Project Fall (Snippet 3)

The lake on Vitaschola property was a clear blue in the early morning, although by afternoon it would take a darker hue. Rhi wasn’t sure if the color was caused by the changing color of the sky or some sort of nature magic, but she was positive she could stay standing on the shore watching the waves ebb and flow all day.

The lake wasn’t a popular spot, despite its beauty. Some myth of the olden days had scared people away. Between that and the jousting tournament, it was often abandoned, unless a nature magic professor decided to take their class to the waters. Being on the edge of Vitaschola’s property, the lake was out of the way, a twenty-five minute walk from the main building. The scene seemed to be untouched by human presence, even with Rhi standing there.

Rhi removed the button up shirt she’d put on over the thin cotton dress she used for swimming, smiling as she took in the solitude of the lake. With no people around, she didn’t have to worry about hiding her scars from peering eyes. After folding her shirt and laying it atop a large rock, she headed for the edge of the waters.

The lake was cool when she stepped in, sending a series of goosepimples along her arms. She ran further into the waters, letting the waters cover her so she could begin to swim. At home, she’d grown fond of taking baths after she’d recovered from the effects of the spirit. This, however, was much nicer. It gave her space to float, forgetting the aches of her body momentarily, and time to think.

She often felt like she had to perform or put up a guarded face when she was around other people, even Quin. It was a balancing act- trying to be honest and real while not letting anyone see too much of the raw pain inside and waste their time worrying. Here, however, she could be herself, free and worried all at once.

The sun was much higher in the sky when she waded out of the lake. She used a simple wind spell to dry herself off before she began to pull back on her tights.

“Well, that was very rejuvenating,” she remarked to herself, buttoning her shirt up to cover up the scars on her chest once more.

She was redoing the top button when she spotted the wolf watching her. She stilled, letting her hand fall slowly.

“No creatures get past the barrier without heavy magic,” Rhi thought, her pulse calm as realization washed over her. “So unless someone let in the wolf, which seems unlikely, the wolf was made by someone who was let in.”

“Well,” she said out loud, turning her attention back to her shirt as she finished buttoning up her shirt. “I hope you’re pleased with yourself.” She looked back at the wolf. “How long have you been watching me?”

The wolf cocked its head at her, as if confused, then looked towards the woods. A familiar, annoying figure emerged from the woods.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Cyrus smirked, coming to stand near her. “I’m just here because Quin wanted me to tell you the tournament is over. We were going to town to celebrate if you wanted to join.”

“Sure,” she said, grabbing her things. “But next time, don’t stalk me to give me the news.”

He grinned. “And miss the look on your face when you saw my dashing wolf?”

Rhi snorted. “Now who’s flattering themselves?”

She looked at the wolf, who had followed Cyrus towards her and now sat obediently by his side. Kneeling down, Rhi reached out a hand and pet the top of its head. It was warm and furry. If she hadn’t known the rules of Vitaschola, she would have thought it was real.

“It's an impressive bit of magic,” she said, looking up at Cyrus.

He smiled at his creation, his eyes shining with pride. “Thanks.”

Rhi stood, grateful for the comradary they shared for a moment. “Should we get going?”

She made to head towards the school, but he grabbed her by the arm, causing her to stop. 

Startled, Rhi met his eyes, her breath caught in her throat as she wondered what he was doing. His eyes were dark as he looked at where his hand held her arm, but they filled with worry when they met hers.

“Am I allowed to ask about the scars?” he asked quietly.

Her heart pounded. “No.”

His brows knit together in deep concern.

“Don’t ask, Cyrus,” she said firmly.

His worry grew, filling his entire face. Rhi had never seen him drop his suave persona for this long. It frightened her.

“Are you in trouble?” he asked.

“Yes,” Rhi thought.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” she told him, pulling her arm from Cyrus’s grip. “And I told you not to ask.”