Crystal's Embrace

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December 31st, 1008 A.F. 7:40 P.M.

Crystal Spire, Crystal Empire, Frozen North

“Where is that little demon?!” Sombra growled as he turned another corner in the castle narrowly missing the torch on the wall. He scanned the hall as he went to try and see where Sidian had gone but just like the rest of the halls he had checked before the child was nowhere to be found. “I’ve had enough of this game.” he sighed as he used his magic to strengthen his vocal chords for a moment. “Bleak Star and Sidian come here at once!” His voice shook the castle to its very foundations for the fifth time just this week.

As the magic faded he soothed his throat with a hoof as he sat in the middle of the corridor. “I swear if I have to keep doing this I will be able to kill with my voice.” he grumbled. The sound of hooves hitting the deck in a full on gallop were heard by him and they were quickly getting louder and louder. “Slow down Mistress if you don’t we’re going to-” the young boys voice was cut off by a loud crash that caused the king to wince at. He walked around the corner to see the boy lying on top of the mare who was rubbing her head from the pain.

Sidian had grown significantly in the past eight years but he was nowhere near done growing from the looks of it. His once short brown hair extended to the top of his back, and despite anything Sombra did or Bleak Star did he didn’t want it styled into something different. He liked to have it flowing limply down his back. He was in that awkward stage of growing up when his voice is still that of a child's but transitioning into an adult's voice so every now and again it would crack.

He was no longer a small child you could hold with your hooves but was big enough to literally ride on ponies backs, and with some practice he’s decent at it now. “Sidian, Bleak Star. Stand before your King.” He demanded and as soon as the two heard the voice they shot up likes rockets knowing to immediately listen when told to. He looked up at Sidian, “Kneel my son.” He ordered and Sidian complied. Sidian was now almost a head shorter than Sombra.

“Where have you two been today?” He was straight to the point with his question.

Sidian kept his head held in a bow out of respect as he answered, “I was studying the tomes you gave to me my lord, I was also trying out a new spell I learned about. One that I believe could benefit us both if you would like to know it my lord.” he replied as Sombras expressionless face was briefly graced with a smile.

“I believe I already know the spell but tell me, what is it used for?”

“My Lord, it is used to allow the user to rapidly read while retaining any and all information with perfect recitation in their minds. It allows for the user to more easily create the spell matrix for the basis of the spell one is casting. I would like to learn this spell so that I can more easily create layers to my current spells to give them more functionality and improve their potency. Magus Intelux has instructed me to start practicing defensive magic spells so this will also help me create the basic matrix for a mobile shield spell. So I beg of you my lord, allow me to learn this spell as part of my training.” Sidian explained.

King Sombra smirked, “If you believe it will help that much Sidian, do as you will. This spell will not become a part of your training under Magus Intelux, Stalwart, or Wraith. This will be done on your own time, do you understand?” He punctuated the last three words to make sure his point got across.

“Yes my lord.” Was all Sidian replied with.

Sombra’s cold visage dissipated into that of a welcoming fathers, “Alright then Sidian come along, we have some preparations to attend to this night. You know what tonight is, correct?”

“Not a clue father, what?”

“Tonight marks the ninth year in this new millennium, and in your case it will be your ninth year being with us. You will be thirteen this year, and once you hit that age you will take on an apprenticeship under Grand Knight Stalwart.”

Sidian was about to speak out against the decision but quickly came to the conclusion that it would be better to just listen to his father. “How long will this apprenticeship be Dad?” he asked hesitantly as Sombra looked back at him with a smile.

“For you, I doubt it will take long as you have been training with him for six years already. Given that you have already completed all of the basics all that's left are the more advanced skills and techniques. You will be done within four years time at most, but due to your unique...how do I put this...makeup you have advanced faster than most apprentices could in a decades time under a knight. So it could possibly be less than four years.”

“What will happen to Bleak Star Dad?” Sidian asked as Sombra paused opening his mouth before closing it again.

“I haven’t thought about that truthfully. What do you believe should happen to her?”

“She’s served you and your family for many years Father, then when I came into your life she took care of me as a motherly figure. We should give her a choice on what she wants to do.” he suggested as Sombra glared at him for a second but sighed in defeat knowing what he said was true. She was a wonderful servant and a wonderful caretaker in the years she has served and was someone he considered family. He looked over to her as she stood nervously off to the side waiting to know the answer.

“Alright, we’ll give her some choices.”

“What will they be Dad?”

“When the time comes to ask them, you and her will know. Each of them will be fair and just, I give you my word Sidian.” Sombra stated as he put a hoof to his chest. Sidian smiled and hugged him.

“Thanks Dad.” Sombra returned the embrace quickly before turning to Bleak Star.

“Bleak Star, you are relieved of your duties for today. You may do as you please.” He stated as she bowed to him and plodded away happily down the hall before disappearing from view.

“You know what you must do tonight, correct?” Sombra asked as they walked down the hall towards their rooms.

Sidian nodded, “Yes father, I will be sure to get dressed for the court immediately.”

“First, have the servants give you a bath, you must look your best for your first appearance to the new year feast. Remember, no one outside of this castle, save for the kings and queens of the bordering nations have seen you as of yet. Many do not know you exist as of yet. It's a wonder we’ve been able to hide your existence at all of these eight years. Do not make us look like a fool tonight son.” he warned and Sidian shuddered knowing how he would be punished if he didn’t listen.

“I will not embarrass you Dad, unless you do so to me. It’s only fair.” he joked as Sombra looked back at him and rolled his eyes.

“I suppose so. Now, go get cleaned up son.” he pointed to the bathing room at the end of the hall to their right.