The Apprentice's Apprentice

Part 27

"So if mind mages are good with people, what about offensive and defensive?" Cora couldn't help but be curious. It seemed every day brought new aspects of this power that she hadn't ever considered before.

"Offensive mages are known for being decisive and the type that are good in an emergency," Philippe said, smiling.

"Defensive mages tend to be a bit introverted and really value their personal space," Warren added.

"Huh. Well can't say I really disagree with either of those, though I'm not so sure about the decisive bit. I struggle to pick out what manga I'm going to read next. What about the other types?"

"Transference mages are typically energetic and friendly, visualization is tied to living inside your own mind and knowing themselves well, while people strong in communication are unsurprisingly good speakers and good at expressing themselves," Warren said.

Philippe chuckled. "And spell breakers are known to form very few bonds with others but are intensely loyal to those they do."

Cora turned to grin at Warren who flushed. "Shut up."

"I didn't say a word," she said, grinning wider.

"You didn't have to. You were thinking it loud enough for all of us to hear it."

She chuckled then sobered a second later. "Wait... You guys can't really-"

Philippe shook his head, smiling at her. "Relax, ma chérie. That aspect of communication can only be done if the other party opens themselves to it. And if an attempt is made to force it, the other mage is quite aware."

Cora sighed. While she liked both Warren and Philippe and trusted them, there were things in her head she didn't want them, or anyone really, to see. There were just some things a girl liked to keep private.

They slowed as they reached Selena's, stopping just in front of the yard. Cora shifted her backpack higher up while Warren nodded at Philippe. "It was nice talking to you again. I'm sure we'll be seeing you."

Philippe frowned. "Where are you going?"

"Inside. Cora has magic lessons right now and we can hardly do them out here."

Her eyes narrowed slightly at Warren's tone. There was a hint of sarcasm mixed with something else, something she couldn't quite identify. She'd heard the same sort of tone from Philippe a time or two when he spoke to Warren and wondered if it was some kind of guy undercurrent, something only they'd get. Or it could be a mage thing and she just wasn't far enough long to pick it up.

"I would like to join you."

Warren shook his head. "We got nowhere yesterday and having two people trying to teach one person magic will only cause confusion. There can only be one teacher for this and that's my job."

"Well I'd be happy to speak to your master about having me take over for the basics at least. A full mage should be better than an apprentice at this. And it would free you up to learn as you're supposed to."

Cora looked from one to the other, not wanting to get into the middle of this but wishing they'd stop. She understood that Philippe was worried about her, but really, Warren had been doing a good job and she liked learning from him. Even if he could be a sarcastic jackass some days.

"I'm learning just fine. And I'm learning a lot through teaching Cora. I'm happy to keep doing this, so even if you got my master to agree, I'd still refuse. I'm glad you're taking an interest in Cora's magic education, but I promise you, me and Master Van Der Walt have it under control."