"You want me to teach you how to use magic?... I-I mean, I'd be happy to teach you one of my spells, but first, I need to know which element you're attuned to. Are you aligned with earth, fire, ice, or wind?" Hajdah asked.
"Well, I know a few dark earth spells, and I seem to be able to interact with water when I use my mana. I can do things like move water around, but not much else," Rya explains.
"That's odd. You can use two elements at once?... I only know of one mage in all the kingdom that can do that, and that's Grand Master Fennic, Head Mage of the Fiafyr Kingdom," Hajdah said with curiosity, lacing his voice.
'Really? So, using more than one element is rare as well? Maybe my abilities are linked to the fact that I'm a Dark Elf... Whatever, if I'm going to survive in this world, then I need to learn how to use more spells," Rya thought to herself.
Rya shrugged, "Well, I'm not going to complain. I just want to learn more spells, so can you help me out?"
Hajdah hesitated, wondering whether or not he should do this, but he ultimately relented, "I don't see why not?... But we should start with the basics so I can get a better understanding of your skill level. What element are you most comfortable with?" he asked as he combed his fingers through his long white beard.
"Dark Earth Magic. I feel I understand that one the best... What element do you cast, Hajdah?" She asked the old dwarf.
"I'm a fire mage, so I won't be able to help you one-on-one... And my Earth Mage doesn't know anything about Dark Earth magic, sadly... So, it would be easiest for us to teach you about water magic right now. It's Mystic Laika's specialty. She is one of my best water mages in the guild. I'll bring her to the palace as soon as possible, Lady Rya," Hajdah answers her question.
Rya was pleasantly surprised by the Dwarf's response. He didn't appear bothered by her request and was willing to teach her whatever spell she wished to learn.
"Thank you, Hajdah! You have no idea how grateful I am," Rya said while smiling.
"No problem at all, my lady... And maybe we can look inside our library to find out what Dark Earth spells are available. But it's tough to find due to most of the books and tomes being written in dead tongues, and it's really difficult to read." Hajdah answered.
"Dead languages? That's unfortunate. But I would be happy to learn a few spells even if I can't read them. Do you know anyone who could help me translate the texts into... Um... Common?" Rya asks, hopeful that there might be someone in the city who could read the language.
"We don't know of any... Maybe someone from the High Elven Kingdoms might know, but they haven't visited the Agon continent in decades, so that's unlikely," Hajdah answers, rubbing his beard while thinking.
'Well, beggars can't be choosers, I guess. As long as I can learn a few spells from Laika, then I should be okay. I wonder what type of water spells there are...' Rya thought, but before she could ask, Hajdah spoke up.
"I hate to be rude, Lady Rya... But the Baron seems like he wants to speak with me... Is there anything else you wish for me to help you with?" Hajdah asked while bowing low.
"Huh? I think I do, but it's not urgent, and I don't want to keep you from the Baron. So, yeah. Thank you again, Hajdah. I appreciate it," Rya said.
"Very well... I'll make sure to grab Laika for you as soon as she becomes available... And the pleasure is all mine, Lady Rya. Have a good evening," Hajdah said as he bowed again and walked off toward the Baron.
After the Dwarven Guild Master left, Rya turned around and saw that Quinus and Garlon had finished their conversation. The noble dwarf was walking off with a satisfied look on his face while Quinus leaned back in his seat with a weary expression.
"Quin? Is everything alright? Did something happen?" Rya asked in concern.
"Yeah... It's a lot of busy work, but it's important, nonetheless," Quin replies with a tired smile.
Rya smiled at him, "Don't they know that you killed a dungeon core and need some time off?" she teased.
Quin chuckles, "I doubt that will deter them. But I'm not too concerned about myself, I'll survive... Unless they deprive me of food... On that note, I should grab a bite before another noble barges in and expects my undivided attention."
"Count me in! I'm feeling pretty hungry, too." Rya said as she started eating a bowl of stew, not waiting for Quin.
He raises an eyebrow and begins eating his own stew, enjoying the flavorful broth. But by the fifth bite, he noticed three more noble dwarves were standing to his left, waiting for his attention.
"My Prince! We have an urgent matter to discuss with you!" they said in unison.
Quin sighed and put his spoon down. He looks at them and gives them his full attention.
Rya chuckled and said, "Go get 'em, tiger," making Quin smirk as he waved the next noble dwarf over.
***
The night went on like this for Rya and the group as Quinus dealt with noble after noble. They were making many requests of him. Some were simple requests; others were complex, and Quinus was having trouble deciding how to respond to each. He didn't know what the best way to address each request would be. At the same time, a good portion of the nobles were willing to help the prince in any way possible after he stopped the Tomb of the Horde from destroying the city. They were offering money and other resources to rebuild the city walls. At one point, Quinus yearned to depart, but he found himself constantly ensnared by other nobles detaining him.
'Haha! Oh, looks like he needs my help to get him out of this mess.' Rya thought to herself as she got up from her seat. She then made her way over to Quin.
"Prince Quinus? There's someone here who wants to speak with you," Rya said as she pointed to the door leading out of the dining room.
Quinus glanced toward the doorway, but it was empty. However, he quickly grasped Rya's intentions, and a smile spread across his face.
"Well, I apologize for leaving, but I have some business I need to attend to, Sir Jevon," Quinus said to the nobleman standing next to him.
"Oh! No problem, Your Highness. I'm sure we can continue our conversation later," Jevon replied.
The Dwarven Lord bowed to Quinus as the Prince walked to the doorway with Rya by his side.
"You are a lifesaver," Quin whispered to Rya while they made their getaway.
"Yeah, I could tell you were in a bit of distress. How could I not come in to rescue you?" Rya laughed.
"Laugh it up now because one of these days, I'm going to rescue you, and then I will have turned the tables on you," he joked.
"I'd love to see that day. But honestly, I don't think you could make it up to me after everything I've done," Rya laughs.
"I like a good challenge. And if I do manage to win, you'll reward me, right?" His words were accompanied by a warm, flirtatious smile.
'Oh, he's getting flirty again. It's so weird that it doesn't bug me when he does this. If anyone else tried, I'd smack them, but with him, I find it fun. Well, whatever. Might as well play along.' Rya thought as she smirked back at him.
"Alright, so let me hear it. What is your plan? I'll let you know if you're close to earning my favor." Rya said, trying not to laugh at Quinus' shocked expression.
He swiftly regained his composure and beamed with a wide, confident smile.
"Well, if you do something that gets you in trouble, I'll just have to come in and save you. Then, I'll demand something reasonable from you as a reward for rescuing you," He said, giving her a mischievous grin.
Rya snorts and giggles, "How very noble of you," she replies, rolling her eyes.
"What can I say? I'm a prince. It's what we do best."
They both laughed.
"Haha. Well, to be honest, it's easier said than done with you, Rya... You got a lot of guts, girl. But still, thank you for all the saves," Quinus said while looking at Rya.
"Well, thank you for noticing... Anyway, I'm feeling it, and I'm ready to crash for the night," Rya told Quinus.
"Alright, I'll escort you to your room then," Quin replied with a nod.
Rya's face lit up with a smile as she shook her head, clearly amused.
'He can be too protective sometimes. Whatever, I'm not sure where my room is anyway, so let him act like a gentleman for once.' She thought to herself as she followed Quinus's lead.
Upon arriving at their destination, Rya steps into her spacious room, which dwarfs the one they had occupied at the inn. The room is adorned with exquisite linens, adding an elegant touch to the decor.
"Much more spacious. This will do nicely." Rya said out loud to herself while getting ready for bed.
"Hey, Rya... Just remember that this door leads to the shared study with the desk and round table. My room is on the other end. If you need anything, okay?" Quin informs her.
"Yes, I got it. Goodnight, Quin," Rya said before waving goodbye and closing the door.
As everything was finally arranged, Rya sank into the embrace of the plush mattress. Exhausted from the long journey, she anticipated that slumber would swiftly envelop her. The moment Rya gently shut her eyes, she succumbed to a peaceful and deep sleep.
Outside Rya's room in the hallway, Quinus sighed and then headed back toward his own bedroom. All things considered, he was pretty pleased with how well the dinner went. He managed to get everyone on his side, and hopefully, he could get Rya to open up to him more in the future.