"..."
"Huh?"
Oscar's eyes scanned the figure of the familiar face. It was indeed an orc, he was looking at. An odd one. A pale-skinned orc.
[Cast: ???]
His affinity for ice was reacting to the orc's mana. Reacting to it, the cast set off by itself. His skin grew pale, and ice grew in his hair.
"... Caelum. Keep on going."
"What?"
"Go. Something is telling me, that I have to help this... thing. Whether he was my enemy before, or not."
Caelum paused. After a few seconds of contemplation, he sighed, rubbing his forehead. The horse-carrier went on his way, leaving Oscar there with the orc.
Oscar looked at the orc. He was riddled with scars, his helmet cracked in half.
. . .
. .
.
The duo sat near a campfire inside a cave. Outside, thunder constantly banged against their ears. Rain tapped against the stone floor, nearly seeping into the cave. They were lucky enough to be relatively safe from the storm.
"Why... did you help me?" the now bandaged orc stared at the campfire, rubbing the handle of his axe with his thumb.
Oscar stared at the campfire, alongside him.
The words came out almost automatically as if someone had been speaking for him. Despite this, it felt natural. "To learn more about our similarity."
"The Aeloan power? Our ability to reign over our element."
Oscar studied the orc, surprised at his ability to speak, along with his lean stature.
Matter of fact, you could barely call the creature in front of Oscar an orc. Besides the overgrown bottom teeth, large nose, and somewhat sharp ears, the "orc" looked more like a human than an actual orc.
Though, not human enough to be accepted into society.
"I believe we are connected in a way."
The statement caught Oscar off guard. He readjusted his position, listening well.
"What makes you think that?"
"I was... ambushed by my fellow orc. Due to our differences, and their jealousy of my ability to utilize mana. If you didn't find me there, and nurse me back to health, I would've likely died."
"What's your point?"
"You were led to me. One way or another. We are a rare Aeloan type."
"Rare?"
"Have you ever met anyone like us, that has... someone else in them? A mental manifestation of their power."
"No. I don't think I have."
"That's what makes us stronger. What makes us similar. There's a war going on, right?"
"Yes- how'd you know?"
"I'm observant. Since I've been betrayed by my own brethren, it's either I join the war effort, or I live a life of solitude. Knowing that there is someone like me, makes me want to assist your kingdom."
"... I see."
. . .
. .
.
"How exactly do you figure we... unlock our full potential... Routhu?" Oscar said to the orc, stretching in front of him.
The sun had come out after the rain. They had become acquainted with each other to some extent.
"I'm likely more experienced than you, with this power. So, I'll give you a rundown. Show me how you... activate the affinity."
Oscar nodded. He closed his eyes, trying to reach a point of focus.
Bam!
"Ow!"
He was hit on the head with the handle of Routhu's axe.
"You aren't as skilled as I had expected. You have to be able to tap into it, as quick as possible. If you're in a battle, do you think there will be any time to waste?" Routhu explained.
"..."
"You have to be able to do it as fast as... this!"
In a near instant, Routhu's hair was set aflame. There was a fire in his eyes, a hot aura surrounding him. As quickly as it activated, it was put out.
Oscar slapped his face, trying to gain focus.
"Nope! Faster."
"You didn't even let me think about it!"
"You aren't supposed to. Even I'm a little slow when it comes to activating it. It should be as simple as lifting your pinky."
Again, he ignited. As fast as he ignited, his flames were put away. Oscar watched in awe. Though he knew he was talented, this was something different. He knew how hard it was to activate. How much focus it took.
And here Routhu was, wielding it like it was second nature.
Then again, he's only known of this power for... two years or so. Routhu has probably known about it for even longer.
. . .
. .
They rested, sitting on rocks along the creek. The sun was starting to slip under the horizon.
Chirp... chirp..
"You seem to be a very talented individual, Oscar. Where are you from?"
Oscar paused, taking time to think about that question. Where exactly was he from?
"Well... for most of my life, I lived as a slave. Being traded from camp to camp. My earliest memory is being sold off."
He stared, blankly into the sky. His most common expression.
"I see."
Routhu's expression was just equally as blank.
The two weren't well-versed with emotions.
There was a comforting silence filling the air. A silence that made Oscar forget about the war for a moment.
"Hey, Routhu. You said you would join the war effort, right?"
"Yes."
"You'll be my Lieutenant, then."
"... Lieutenant?"
"I'm going to be a general. Well, I technically am. So... you'll work for me."
"I'll work for you. Even though I'm the one teaching you?" He said snarkily, in a joking manner.
Oscar laughed.