Varian's voice echoed through the dimly lit entrance hall, sending a shiver down Rose's spine. She exchanged a uncertain glance with Nick.
"Greetings Master Varian," she began, "Apologies for intruding on your space. We just want to ask questions which you may have answers to. We would've introduce ourselves but...it seems you know about our arrival already."
"I knew about your coming arrival long ago, so there is no need to apologize," said the mage.
"Long ago...?" Rose reiterated in surprise, "What do you mean?"
"He spoke to me," Varian said mysteriously.
"He? Who are you talki-" Rose was cut off.
"Anyway, what are your questions that led the both of you to seek me out?"
"Well, we seek your guidance, Master Varian," Rose spoke, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest. "We've heard of your expertise in unraveling magical mysteries, and we come seeking answers about a peculiar anomaly in my Core."
Varian's yellow eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness, assessing them with an intensity that made Rose feel as if he could see right through her. After a moment of silence, he gestured for them to follow him deeper into the tower.
"He is strange," Nick commented low enough for the mage to not hear.
"He is a mage after all. They have their quirks," said Rose.
As they walked through the corridors, Rose couldn't help but notice the intricate tapestries adorning the walls, each depicting scenes of ancient battles and legendary mages. The air was heavy with the scent of incense, adding to the mystique of their surroundings.
Finally, they reached a spacious chamber at the heart of the tower, illuminated by flickering torches and filled with shelves lined with dusty tomes and arcane artifacts. Varian turned to face them, his gaze unwavering.
"Speak, Rosemarie Dale," he said, his voice resonating with an otherworldly power. "Tell me of this anomaly in your Core, and I shall do my best to provide you with the answers you seek."
Rose took a deep breath, steeling herself as she recounted the events of the demonstration. She spoke of her confusion, her fears, and her burning desire to understand the truth behind her mysterious powers.
Varian listened in silence, his expression inscrutable. When Rose finished speaking, he stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing in contemplation.
"The mixed colors in your Core are indeed a rare phenomenon," Varian began, his voice low and resonant. "It signifies a convergence of elemental energies. It seems Miss Rose, that you may be able to wield more than just your water element."
"Are you serious!" Rose accidentally exclaimed.
Varian nodded, not seeming to mind her sudden outburst.
"Such a manifestation is unprecedented in the annals of Gaian magic." Varian added.
Rose's heart raced with anticipation, and her mind began whirling.
So I can wield more than one element! I mean...it was kind of obvious before but I just need my suspicions to be confirmed, she thought.
Varian continued, his words like a beacon of insight in the darkness. "Your Core holds a unique potential that transcends the boundaries of conventional magic. It is a rare gift," he emphasized the word, "but one that comes with great responsibility."
Nick glanced at Rose, a mixture of awe and concern flickering in his eyes. "What does this mean for Rose? Can she control these additional elements?"
Varian's gaze shifted between them, his yellow eyes gleaming with an otherworldly wisdom. "The path ahead will not be easy," he replied cryptically. "But with guidance and perseverance, you may unlock the true extent of your powers."
"To understand the true nature of your Core, we must delve deeper into the mysteries of elemental magic, into the very fabric of Gaia itself. Are you prepared to embark on this journey, Rosemarie Dale? Are you prepared to unlock the secrets that lie dormant within you?"
Rose felt a surge of excitement and trepidation coursing through her veins. The prospect of wielding multiple elements filled her with a sense of exhilaration, yet she knew that it also meant facing challenges unlike any she had encountered before.
"Yes, I am ready," Rose declared, her voice steady despite the lingering doubts in her mind. "Whatever it takes to unlock the full potential of my Core so that Nick and I can go home, I will do it."
Varian nodded in approval, " Very well Miss Rose. Since you agreed to face any trials ahead, I will help you."
"You will?" Rose inquired.
"Yes...it's the least I can do since...I was the one that summoned you back to Gaia in the first place." The mage admitted guiltily.
"YOU WERE THE ONE THAT MADE THAT SUMMONING CIRCLE AND TRANSFERRED US TO GAIA!!!" Rose shouted angrily, reaching out and pulled the mage aggressively by his cloak.
All intent to respect the mage has forgone.
"I WILL F*CKING KILL YOU!!!" Rose kept shaking the mage aggressively.
"!" Varian was shaken so much that his hood fell off to reveal his entire head.
If Rose wasn't so angry, she would have been shocked by Varian's facial features.
Because he looks like a handsome blonde surfer dude.
She also would've pummeled the guy if her boyfriend didn't stop her.
"ROSE, CALM DOWN!!" Nick wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her away from Varian.
But Rose held on to Varian's cloak with her vice like grip.
"IT'S YOUR FAULT THAT WE ARE TRAPPED HERE!!" She continues to scream at the mage.
Varian just sighs, as if he expected her reaction.
"If you can please just let me explain-"
"NO!!"
"I didn't voluntarily-"
"SHUT UP!!"
Varian gave Nick a look, which the latter understands.
He needs to do his magic in calming his girlfriend down.
"Rose, please, listen to me," Nick pleaded, his voice firm but gentle as he continued to hold her. "I know you're angry, but let's hear him out."
Rose started to take deep breaths.
"I think Master Varian wanted to say that he didn't willingly summon you. Don't you remember Rose when King Alan said that he had a high ranking mage perform the summoning? He couldn't disobey the King's orders." Nick explained, hoping to ease the tension between Rose and Varian.
Varian send Nick a thankful look.
"God, you are right Nick....F*CK!" Said Rose, "I let my anger get the best of me...AGAIN!" Then looking towards Varian, she said with a regretful tone, " I am so sorry Master Varian. I didn't mean to lash out on you. It was such a shock when you revealed that you summoned me, so I became blinded by rage. I should've realize that you were just following the king's orders. "
Varian nodded understandingly, his expression softening as he replied, "It's quite alright, Rose. I understand your frustration. Being summoned against your will is not easy to accept. News hadn't reached me in time that the prophecy has changed. Like everyone else...I expected someone else to appear to save the Solaris Kingdom..." He said the last bit hesitantly, but gave her a reassuring smile, trying to convey empathy despite the tense situation.
Rose know what he means without him saying it.
She was dead after all.
Nick gently released his hold on Rose as she slowly let go of Varian's cloak. Taking a step back, she sighed heavily, feeling the weight of her outburst settling over her. "I really am sorry," she reiterated, genuine remorse evident in her voice.
Varian nodded once more, then gestured for them to follow him. "Let's discuss our next steps," he suggested, leading the way towards a nearby table where they could sit and talk without the tension hanging heavily in the air.
"I need to retake anger management class," Rose mumbled.
Nick shook his head, "I don't think you need to babe," he said, gently rubbing her back to comfort her. "We all have our moments. What matters is that you recognize it and are willing to work on it. That's what counts."
Rose nodded, grateful for Nick's understanding. "Thanks, Nick," she said, leaning into his embrace. "I'll try to do better next time."
"I know you will," Nick replied, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Now let's focus on finding a solution to our situation."
"By the way, who knew that underneath the hood, Varian looks like Jamie Campbell Bower." Rose commented, " I thought he would look like an wizened old man."
Nick chuckled at Rose's observation, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Yeah, definitely not what I was expecting either," he replied, shaking his head in disbelief. "But hey, appearances can be deceiving, right?"
As they settled around the table, Varian retrieved a few ancient-looking scrolls from the shelves nearby, spreading them out in front of them.
"We will start by analyzing Gaia's ancient texts about magic," he began, "I will also help train you in controlling them as well as your emotions Miss Rose. It is crucial for mastering your powers. We can schedule that later."
Rose nodded, determination painting her features. "Thank you, Master Varian. I'm ready to learn whenever possible."
"I know that my presence in this world is more of an accident," said Nick, " but I will support my girlfriend as much as she needs me."
Varian nodded in acceptance, "Alright then, let's get started."
Note: Next chapter there will be smut.