Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend-Chapter 208: I’ve Missed Seeing You Around

Raegar woke up to the door banging as the hot air washed against his skin. Just then, Rune’s booming happy voice echoed out. ’’Rae! Come on, buddy. We have class in a little while, or are you too busy!’’

He groaned but rolled out of bed while sitting on the edge as Drusilla sweetly mumbled. ’’I’m going to stay here and sleep for the day, handsome. These sheets are so comfortable, I feel like I’m in a cloud.’’

’’Alright,’’ he said while letting out a chuckle. ’’I’ll come check on you before dinner, I have a Free Class and will have the time.’’

’’Alright!’’ she replied and fell asleep seconds later.

Following that, Raegar went to wash, and after ten minutes, he was done and started getting ready as he stepped, only to see his two friends standing there waiting for him, chatting like schoolgirls.

Caspian stopped upon noticing him. The dark-haired boy couldn’t help but grin as he teased. ’’Where’s Drusilla? Worn out?’’

’’Sleeping,’’ he replied as the trio headed toward the training field. ’’She’s enjoying the bed and warmth.’’

When the two boys heard this, they snickered. As the trio walked up the stairs as Rune teased. ’’Did you wear her out? Did you both do the dirty like a bunch of mountain goats?’’

’What the fuck is this dude on about?’ he thought in confusion.

Raegar felt his cheeks go hot, but quickly got over it as he shook his head, retorting. ’’No, get your mind out of the gutter or I’ll tell Julia how much of a degenerate you’re when I finally meet her.’’

At his words, Rune panicked for a second but chuckled. ’’You wouldn’t do such a thing, she would be angry even if their lies,’’ he said worriedly.

This time, it was Raegar and Caspian’s turn to laugh as the black-haired boy commented while giving them a knowing glance. ’’We know you’re waiting for Yuki. Did you read those letters?’’

When hearing this, his eyes widened in surprise. ’’Oh, I remember that now, I’ve been busy with other things.’’

Just then, he pulled out the cat maid’s letter and started to read it. She was informing him of everything happening in Blackwood County and his family. Yuki wrote that she couldn’t wait to see him during break, which he couldn’t wait for, as it was Spring already halfway through.

He would be turning seventeen during the holiday, while he would be on the road with Zahar and Drusilla. Yuki had made sure to highlight in her letter that they could take the next step, making his heart race.

Raegar shook his head and continued up the stairs before walking across the walkway with the other students. While walking, someone nudged him and brought him back to reality as Rune’s voice echoed in his ears. ’’What did your first love say, Rae?’’

Her words still danced in his mind, and he spoke. ’’Yuki’s over the moon about my birthday. This year, it’s happening in Blackwood County. We usually celebrate at my grandparents’ estate, but with Father, Jasper, and my sisters away, Mother’s set on hosting it at home.’’

The giant boy, bounding alongside him, perked up, his eyes wide with sudden enthusiasm. ’’Can we come?’’ he blurted, his voice cutting through the hum of student chatter.

He paused, caught off guard by the eager request, but a warm grin spread across his pale features. ’’If you can make the journey, you’re welcome to join. I’ll cover your tickets, but fair warning, Blackwood County’s no picnic. I can’t guarantee you’ll be safe until we meet at the Carrier Station.’’

A bold, melodic voice rang out from behind, laced with unshakable confidence. ’’You may not, but I can.’’

Raegar whirled around, eyes landing on Dominique. She stood flanked by Vienna and Luna. Before he could respond, two more figures emerged from the crowd of students, Zahara and Selene.

Their faces lit up with smiles. The Demoness, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, called out in a warm, teasing tone. ’’Rae! There you are! I hope you managed to catch some decent sleep after running everyone ragged during P.T. I’ve heard you’re a real taskmaster out there. Mind if I join the next session? I could use a challenge!’’

Rae chuckled, his gaze softening as he met her eager expression. "Of course, you’re more than welcome to join," he replied smoothly.

He turned to the group, his charming smile broadening as he addressed them individually. ’’Good morning, Zahara, Selene, and Dominique. You all look beautiful this morning."

Zahara, her blonde hair catching the morning light, grinned brightly, her curiosity bubbling over. ’’So, Rae,’’ she began, stepping closer with an inquisitive tilt of her head, allowing him to see her dark cheeks.

’’Are we still heading south together? I’ve been looking forward to it!’’ she questioned.

Raegar nodded as she informed him. ’’Selene and Domi will be traveling with us thanks to Duke D’Ambrose offering a Carrier to take us.’’

His eyes widened with enthusiasm as he nodded, a spark of excitement in his expression. ’’Perfect! Then you girls can head north together and meet me in Blackwood County. They’ve got a proper station set up there, so it’ll be a smooth rendezvous.’’

His voice carried a confident assurance, as if he were already picturing their reunion in the bustling hub of Blackwood. Dominique’s face lit up at the plan, her quick nod signaling her agreement.

’’Sounds good to me!’’ she chimed in, her tone brimming with eagerness.

Following that, the group continued talking as they made their way toward the P.T. field, the morning air crisp. As they arrived, they were greeted by the towering figure of Professor Ranthar.

The giant tiger-man raised a hand in a friendly wave, his deep voice rumbling across the field. ’’Good to see you all!’’

This time, he wasn’t alone. Standing beside him was Elara, her poised demeanor a calming contrast to Ranthar’s imposing presence. She offered the group a warm smile, clearly ready to assist with the day’s training.

Moments later, the class gathered around, buzzing with anticipation as the session began under the watchful eyes of their instructors. Raegar started to work with his friends as the girls began complaining as usual.

As the group jogged across the P.T. field, their breaths visible in the cool morning air, Elara fell into step beside Rae. Her knowing smile carried a hint of mischief, her emerald-green eyes glinting with warmth.

’’It’s good to see you thriving out here, Rae,’’ she smoothly said. ’’But it’s been a while since we’ve had a proper training session together, hasn’t it?’’

Rae glanced at her, his lips curving into a playful grin as he kept pace. ’’You’re right. How about we fix that after classes today?’’ he offered, his tone confident yet inviting.

Elara’s eyes widened in delighted surprise, and she gave an eager nod, her silver hair catching the sunlight. ’’That sounds perfect,’’ she replied, beaming. ’’Meet me in the Northern Courtyard. Cecilia mentioned she’s working with you on moving your Wind Aether to Vapour, so we can train once you’re done with her.’’

The older woman suddenly hugged him as she whispered. ’’I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do.’’

Her words held a mix of encouragement and anticipation, as if she knew the session would push them both to new heights. Raegar smiled while returning the gesture before she moved away when she saw Ranthar looking.

Elara’s cheeks darkened with a faint flush, her voice softening as she glanced at Rae. ’’Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound so forward,’’ she murmured, a touch of embarrassment in her tone. ’’It’s just... I’ve missed seeing you around.’’

His expression warmed, his reassuring smile easing her discomfort. ’’No need to apologize,’’ he said, his voice steady and kind. ’’We’ll make up for lost time. How about I come train with you a few times a week until Summer Break? We’ll get plenty of sessions in.’’

At his words, Elara’s tiger ears twitched with excitement, and her tail swished faster, betraying her delight. Her feline eyes gleamed with a playful glint as she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone.

’’By the way, your mother invited me to your birthday party. I heard you’re turning seventeen,’’ She paused, her smile widening as she added. ’’I’m looking forward to celebrating with you.’’

Raegar’s eyes lit up with interest as he nodded. ’’I’m glad you’re coming,’’ he said, his curiosity piqued. ’’So, how are you getting there? Taking a Carrier, or are you braving the Kingsways?’’

Elara’s lips curved into a quick, amused smile as she responded without missing a beat. ’’Carrier. Ranthar’s coming along too, and you know how much he’s been grumbling about the roads lately.’’

Her tone was light, laced with affection for her brother’s quirks. At that, both of them burst into laughter, the shared moment easing the morning’s intensity. Their chuckles faded as Raegar gave her a playful nod before jogging back to join his friends on the training field, his focus shifting to the drills ahead.

Elara, still smiling, turned to assist Ranthar, her steps light as she moved to her brother’s side, ready to help guide the class through the session.

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