The Oasis was a sanctuary unlike any other, nestled within the heart of Aetherion Academy. Sunlight filtered through a vast, translucent dome overhead, casting golden rays onto the lush greenery below. Trees laden with vibrant fruits lined the edges of a crystal-clear pool that sparkled like liquid diamonds. The air carried the faint scent of herbs, mingled with the soothing hum of cascading water. This was not merely an infirmary; it was a haven of restoration.
From her station near the center of the Oasis, Nurse Melis observed as each hopeful appeared, their forms shimmering into view within an area that served as their arrival point. She straightened her posture, her warm, knowing eyes taking in the newcomers.
First was the girl. She emerged with a soft plop onto a patch of grass, her movements hesitant yet graceful. Her dark hair clung to her damp face as she wiped it away, revealing eyes that seemed to carry the weight of countless secrets. Melis noted the way her gaze darted, assessing her surroundings as if she were still in the midst of a trial. The faint aura of unease she carried was almost palpable, though she masked it well. There was something different about her, though; a faint tremor that hinted at an unease that ran deeper. Her spirit, a faintly glowing presence beside her, hovered protectively, its light pulsing in time with her breaths. "Rest for now," Melis called gently, and the girl’s posture relaxed ever so slightly.
After a brief comment about her trial, the girl spoke. "Aeryn," her voice soft but steady as she introduced herself. Melis offered a kind smile, filing the name away as she turned her attention back to the pool.
Next came the boy with the sand. His entrance was less elegant—he stumbled slightly as he appeared, catching himself with an outstretched hand before looking around. His light brown hair was disheveled, and his robes clung to him, bearing traces of grit from his trial. Despite his apparent fatigue, there was a glimmer of determination in his eyes, as if the battle had only strengthened his resolve. Yet, behind that resolve lingered an air of hesitation, as though he was grappling with something left unresolved. Melis’s eyes narrowed slightly; it wasn’t just hesitation. There was something else there, like a shadow he wasn’t yet ready to confront.
"Kiran, I assume," Melis said, her voice carrying a knowing lilt. The boy nodded, a sheepish grin breaking across his face as he adjusted his stance. She made a mental note of his energy—worn but not depleted, a sign of resilience.
Soon after came the Firestarter. His arrival was nothing short of dramatic. Flames seemed to dance along his form as he materialized, though they quickly dissipated into harmless embers. He lay back in the pool, arms sprawled, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. His fiery hair clung to his forehead, and a faint smirk played on his lips, even in exhaustion. Despite his near-depleted state, Melis could sense a stubborn pride radiating from him—an unyielding determination that burned just as brightly as the flames that accompanied his entrance. But there was tension too, a coiled spring ready to snap if pressed too far.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
"Elias," Melis murmured, her tone tinged with both amusement and concern. She stepped forward, her hands glowing faintly as she knelt by the pool to check on him. "You’re running on fumes, but you’ll recover soon enough," she assured him, though he only responded with a faint nod and a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Satisfied that no further arrivals were imminent, Melis turned to a glass orb resting on a pedestal nearby. Its surface swirled with faint luminescence, confirming that all candidates had been accounted for. Yet, just as she began to turn away, her gaze caught on one of the hopefuls—the sound user. His demeanor had been calm, almost detached, but for the briefest moment, she’d felt the weight of his gaze on her. It wasn’t like the others, filled with gratitude or curiosity. No, this was different—piercing, almost clinical. A shiver ran down her spine as though, for that fleeting second, she was the one being evaluated. Shaking off the feeling, she stepped back and addressed the group. "That’s everyone," she murmured to herself before straightening and addressing the group.
"Welcome to The Oasis," she began, her voice warm and soothing. "This is Aetherion Academy’s infirmary, though it serves as far more than a place for healing. Here, you will find restoration—for your bodies, your minds, and your magic."
The hopefuls exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from curiosity to relief. Aeryn’s spirit hovered close to her, its glow steadier now. Kiran stood straighter, brushing sand from his robes as he listened. Elias, though still lying in the pool, raised a hand in a half-hearted wave, earning a chuckle from Melis.
"You’ve all earned a moment to breathe," Melis continued, her gaze sweeping over them. "The trials are demanding, but they’re only the beginning. Take this time to rest and replenish yourselves. The Academy has high expectations, but it also understands the importance of balance."
She gestured toward the surrounding area. "Feel free to explore The Oasis. The fruits are enchanted to restore your energy, and the pool carries a gentle healing magic. When you’re ready, we’ll reconvene to prepare for what comes next."
With that, Melis stepped back, allowing the group to take in their surroundings. She watched them with a practiced eye, noting their individual reactions. Aeryn moved toward the shade of a nearby tree, her spirit trailing close behind. Kiran approached the pool’s edge, scooping up water and letting it run through his fingers as if testing its properties. Elias, after a moment’s pause, pushed himself up with a groan and staggered toward the fruit trees, muttering something about "recharging."
Melis smiled to herself. Each of them carried potential, she thought, though it would take time for them to fully realize it. For now, they needed rest, and for that, The Oasis would provide.