Sam's days had fallen into rhythm: training in the early mornings with spirit elders, afternoons meditating at the Spirit Tree, and evenings helping the villagers with anything from lantern work to archive copying. His spirit arts had matured—he could now sense the flow of mana in living things and shape energy into protective barriers and healing waves. His natural affinity for nurturing and calmness made him a prodigy in support and defensive techniques.
But it was during one of those evening lessons near the Spirit Tree that his life took an interesting turn.
Ren—a fox beastkin girl with wavy pink hair and piercing mint-green eyes—stood beside the Spirit Pool, eyes narrowed as she tried (and failed) to control the swirling mana within.
Sam, with kindness, stepped forward.
Sam:
"Um… you're holding the flow too tightly. You have to let it dance, not strangle it."
Ren (huffing):
"Don't tell me what to do, elf boy. I know what I'm doing!"
Sam held his hands up in surrender.
Sam:
"Sorry! I just thought—well—you might want a bit of help…"
Ren turned her back to him with a "hmph," but her red-tipped ears twitched. She heard his gentle tone. Felt his sincerity.
Later, she glanced over as Sam effortlessly created a glowing orb of healing light that soothed the bruised roots of a nearby tree. A faint blush touched her cheeks.
Ren (muttering):
"Stupid gentle idiot…"