[Training] Training one's magic

Eternum was like, totally standing out in the snow, right? It was super cold and stuff but he didn’t care one bit. He was on a mission to improve. He held out his hand, focusing all his magical vibes on it. Electricity magic was his thing, and he just wanted to do more than sparkles. But, no matter how hard he tried, nothing really happened.

Bummer, right? He tried again and again, his face going all squinched up with concentration, but nada. No super cool lightning, just weak sparkles. But, y'know, he wasn't about to give up that easily. He was all about persistence.

Sola, bundled up against the chilly air, observed Eternum's efforts from a distance. She waved to him, seeing that he too had come here to train. Seeing his struggles, she was reminded of her own magical journey. How many times had she tried, and failed, to control her telekinetic abilities? Drawing in a deep breath, she decided to join in. She extended her own hand, her gaze focused on a small patch of rocks near her feet. With all the concentration she could muster, she urged them to move. After what felt like an eternity, one of the rocks twitched, then lifted off the ground.

Elation surged through her as the rock hovered in the air. It was a small feat, yes, but every bit of progress mattered. A warm feeling of accomplishment blossomed within her, dispelling the cold. This was her journey, and she was ready to embrace every part of it.

Watching Sola join in, Eternum's frustration took a backseat for a moment. Her presence brought a kind of silent understanding. They were both trying to figure out this magic stuff, and it wasn't easy. He nodded to her, a small, mutual we got this moment passing between them.

Then he saw it. Sola's eyes were locked on a pile of rocks. She was focused, her hand stretched out. Then, whoa, one of the rocks actually moved. It floated, man! It was no massive feat, sure, but in that moment, it was the coolest thing ever.

Eternum smiled feeling this weird excitement.

Sola's gaze fell on Eternum, a soft smile spreading across her face. It was comforting to have someone understand her struggles with magic. A sigh escaped her lips as she looked down at the small rock now laying still on the ground.

"I've never been great at magic," she confessed, her eyes reflecting determination and doubt. "My telekinesis... it takes so much effort."

With a shrug, she forced herself to look back at Eternum. Her smile was small, but sincere. "I kind of wish I could use electricity instead of telekinesis. I don't think even strong mages can do much more than lift heavier rocks."

The rock remained still, a silent witness to her efforts. But Sola wasn't going to let it discourage her. She was going to get the hang of this, she decided, the fire in her eyes returning. After all, she had a friend to face the journey with.

Eternum shouts and points his fingers into the sky. Sparkles travel upwards and he drops to his knees. Practicing magic was tiring.

"Frustrating, isn't it?"

He fell back onto his butt, his eyes tracking the sparkles that dissipated into the sky.

"But yeah, Sola. We're gonna get the hang of this. One spark, one rock lift at a time. I’m going to use up all the magical energy I can then I can finally justify going home. I hope it won’t take much longer. I’m actually a little stronger than last time I came out here. So you can imagine just how weak I used to be”

Sola watched Eternum's display with a sympathetic smile. His frustrations mirrored her own experiences. Despite the failures, she admired his determination and tenacity.

"Yes, it's certainly a trial," she agreed, her eyes tracking the dissipating sparkles. His next words brought forth a hearty laugh. "You and me both, Eternum. We're just beginners stumbling through."

Spotting the nearby snow, an idea popped into her head. Packing a snowball in her hands, she concentrated on it, letting her telekinetic magic seep into the icy object.

"Watch out, Eternum!" she called out, a mischievous look in her eyes as she tried to propel the snowball at him using her magic. Her aim was a bit off, and the snowball sailed through the air, a little too high. "Well," she laughed, brushing snow off her hands, "at least it flew!"

Eternum winced when he saw the incoming snowball, though it flew past him without harm. He turned to look at Sola with a grin, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Nice try."

He chuckled, bending down to gather his own handful of snow. Instead of forming a snowball, he let his electricity magic seep into the snow. It crackled and fizzled, transforming into a cluster of sparkles that he playfully sent in Sola's direction. They were harmless but shimmered beautifully in the fading light.

"Catch!"

He laughed as the twinkling sparks danced their way towards Sola. It was a simple display, but it was his way of showing that magic, in all its frustrating glory, could also be a source of joy.

As the glowing sparkles fade away, Sola can't help but feel a surge of energy. Eternum's determination, despite his earlier failures, ignites a competitive streak within her. The thought of sparring sparks an unexpected enthusiasm.

"You're not the only one who can make a show, Eternum!" she exclaims, her eyes dancing with mischief.

With a swift, playful jog, she closes the distance between them. Raising her hand, she balls it into a fist and aims for his stomach. Her punch is playful, more a tap than anything else, but it's an open invitation.

"Come on, let's spar! Let's see if your sparkles are as harmless as they seem!" she challenges, a gleaming grin on her face.

Eternum hadn't quite expected Sola's sudden change in pace, and certainly hadn't been prepared for her playful punch. As her fist connected with his stomach, he let out a surprised groan, his hands instinctively moving to cover the spot.

"You've got a mean punch!"

He winced slightly but was not able to suppress his own laughter. The playful energy radiating from her was infectious, and Eternum found himself eager to engage in this friendly spar.

Regaining his footing, he held his hands up in a defensive stance.

"Alright, alright. You asked for it. Prepare for the full power of my... sparkles!"

As the sparks danced towards Sola, she let out a small yelp of surprise. However, the playful energy between them made her heart race in a good way. Grinning, she ducked, narrowly avoiding the harmless sparks. They might not have been painful, but they certainly tickled.

"No fair using magic!" Sola laughed, already swinging another playful punch aimed at Eternum's left arm. She didn't hold back, but she also didn't aim to hurt him. This was all in good fun, after all. The snow around them made for a serene backdrop to their little play fight. She couldn't help but appreciate the way Eternum's face lit up amidst the dancing sparks.

Eternum couldn't help but chuckle as he watched Sola's playful swing whizz past him. He was quick on his feet, and with a swift sidestep, he managed to dodge her punch.

"Alright, no magic then."

His blood pumped with the thrill of the moment, his breath becoming ragged from their playful spar. Not wanting to be outdone, Eternum decided to fight back. With a sly grin, he quickly reached out, aiming a slap at her back.

He kind of wanted to hurt her. He wanted to show her that he could keep up with her, match her aggressive nature with his own.

As Sola fell face-first into the cold, white snow, she let out a yelp of surprise. The cold seeped into her clothes, instantly chilling her skin. She lay there for a moment, the wind knocked out of her. But then she remembered their little sparring match and her competitive spirit rekindled. Sola pushed herself up onto her hands and knees, a determined glint in her eyes.

"Alright, you asked for it."

With a sudden burst of energy, she lunged herself at Eternum's legs, hoping to catch him off guard. Her hands reached out, aiming to take hold of his legs and pull him down to join her in the snow.

Eternum had barely a moment to register Sola's sudden movement before he found himself flying through the air. With a thud, he landed in the snow, the impact leaving him breathless for a moment. He could hear Sola's triumphant laughter echoing in his ears, and despite the situation, he found himself grinning.

Struggling to get up, he planted his hands in the cold snow, pushing against the ground with all his strength. His body protested with fatigue, but he wasn't about to give up. Not now, not when he was having so much fun. He lunged at her trying to do to her what she’d done to him.

Feeling the satisfaction of her successful manoeuvre, Sola quickly scrambled up and away from Eternum. She shook the snow from her clothes, looking down at him with a triumphant smile. "Oh, you didn't see that one coming, did you?" Her voice was laced with amusement, her laughter floating through the air like a joyful melody. She was proud of herself for managing to outmaneuver him. However, she wasn't about to let her guard down. Seeing him rise to his feet again, she quickly braced herself, ready to dodge his upcoming attack. She thought that the fight would be over soon now.