Sergei, Eldrick glanced over at Sebastian curiously. Sebastian seemingly lost in thought most times. Sergei, trying to get Eldrick to focus on instruction.
" What are you day-dreaming about now?" Sergei barked.
Sebastian quietly receded to his room upon hearing Sergei bringing Eldrick to account. Once alone in his room, Sebastian sank to the floor and began crafting an illusion of the young dragon he had spied days before. He couldn’t seem to get her out of his mind, of course thinking back it was also the same dragon from his dreams earlier in the year when cleaning Eldrick’s room after the mishap. Her scales, a delicate alabaster mother of pearl with coral highlights. Eyes like sunken pools of limpid emerald green. Her wings leathery were such a unique silver colour that there was nothing like it, shifting colour that was more reflective than static, each movement bringing mesmeric flashes. Sebastian realized he was sitting in the main room during instruction sessions in hopes of catching another glimpse of her. Realizing that if he was not careful Eldrick would pick up on what he was thinking and that could have devastating.
Sergei sat in his chair fuming under his breath. Considering what his own children were like at that age he realized it had to be an age thing. Even his other pupils at this age were distracted. The only thing to do at this point was to let them have some time to explore whatever it was that was drawing their attention from their studies. In this case, Sergei realized that the distraction was living under the same roof and may take less time for Eldrick to get it out of his system. Hoping that may be the case, he decided to give Eldrick the weekend off.
“Alright Eldrick, unless I give you some motivation we are not going to get much done. Therefore, I will make you a deal, instead of the usual routine this weekend, you have it off on the condition that you can focus on the lessons until then. I do not need to offer the same incentive to Sebastian as he is not my protégé,” intoned Sergei loudly enough that his voice carried to the other room.
Later that evening when Eldrick had gone to bed, Sebastian approached Sergei with his request for additional tomes to study. He also promised to remain in his room during Eldrick’s lessons so as not to be a distraction. Returning the borrowed tomes, he assisted Sergei in returning them to the hidden library, then waited patiently for the new volumes. There were more books than the last time.
"I figured if I offered access to other magics, you would be more inclined to study than sit in during Eldrick’s lessons. Then again you may not take the weekend off. You have much interest in learning. After watching the two of you earlier I doubt its going to be an issue. For some reason, it seems like you two were destined to be together." Sergei looked at Sebastian questioningly.
Sebastian took the new books back to his room to study. Perusing the titles, he noticed they were more advanced than the previous grouping, which meant more advanced spells and skillsets.
Sebastian prepared to spend the night in study. Opening the first tome excitedly, he relaxed into his learning trance. This tome covered the differences between draconic and fae magic. Fae magic has an increased ability to affect draconic systems.
He became so engrossed in the study that he lost track of time. The following tomes included fae magic spells cast by draconic energies. Sebastian found this intriguing. Learning spells from a different style of magic was great and thus he set out to master these new spells.
His thoughts kept coming back to the weekend. He could hardly wait to spend time with the one he was falling for. His only concern was that his advances would be rebuffed. A situation that could destroy the friendship they had already cultivated. This was where his mind wandered from time to time. How to approach the situation with delicacy and grace?
The rest of the week went smoothly, Eldrick capable of concentrating without any lapses. Sebastian was barely seen; he only left his room for meals and to help with the chores.
Sebastian devoured the knowledge in the books. Learning about fae magic was such a bonus. Practicing the spells he could, he progressed through the tomes quickly, memorizing everything in each book whether it was a spell, glyph, or anecdote. Every piece of information in those tomes held value for him, not one shred was going to be lost.
Eldrick finally mastered the ability to diminish his energy signature to the delight of Sergei. He also learned how to maintain the level without conscious control. The best part of the week was when he mastered the learning trance without the massive flare of energy, Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief that day.
"Now that you have mastered these two skills," Sergei paused. "You can return to the tomes you find so fascinating, for the rest of the day." \
After a few hours, Sergei called an end to the day.
"Does that mean I have the next two days off Sir? Other than my chores that is." Eldrick's voice held a hint of disappointment and joy.
"Yes, Eldrick you do. I do believe that is what we agreed upon."
Hearing this, Sebastian came out of his room to join the others.
