Do You Believe in Magic?

[Max452]

Roland surveyed the students with his one eye, approval radiated his features. They were all gathered in the Woods of Mediation for the next portion of the exam; it had been one week since the Survival examination. The surrounding forest provided a tranquil feel, along with the suitable clearing for the students to take their exam.

"I am extremely pleased with all of you. You have done well since last week, on your survival exam. Now, as I had informed you all before, today is your magic exam. This exam is more straight forward, so many of you can relax." Roland had noted some of the students tense at the word exam. "We will be having a magical duel - you against a fellow student. Now, I know many of you are bonded already with dragons, giving you an advantage over those that do not. This will be taken into consideration, but will not exclude you from performing." He turned to table beside him and picked up a scroll.

"You will not be limited to the spells you perform, but again, be weary - do not perform spells that will extract immense energy from you! Use the spells that have been taught to you. You will be graded on those, along with your ingeniuity to use them during your magical spar. No weapons are allowed, only spells. I have invited your other teachers to facilitate this exam, as we are going to have mutiple tests going on at once; three battles will be going on at once. Here," Roland gestured to his scroll, "is your pairing. When you hear your name called, please go to the designated field, with the designated teacher; if you are not called, wait here in the main clearing until you are. Once in your field, wait on the instructions for you to begin." Roland glanced down at his scroll.

"In Master Tismri's field, Eva and Eos will battle with Aradan and Veryan. In Master Trinn's field, Ian Einarson will battle with Arasu and Midori. In my field, will Gloriann and Sundavar and Jason Kingsley present themselves? Again, those not called, please wait here with Master Kyler and Master Vana. Thank you."

***
Having heard his name, Ian stood and made way to his destination. Excited and anxious, Ian stood in Master Trinn's field, waiting to duel with Arasu and Midori. He was a bit nervous on the fact that he had to fight a dragon Rider. Master Roland was right...this was a bit unfair for those without dragons. He only hoped that his training would keep his energy on par with them for a good amount of time. He quietly faced his opponent, waiting on his Master's allowance to perform the exam.

***
Aradan and Veryan wandered over to their designated field. They were both eager to fight with Eva and Eos; they would be formidable opponents.

***
After giving the assignments, Roland went over to the field he was to faciliate in, waiting on his students.

[Tismri]

Midori listened carefully to Master Roland's instructions, memorizing them so she could guide her Rider through the task ahead. She was rather unsure how will this exam would work out for Arasu. She'd taken the alternative to the survival exam, at the request of Midori and her adoptive parents. However, with this test, the dragon was unsure how well her Rider would perform. Arasu had had varying degrees of success with magic since she started learning it. More specifically, she only tended to perform it when she felt like it. The fancy had to strike her.
Midori nudged Arasu toward Ebrithil Trinn's field. Arasu looked around in confusion, not understanding what was happening. She noticed a boy also standing in the field.
You are going to fight him with magic, Midori explained, providing images and feelings emphasizing her words. Arasu glanced at the dragon in confusion, the question "why" expressing itself in her mind.
The instructors just want to see how well you would do against somebody else, Midori said. Arasu's eyes glazed over the teachers in the fields, still not fully comprehending. Midori was worried; Arasu didn't seem particularly interested in any of this today.
~~~~~
Gloriann approached Master Roland's field with a measure of confidence, with Sundavar alongside her. She'd spent much of the last week recovering from the survival exam, often meditating or else spending some much-needed time with her family while they visited. She had a feeling she would be able to pass this exam with ease.
They've paired us up with an Ismalian, Sundavar noted to her. Glory glanced at Kingsley in surprise; this was going to make the test much more interesting.
~~~~~
Teza Mae clapped her brother on the shoulder as he was called, before she went to where Masters Kyler and Vana awaited.
"Good luck," she told him. She was both eager and anxious for her turn. She'd never taken a particular interest in magic, lacking in the patience to learn how to manipulate it to acheive positive results.
~~~~~
Tismri glanced between Aradan and Veryan, and Eva and Eos. This seemed a typical matchup of Rider versus Rider. However, she sensed the possibility that, having been raised by elves, Aradan may have a slight advantage to this fight. Still, she knew each had a measure of elven blood in their veins, both were raised among magic users, and both had been bonded to a dragon for some time now. Out of all the matches Roland had given, this was likely to be the most even.

[Trinn]

Jason groaned inwardly. Not only was he paired with an Alagaesian, but an Alagesian Rider! How was he supposed to even compare in this exam? Not to mention Glory was at the top of their class. Everyone new her skill in the magical arts were exceptional. He gave Tezza a disgruntled grunt, and then moved to meet his opponent. Jason strode to stand before Master Roland, keeping his grace and dignity intact. No matter if he lost miserably, he would have those things, and nobody could fault him for being a bad loser then. Jason nodded to Glory and gave her a respectable half-bow. "Well met, Glorian, Sundaver." He nodded to the dragon as well, then glanced at Master Roland. If he had ever felt hate, it would have been now. Why would Master Roland do this to him! At least give him a fair fight!
***

Eva walked with Eos to the field where Tismri stood. She was nervous and excited at the same time. Aradan would be a tough opponent, but she would put up a fight. Eos and Veryan were nearly the same age, which put them, at least, on a level playing field. The dragons couldn't use magic on command, of course, but they could at least use their telepathic facilities to sway the fight. "Good luck." She said to Aradan, coming to stand opposite him. Eos stood just a little behind Eva, and settled into a crouch. Eos watched Veryan closely. They waited now in anticipation, for the masters to give them the ok to start.

[Max452]

Roland waited until Jason and Gloriann were ready. He glanced over at Jason, not missing his annoyed look with his elven eye. This will be interesting, indeed. He had hoped this matchup would spur the Ismalian to his limit. He glanced at Gloriann. She was already an exceptional magician. It was time to see how she would react when matched with an individual that could produce unexpected results with magic.
"Begin!" Roland's voice echoed in his field, watching the battle commence with intrigue.

***
Ian stared at his opponent, wondering if this was really a good idea. Arasu didn't really seem too motivated to participate and it was widely known that she wasn't going to do anything she didn't feel like doing. He glanced at Master Trinn, wondering what she thought of his match up and if this was really a good idea.

***
Aradan inclined his head at Eva. "And to you, Eva and Eos; best of luck." He smirked at her, ready to fight. Veryan settled beside his Rider, half crouched and half standing, as if ready to pounce. The dragon was eager to fight, but knew that they were not allowed, for it was only a magical duel. He submerged his consciousness with Aradan, as they had practiced before. I am ready, Aradan. Veryan announced. Aradan gave a mental nod and then turned to look at Master Tismri for her starting command.

[Tismri]

Gloriann gave a small nod in greeting to Jason, though she said nothing. She really saw no point; words would be wasted right now.
Well met, Jason, Sundavar greeted cordially. Glory glanced at Roland, waiting for the signal. As soon as it was given, she reacted.
"Istlari botek," she said calmly, not aiming her fire spell directly at her opponent. She knew from warnings and interactions with Ismalians that attacking him directly would do little good. Instead, she aimed at the grass at her feet, spreading it to separate them, and she worked to encircle Jason in the flames. Admittedly, she was a little curious. Once she released the spell, the flames would no longer be controlled by magic. Would they then harm Kingsley as they should, or since they originated from magic, would something unexpected happen?
~~~~~
Arasu felt around in her pocket for her carving knife, her habit making itself evident. Midori gently reminded her that she didn't have it right now, but that it would be given back to her once she finished this test. The Rider frowned, a little put out, and then stared curiously at her opponent. Cute boy, she noticed, but she had little inclination to interact with him.
Just follow my promptings, Midori encouraged her as the dragon glanced up at Trinn, waiting for the signal.
~~~~~
Tismri looked between Aradan and Eva as they greeted one another. They were cordial and civil, the very essence of friendly sparring partners. Both their dragons seemed ready to support their Riders as much as the rules allowed, both crouched and concentrating.
"You may begin," she told the two of them.

[Trinn]

Trinn regarded her students passively, though she scrutinized their every motion. She felt Ian placed against Arasu was really a fair fight. Arasu was a unique girl, but she had trouble with certain things. In fact, she rather worried that Arasu wouldn't protect herself at all. "Ian, Arasu, let's remember to be fair and civil in this sparring match. No foul play, though cleverness is encouraged. Alright then. Begin!"
***

Jason went into a fighting stance as he watched the flame spread around him. It was useless to do so, as he wouldn't physically be fighting against Glory anyways. The flames were quickly spreading towards him. Remembering to be as precise as possible, Jason uttered a spell under his breath. "Earth cover and extinguish the flames!" The ground beneath the flames rumbled, and loose soil began to jump up and bury the flames, covering the oncoming fire in dirt and thus putting it out. Jason grinned. It had worked! Or had it? The earth continued to spit up dirt, even though the flame was put out. Unsure how to fix it, he focused on Glory. "Air, ciondense around Gloriane Marolasdaughter's Legs and arms!" He shouted, focusing his energy and will on making the magic perform the right way.
***

At the signal, Eva quickly launched a fast spell. "Reisa deloi et thrysta! Jeirda du elfkin Aradan!" The earth in front of Aradan rose up and formed into ball, which then fled at the elfs face.

[Max452]

Even though Master Trinn gave the permission to start, Ian felt conflicted at fighting Arasu. Everyone knew she was a bit different, not that Ian judged her for it, but he rather not fight someone who didn't seem interested in the test at all. Ian glanced over at the other fields, noticing that the fights have all started. He sighed. He didn't want to fail; he needed to prove himself so he could impress a dragon. Well, maybe Arasu would get the idea if he did a simple, frontal attack. He opened his palm before him. "Brisingr." He felt a small amount of energy leave him as a ball of fire formed in his palm. He smirked. His Father had taught him how to do that. He glanced at Arasu. "Here I come, Arasu." Ian felt like he had to announce his attack to her as he launched the fireball straight at the Rider.

***
Aradan smiled as Eva launched her attack. She was always so eager to begin. He watched with interest as the ball of earth came tumbling toward him. "Deloi brakka!" Aradan commanded the ball of earth to split in half before it reached him and Veryan. "Deloi vindr" He commanded the moving earth to twist about, "Reisa du adurna." He commanded the water in the earth to emerge. "Deloi, Adurna. Ganga fram!" Aradan's hair whipped about him as the earth and water mudded together into a wave to attack Eva.

[Tismri]

Arasu suddenly became very interested in the ground at their feet, just staring at it out of curiousity There was a lot of grass, but some of it seemed less healthy than others. Rather than a bright, vibrant green, it was closer to a dull, dry yellow.
Arasu! He's shooting a fireball at you! Midori told her, trying to prompt her to defend herself with magic. However, the girl just dodged to the side and resumed her study of the grass.
"Adurna," she said, the word coming out with some difficulty. With that one word, she attempted to manipulate the water under the ground so that it would better feed the shriveled grass.
~~~~~
Glory narrowed her eyes in focus. She hadn't been expecting Jason to be able to put out her flames so easily. She might have made a mistake in underestimating the Ismalian. Then, her attention was drawn from the flying dirt to a pressure in her limbs. Her arms and legs felt at first like they were being held down by hands, but the sensation spread and tightened, slowly but with gaining speed. Before too long, she felt as if her bones were going to shatter from the pressure.
She reacted quickly; she was reminded of her mother's lessons in battling enemy magicians. The main trick was to gain control over his mind. Whoever broke in and took control first would be able to prevent the other from casting a counterspell, effectively winning the battle. She reached out her mind toward Jason, wondering what sort of defenses he had. He'd probably been trained, or else this would prove to be way too easy, and he would have been in danger for most of his time in Bromsland. Still, she knew there would be some sort of chink in his mental armor somewhere. She just had to find it and break through before her arms and legs became mangled beyond repair. In desperation, she spoke a spell, "Lessen the magic against my body," in an attempt to slow its progress down.

[Trinn]

Jason watched as Glory seemed to express some discomfort. Shortly after, he realized his spell was hurting her, and was only going to get worse. Cursed Ismalian magic! Something brushed across his mind, and he was quick to slam up mental barriers. She would not be getting in his mind! He had been training in mental defense since he was a toddler. It would be no easy task. Still, he really didn't want to cause Glory any real harm. He released the flow of his magic, letting the spell drift away to free Glory. This would allow him to better focus on keeping his mind safe, anyways.
***

"Letta du deloi!" Eva commanded, stopping the wave that was headed towards her. The mud faltered and then flattened out, spilling harmlessly at her feet. In quick succession, Eva uttered another spell. "Thrysta Vindr!" And in her mind she imagined the air compressing and bludgeoning Aradan.

[Max452]

Ian stared in disbelief. Arasu just blocked the attack without magic. He growled in frustration. She wasn't even trying to do anything! He watched as she stared at the grass and was a bit surprised that she uttered a spell for water. What was she doing? He leaned a bit to see and his sharp eyes spotted her watering the grass. He sighed. She really wasn't trying to pass was she? He glanced over to Master Trinn, hoping for some help in the matter. He didn't want to cast a spell if Arasu wasn't even interested at all.

***
Aradan watched with a grin as Eva stopped his attack. He suspected as much. She was one of the top casters in his class. He suddenly felt the air around him thin, as if crushing him. He grunted. He spread his legs out to gain a footing on the ground as he felt the pressure build up around him. "Air, change." Aradan commanded in the ancient tongue, hoping that would stop the air from seeping out of his lungs. He was starting to feel light headed from the air leaving him. "Skolir." He formed a bubble-like barrier around him. He narrowed his eyes at Eva.
This can be much easier if I just roast her.
Veryan! Ian reprimanded his dragon for such a thought.
What? This is pointless. All this magic...its just easier if you just attack. The dragon whined but lent his Rider energy for his next attack.
"Reisa du adurna." He commanded the water to rise again from the earth. "Adurna moi." He changed the water to look like ice spears. "Charge!" He ordered the water to attack Eva and Eos.

[Trinn]

Trinn watched her students with a worried eye. Arasu really wasn't trying at all, and it would be devious and malign for Ian to attack her. Arasu was a special rider, and not yet ready for the test. That had been her opinion, at least. Some of the other masters thought Arasu would be fine. A thought occurred to her then, and she pointed at Midori. Attack the dragon, she seemed to be saying to Ian.
***

Reacting quickly to the formation of the ice spears, Eva held out her palm and swept it horizontally in front of her. "Boetq istalri!" She commanded, and a wall of fire leapt up in front of her. When the icicles passed through, they met her only as warm water droplets. Unable to help herself, Eva smiled. She was actually rather enjoying this spar. Eos remained behind her, ever ready to help, lending Eva energy when she needed. Letting the fire remain before her, she used it as a way to hide herself. She rolled out from behind the flames, casting fireballs at Aradan as she did so, making a quick retreat afterwards. "Gata." She nearly whispered, and the flames parted slightly, allowing her to throw more fireballs at Aradan. She retreated again, letting the curtain of fire conceal her once more. Summoning up more energy, she uttered a longer spell. The effect was that the curtain of fire began launching it's own fireballs at Aradan, while she continued throwing them from her own hands as well.

[Max452]

Ian gawked at Master Trinn's finger as he trailed it to Midori. He sighed It looked like he should attack the dragon, but apart of him felt like this was underhanded. Arasu didn't want to participate, then why should he harm her dragon? This didn't feel entirely fair. Ian was also concerned if he did attack Midori, what guarantee did he have that Arasu would react? She seemed just intent to do her own thing. Debating, Ian finally thought it best not to disobey Master Trinn. He gave his teacher a reluctant nod and uttered his spell. "Brisingr." He formed a series of arrows out of fire, having imaged it to be this way. He hoped that he only had to use one to get Arasu's attention. He glanced at Midori with an apologetic look. "Attack the dragon." He commanded one of his burning arrows and watched as one arrow shot straight at Midori.

***
Aradan narrowed his eyes at Eva's new tactic of hiding herself behind a wall of flames. He had little time to deduce what she was up to when a stream of fireballs came his way. Flipping, he dodged one to his right, while the other he uttered a spell to protect him from the flames. He grunted when he was hit and gave Eva a playful glare as she parted her flames to throw some more. "Extinguish the flames." He spoke in the ancient language and watch it evaporate into the air. "Deloi, rise!" he commanded the earth to come up again, making the grounds look more heinous that before as he blocked the flames. The shield of dirt erupted into flames and Aradan took this has an opportunity to form a large flaming ball of earth. "Go!" He commanded it as he laid out another spell for himself. "Air, gather around me and lift me up." He commanded and felt his gut plumment for a moment as he rose up into the air, hovering about the grounds. "Adurna!" He used the water in the air to form a mist and string of icicles again. The mist covered the grounds and Aradan hoped that it shielded him from Eva's eyes. "Launch!" He ordered his ice spears as he hoped to bypass the wall of fire with his attack in the air.

[Tismri]

Glory felt relief as Jason's magic lessened. She concentrated more on her attempts to gain entry to his mind. He had surprisingly good defensing, better than what she might have expected from and Ismalian. He must have had training.
As she continued her probing, she looked about for a way to distract him. She noticed the dirt that was still moving from his earlier spell, used to extinguish her fire.
"Deloi risa," she said, controlling some earth of her own. She moved the dirt beneath his feet, to cause him to sink downward and form a hole. With the dirt she moved, she sent it on top of his head. She figured trying to keep himself from being buried alive may turn out to be sufficient distraction. She hoped so, anyway.
~~~~~
Midori had noticed Master Trinn's movement and knew she was indicating that Ian attack her. She understood the master's reasoning: Arasu wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her dragon. Though initially hesitant, she decided it may be a good way to get Arasu to act.
Arasu was still focusing on her task of watering. She could sense the plants taking in the moisture eagerly, and she was happy. However, then she sensed something like an alarm in her mind, like a loud noise. She felt panicked and curled around on the ground, reacting instinctively. She knew the danger was directed toward Midori, not herself. Still manipulating the water, she raised it above the ground to form a shield around her dragon, protecting her from the fire arrow that Ian had sent her way. Then she looked up at Ian in confusion. Why would he do such a thing.
Return the favor, Midori instructed. Arasu frowned. Why did they have to fight each other? She didn't understand and it was starting to upset her.

[Trinn]

Jason suddenly found himself in a hole, and for a moment, he lost mental concentration. He could feel Glory's presence grow stronger, until he was able to slam his barriers up again. Dirt continued to pour in on him, making him feel claustrophobic. He was being buried alive! At first he tried just pulling himself out of the whole, but he was rather too deep. Trying to think of how to phrase his spell exactly right while fending off Glory's mental attack felt exhausting and impossible, especially with trying to ignore being buried. "Air build under my feet and lift me gently out of the hole that I am in!" He said, trying to be as precise as he could. He felt something condense under his feet, and he began to be lifted. But it was too slow. For every inch he gained, the dirt got in the way and pressed him back down. "Faster!" he demanded, and suddenly shot upwards and out of the whole. The air left his feet, and he fell flat on his stomach near the hole. With the breath knocked out of him, he stumbled back to his feet, wheezing, and tried to think of a way to retaliate. He felt utterly stupid in this battle. "Stones, throw yourselves at Glory, Rider of Sundavar! He said, and a multitude of rocks, from pebbles to small boulders, lifted into the air and launched at Glory. This particular spell took more energy than Jason intended. He felt a noticeable weakening.
***

Just as Eva emerged from the wall of flames to throw more spells at Aradan, she had no time to avoid the fiery dirt ball coming at her. Twisting sharply, she felt the ball clip her in the shoulder. Her skin seemed to shrivel at the fire on the ball, and clumps of dirt flew into her hair and face. Spitting, she retreated behind her fiery wall. But there was no respite. Mist crept in around her, making her all but blind. It would do no good to throw fireballs now. Aradan could be anywhere. Somewhere above her, she heard a sharp whooshing, like something being thrown quickly threw the air. Whatever it was, it was Aradan's retaliation. Summoning up more fire, Eva moved her arm in an arc over her head, creating a dome of fire above her. Two icicles dug into the dirt by her feet before the arc was made, and one gouged her leg. The others met the fire and melted before they could harm her. Pushing both hands upwards, she sent a stream of fire out into the sky, where she estimated Aradan would be. "Gath un reisa du rakr!" She commanded next, and the mist that was on the ground lifted, floating away into the sky, and thus revealing Aradan. Smirking, Eva uttered another spell. "Stenrs, risa! Ganga!" A dozen pebble sized rocks lifted up in front of her, then sped off towards Aradan. Not wanting to give him a chance to defend himself, Eva snapped, "malthinae", trying to bind Aradan in place.

[Max452]

Roland watched the duel with great interest. Glory was already an excellent magician for her age and Jason was quick to think on his feet. He was impressed that the boy was able to conjure up spells that didn't backfire too badly. The former Rider continued to watch, making sure that nothing would go awry and if so, he was ready to step in.

***
Ian let out a exasperated breath. Arasu still didn't fight! She just got rid of the temporary danger. It killed him how she looked confused at his attack; Ian didn't like harming allies, especially if they held no threat. He sighed again. This wasn't how he wanted his test to go. "Attack dragon Midori." He commanded another arrow to fire at Midori.

***
The mist clouded Aradan's vision, making the young half-elf wonder how this was a good idea. He had no idea if Eva deflected his attack or not. The field suddenly went bright and Aradan could barely see a fire barrier around Eva. "Wow.." Aradan couldn't help but express his awe at that tactic as he hovered in the air. "Whoa!" He flailed his arms in the air as if that would keep him balanced when Eva shot up fire. He flapped around in the air momentarily before gaining his footing again, glad that his spell hadn't ended, though he could feel the energy draining more as he stayed up. He glanced down at Eva and made eye contact. She smirked at him then and he couldn't help but gulp. She had something in mind...
His eyes widened as he saw flecks of stone coming toward him. He was about to call on a spell to stop it but felt his body bound itself. "Ack!" He dipped in the air, having got caught off guard by Eva's binding spell. He hovered a bit more, a bit frantic as he spotted the rocks coming his way. He struggled against the magical force and his energy decreased rapidly. Oh no! Aradan cried out to Veryan.
End your flight spell first, Aradan! You're using too much energy; then you can break the binding spell! Veryan advised quickly. He was on his feet now, watching Aradan with a worried look. The dragon wasn't sure if he should interfere...the teachers never said anything about it.

Taking Veryan's advise, Aradan quickly ended his flight spell and began to plumment to the ground, but not before getting hit by a few stones. Aradan ground his teeth together as he sped downward, face down.
"Slowly free me from this invisible bound around me." He commanded as precisely as he could, having little energy left. He felt himself loosen; he could move his arms a bit, but he was falling too close to the ground. "STOP!" He yelled in the ancient tongue right before he would have hit. Aradan jerked from the sudden stop as his eyes stared at the dirt before him. He groaned. That spell took a lot out of him. He could feel his other spell loosing him from Eva's magic, but he felt so tired. His eyes drooped; he used most of his reserves. He felt his spell counteract Eva and he was suddenly free. He lost conscious then and his own spell ended. Aradan fell onto the floor with a thud, passed out from overexerting his energy. Veryan quickly rushed to his Rider's side. Aradan? Veryan nudged his rider on the head with his snout. Aradan made no move, but Veryan could sense his Rider was simply in a deep sleep. He glanced over at Eva. That was a good fight, Eva. We will train better so Aradan won't waste his energy so needlessly. The black dragon informed the yellow Rider.