Disclaimer: I do not own Familiar of Zero, nor it's series or charters. Neither do I own Destiny. May that go to it's respective owners.

This is a work of fiction inspired by other fictional works of many other talented writers and those that are inspired by the series of the Anime and Game. As such, this will not be following the exact same Canon as intended.

Guardian: A defender, protector, or keeper.

It is a well known noun among those that hear it's name, and for others, it is so much more. A light in the dark. A beacon of hope. A person to look to, when even the world around you slowly collapses on itself. It is the thing that many, many people look up for, to wish for, to hold out for. It is the Guardian, that many choose to respect, out of the raw thought, that they will be there to protect even in the most dire of times.

But Guardian's, come in many forms.

They can be tall, broad, powerful, raw and honorful. Strong in body and strength. To hold out against any that comes near. To be a force to recon with, lashing out with all the force of a bolt of thunder. A Striker. To be a true shield, a wall that will let none a enemy through or their harmful strikes. A Defender. Or to light the dark and take the fight away from the many, to lead on with heads held high and a single fire to light the way for many. A Sunbreaker.

So with resolve, to the Titian.

Then there are those that chose the life of a drifter. The ones that make their own rules and follow their own thoughts. To keenly feel for instinct and action, rather than brute force and caution. Swiftling following their spirits. To aim with a sharp eye, hitting in the most softest of spots with no hesitation. A Gunslinger. To weave and dance through the dangers, quickly coming and going. Blade Dancer. To hide in the night, to feel the expansive night and hunt like a wolf with the many. A Nightstalker.

So with grace, of the Hunter.

And then there are those that choose to seek out the wisdom of the many, to learn from the student, as much as the teacher. True power of the mind, and not of physical world. To walk through the very fabrics of time and space, and feel the unending hunger dark places. A Void Walker. To surge with light and warmth, to push back the boundaries of your limits and all on your inner strengths. A Sun Singer. To brave the storm, having the questions but always having the answers with a transcending force. A Storm Caller.

So with power, is the Warlock.

Body. Spirit. Mind. Each to their own right in skill, experience or knowledge. Guardians come with as many forms as people with faces and talents. It is these core things, that can define Guardians and what they stand for whomever looks up to them. And if the need ever arises, if the plea is strong enough, if the light ever dim…

Will a Guardian rise to meet it and hold it tight with the embrace of their protection.

Deep and relaxing breaths were slowly taken. The slow, rhythmic action helping to ease the worry and stress away from the world around the young nobles. Trying with all her might to will her small from to keep straight and proud as her mother would find acceptable.

It did little to calm her fraying nerves.

Louise Françoise le Blanc de Vallere. Third daughter to the proud family of Valler, seen as second to strongest family of the Kingdom of Tristain, and also the biggest failure in magical application by her peers and bestowed the title 'Zero'.

Today was a day long awaited for and possibly also the most anxiety filled one for the young mage girl. It was taking all her will to keep herself together, while her mind broke down in a agonizing turmoil. The Springtime Summoning, a holy and sacred from of tradition and rite of passage to all first-going-second year students, was a event that normally would have young minds like her bubbling with glee. To have a Familiar to keep her company and give her a companion through her entire life. Possibly further her magical abilities further than before!

But it was only something that filled her with dread. Form before it was the idea of not making the circle right, or having a badly crafted one, or being underprepared with her incantations- all of this she studied and readied for. But even with all this, her nerve still were on end, sparking with a nervous fidget as she watched her fellows summon creature after creature.

It wasn't so terrible at first. A few magical creatures, a few kinds of birds, cats, dogs or normally expected creatures that one would be most recognized. Such as Montmorency's small frog, which complimented nicely her affinity with water magic.

Though it seemed to slightly go down hill from there. Small normal creates or mundane magical ones, soon to get bigger, more magically powerful, more rare and exotic. Like Guiche de Gramont huge mole, easily matching the boy in size if it was able to stand upright. Or her natural enemy, Kirche Von Zerbst, whom called on a Fire Salamander with a brilliant crimson skin and burning tail. Even Tabitha, a small girl much like her with high academy scores, was able to summon a Wind Dragon of all things. A Dragon!

Louise tried her hardest to not fidget or reach up to play with her long pink hair. It was unbecoming of a noble such as her, but it was increasingly hard not to. She had even began to slowly slinked back into the many, many bodies of her peers, the students too distracted by the summoning and those doing the ritual to notice the smaller girl.

But as the names drew on, she inevitably heard her own, called out by a teacher that she well respected. "Louise de Valliere." Professor Colbert called out, the elder man with a slightly balding head standing by the now empty space while the student that now had an owl on his shoulder, walked off into the crowed.

Taking one last breath, Louise moved out from those around her, low whispers rising and making her skin crawl in both a unpleasant tingle of nervousness, and a low simmering boil in her blood. She could hear them, hear their whispers. The little barbs and jeers. 'Maybe we should move back' one would say. "Why is she trying, it'll only be another explosion', another would say. 'Summon something impressive, Zero!' taunted her mortal enemy.

It was with some joy that the small blond kept her focus on Jean Colbert, a wonderful teacher of the arcane magical arts in her mind. The Man gave her a pleasant smile, one filled with patients. The only real teacher that had not given up on her abysmal skills in practical magical usage. "Are you ready, Miss Valliere?" He spoke, a calming feeling filling Louise at the way he addressed her with kindness.

"Yes Professor Colbert." The young noble returned with a straight and calm face of her own. "I am." Though part of her still didn't.

Yet the Professor only gave a pleased nod and single motioned with his off hand. "Then proceed with the ritual." The limb soon joining the other on a staff held firmly near.

Louise gave one more nod, more to herself than the Professor, and reached into a pocket of her cloak, a small piece of chalk in her hand. Striding over to the course and almost dirt like ground, Louise knelt down and began her circle, starting with a nice circle before working on the inner geometric symbols. She tried to not think over her work, knowing that trying to critically over think things may result in a mess.

When she felt pleased by her finished result, did Louise rise and carefully step away from her summoning circle, being very sure not to make a scuff in the many intricate markings and lines. With another long held breath, Louise readied herself for the next task.

Wand drawn from another pocket and held in her right hand delicately, did she finally exhale and begin her chant. Magic welled inside of Louise, the girl feeling it flow from inside her being and towards her foci point that was her wand, speaking in a more delicate whisper to herself, "Familiar of my will, heed my call, my plea, my request."

The circle softly glowed, Louise's magic touching the arcane symbols that recognized it's caster's power. "Hear my voice and follow my guidance. Oh great and powerful spirit after mine heart, recognize my chant and reveal yourself, Familiar!" Words rising and strengthening inside her, a tug being felt but remaining unseen.

Voices of slight confusion rose, many a student not recognizing the chant when it rose in volume. But what made more stare in wonder was the light. The light of the summoning circle that Louise the Zero had made as it built with greater and greater light. Intensifying until-

A great a powerful explosion rocked the ground and obscured the area with dust and bits of earth. The force alone causing Louise to fall back undignifiedly and painfully land on her rump.

Screams, shouts and scolding yells of indignation rose from the many, only adding salt to the wound. "Ack! I think I got dirt in my mouth!" "Louise, you almost killed us again!" "Honestly, why can't you just give up already?" "This was to be expected."

Stay calm. Louise told herself, trying to not stare in the obscuring dust that clouded her vision. Maybe the professor will let me try again? She reasoned, hoping deeply he would. But she knew the reality, this was one shot, one chance- one that she literally blew. Even through the numbing feeling, a icecold one began to fill her. What will her mother say?

Louise didn't need to think about it. The strict women will be deeply disappointed. More than that, Louise winced and thought of what will become of her. Without any from of magical talent to show, she was better off to be hidden inside their estate and never seen again- or married off into obscurity, if only to not stain their proud family's honor. And part of that… scared her.

Louise began to lift herself up, doing her best to not let the pain, the worry or her slightly warming eyes show with tears. She refused to look anywhere but up, but she could feel a comforting hand touch her shoulder. With a glance up, Louise could see the sympathizing look of her teacher. And she knew why, he still believed in her abilities… even if they did not surface.

Placing on the bravest face she could, Louise tried to assure, "I-I'm fine." Mentally cursing herself for that little stutter in her voice. Why did she have to be so weak, even now? She should be strong as steel and not waver like her mother taught!

Professor Colbert sighed inside himself, sad for Louise. She was such a bright mind, and held potential, even if it was academic. But, he knew the rules, and he was not going to show favoritism, even if he could see the slight desperation in his student's eyes. He went to say something, but felt his words die to another's shout. "What is that?"

Turning, Colbert felt the need to fix his glasses, a slight silhouette inside the dust cloud. With a realizing blink, the older mage made a whisper on his lips and waved his staff. A gust of wind rose, strong enough to make the remaining dust be pushed aside, until a raising and standing from showed.

Dark, black robes and even slight armor showed, as a being now stood where the summoning circle long had expired. Many hushed as the man, from what Colbert could make out, stood and moved their arms and head about. With a turn of a head, he mysterious being looked around, seeming to take in the sights, and the slowly rising whispers.

But something made Colbert weary. With a tighter hold, he observed the 'man' before him, watching his careful movements and the flexing of his hands. When the helmeted head turned to them, Jean Colbert was sure this person was evaluating them, gauging them.

The light looking armor alone told Colbert, this person was prepared for combat, even if no weapon seemed to be on him. And while Louise gapped in confusion, did the being move. Colbert moved slightly before the younger mage, hand gripping staff and seeing measure, methodical steps. A warrior then?

Stopping before them, the man staireed at Colbert, ignoring the student behind him before speaking in words that made no sense to Colbert. Blinking, the Professor spoke, "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?"

The male being stiffened slightly, and once more spoke in that gibberish. It was not of Tristain, or Albion, or Germania and even Gallia nor Romalia. Searching his mind, the Professor came to the conclusion, this… person did not speak their tongue.

From the looks of it, the man also seemed to realize this, and seemed to go into thought. Muttering to himself with a hand under his helmet's chin. He spoke again, though Colbert could only say, "I'm sorry, but I can not understand you." And began to think to himself. Perhaps a translation spell? It was worth a shot to speak with this-

"It this better?" Colbert nearly stumbled in his thoughts, having understood the words form the man this time.

"Yes, yes, it is!" Professor Colbert nearly stumbled on himself, "I can understand you." Then took a moment to compose himself, "At first I was concerned that there would be a language barrier, Mr…?" Dragging off to find a name.

Tilting his head, where the almost avian like helmet glinted some light from the evening sun, the man told, "Eldwin. Eldwin the Knowing." Giving name and apparently tittle. Noble then? Whatever Colbert wanted to think, Edwin continued to speak. "I'm sorry for not speaking like this earlier, I didn't recognize the language at first, sir…?"

"Jean Colbert, Instructor of the Tristain Academy." Colbert said in turn with a hand raised. "And it is quite alright, Sir Eldwin." giving a curt motion around with that same hand, "The summoning no doubt must have jard your senses."

There was a piqued interest, if Colbert was right, form the man that spoke, "Summoning you say?" Almost sounding a touch skeptical. "I will admit, if I was summoned than it is certainly a surprise. A first to be sure." Almost sounding jovil at the end. "Please do tell, since I was summoned, whom would the summoner be, unless she is the one standing behind you?"

Colbert gave a glance, being reminded that Louise was still behind him and giving the man before them a weary, if not confused look. He could see that familiar looking flame in her eyes, the one that usually followed a near snappy shout and proud if not rushed out words.

"Yes, she is your Summoner." Jean told with a slow nod, not sure how this man would take this news.

It was apparently with amusement, as a small chuckle escaped from his hood-like helmet. "Indeed? I wonder how that came to pass." A slight musing in his tone. "But, that still leaves a question to remain." Turning all focus from Colbert to Louise, and speaking rather strongly and firmly, "Why have you summoned me, young miss?" Hands clasping behind his back, his black robes with golden like embroiderment shifting by his movements.

Louise moved away from her teacher, eyeing up this… Commoner? She doubted he was a commoner, he didn't hold himself like one, nor did he look exactly like one. She answered nevertheless, and did so with the strongest voice she could. "I did." Seeing him slightly cock his head to her tone. "I summoned you to be my Familiar."

With a hum, the man spoke, "Familiar?" As if the concept was foreign to him. "How… most unexpected." As if he was expecting something else. Still, he kept focus and asked, "And do tell, what does this entail with me..?"

"Valliere." Began Louise. "Louise Françoise le Blanc de Vallière." And continued to speak on with more authority and confidence, standing just that much more straighter with her chest puffed up, despite it's lacking show. "I summoned you to my lifelong servant, one that would aid me in my later years." Going with the pure, basic context she had gleaned from many a spellbook and tome.

Yes, she almost deflated, and felt irked, when he chuckled at her. "Is that so?" Sounding very much amused. "Such a headstrong way to address me, Miss Valiere." Eldwin spoke simply, "But I'm afraid that simply will not do." Giving a slight shake of his head. "Unless you give me more context to work with?"

Clearing his voice, and wanting to not let Luise lose her one chance to pass her rite of passage, Colbert spoke up. "A familiar is a reflection of the mage, and aids to their person." Catching the man's full attention before proceeding to explain. "A Familiar is not only a servant to most Magi, but protectors and defenders when they are ever in danger or enlisted into war."

Eldwin gave a simple nod before turning his attention around him. Whispers could still be heard and many were staring at him. But he in turn stared back and took note of the many 'Familiar's. But as he searched them all, none were like him. All were some from of animal or creature, nothing like him in intelligence or sentience.

Still, he heard the Professor speak on, "I must admit. This is a bit of surprise." Making Eldwin turn his attention back to the blue robed mage. "We didn't expect for you to be summoned. More than not, only creatures get summoned. Not…"

"Humans?" Asked the man, "I have taken notice." Giving a little nod. "The summoning alone was unexpected for myself, and I feel there is… much more behind it." Then lapsed into thought. While the idea of being a young girl's servant was… demeaning to him, Eldwin did think of the rest. A protector and further aid in their magical aptitudes as a mage.

While he would rather get home and continue his works… a summoning of this magnitude was something he should not look over and ignore. What if this was something a bit more than a mere mistake on the spell's behalf? He could tell by things around him, that things were nothing like home. The magic behind his summonings should speak of it.

Turning to Louise, the man squared his shoulders and said, "As your servant, I will have to disagree." He could see the fire in her eyes, the indignation at being refused. "But to the latter of protection and magical skill, I am willing to aid in." Seeing that indignation turn to confusion.

"You are willing to accept the Familiar's Contract?" Colbert asked with some mild, if not pleasant, surprise.

Turning to glance, Eldwin told to the Professor, "While part of me isn't keen on the idea, I was summoned here by her magic, magic that was only following it's instructions and wills of the caster, am I correct?" Watching the man give a nod. Nodding in turn, Eldwin continued, "Normally, I would make a path home, but if this young miss did summon me, then I have a belief there is more to it than the spell seeking out creature that fitted its needs."

But when he turned to Louise, the darkly clothed man told in a warning, "There will however, be rules and agreements between us both." The tone alone making Louise stiffen some, less out of anger and more out of how she was spoken to. As if he was one of her teachers no less! "But that will come at a later time." He told.

While Louise gave a cautious nod, confused on who she just summoned, Colbert gave a smile and a nod before saying, "If you would, Sir Eldwin, remove your helmet so Miss Valliere can complete the ritual."

With a curt nod, Eldwin moved his hand to reach for his helmet, but spoek while taking it off, "Anything I need to further know while completing this contract?" A slight hiss sounding when it came off, soon giving way to dark hair that looked a tad messy, and a cleanly shaven face that gave way to a pale olive skin and sharp yellow eyes. A young and healthy 20 year old man, as many would assume, and not that sore on the eyes, if not nothing grand.

There was one thing that the elder mage thought of, and told, "The Familiar runes." Watching Eldwin to see that he held the man's full attention. "When the contract begins, they will inscribe onto your body and the process can be painful to some creatures."

Eldwin doubted the man was telling him everything. The words, while giving a simple outline of what will happen, did not further define of what this 'Contract' was. There could be more, but if this man was a teacher, it was possible he was looking out for his student. Magic was no doubt involved, so Eldwin prepared himself.

He could see Louise holding out a stick, one that was wooden and polished. While it confused him, the man did kneel some to help change the hight diffrence, while she spoke, "Pentagon of five, grant this humble being with the Founders blessing and make him my Familiar." Lightly tapping the forehead with the stick before she took a deep breath.

With a kiss on his lips, one that was light, chast and small, the man was admittedly a little confused, though he could feel the magic moving, changing and shifting as it invaded. Without any hesitance, he focused and grasped it, gently using his own will to hold and watch it much like a hawk while placing his helmet onto his head and raising.

It snaked, moving and trying to sink deeper in his body while the light touches of his mind felt an intrusion, a suggestion. A touch of servitude. Be it intentional or not by Louise, Eldwin flexed his own skills in the arcane, cutting and crushing that little bit trying to invade his mind before a burning feeling was registering to his forehead.

It made Eldwin wince, clenching his jaw at the burning feel. It reminded him of the time that one of his fellow's almost landed a sound shot of Sol empowered bullet's to his head. This felt more lingering, more harsher- he had to place a hand to his helmeted head, if only to give the slight motion to make his mind feel like he was nursing it.

But after a few seconds, seconds that dragged on almost too long with the searing pain, did it leave. Colbert gave one last pleased nod and spoke to all, "That concludes this evening's summoning rites. The rest of this weekend will be for yourselves and your familiars." With one look to the side, the Professor spoke, "Sir Edwin, perhaps you can stop by my office so I might speak with you?" And got a slightly passive nod from the mystery man.

Without any more prompting, every young adult moved, wanting to either have their new freedoms away from class, or to get to know their new summons better. Louise herself gave a unsure look up to the man that nearly towered over her, keeping her face stern but… internally unsure how to address him.

Unsure what to do, she grasped for what she felt most familiar with. "Come Familiar." She next to barked out the order, turning by heel and moving on ahead with head held high.

Eldwin frowned under his helmet, but followed. Taking place right beside her, the man noted that the girl tried to walk a bit faster, as if to take the lead. Sighing inside himself, Eldwin told, "You know of my name, so why adress me without it?"

She snapped her pink eyes at him, holding a sort of sharpness that reminded eldwin much of those that felt the need to reprimand others for talking out of turn. "Because you are my Familiar." It was a pure and simple statement. "And I would be your Master."

"If I allowed." Shot back Eldwin without missing a beat. "You forget, I allowed this contract. We are of equal footing, Miss Valliere. This is a partnership, not a servitude to you." Tone crisp and certain. "I am not a simple creature. I am a man with ideals, philosophies and purpose."

There was a sharp look from Louise, the girl trying to glare at him to submit in some from, but he stood and walked unwavering, matching her pace and keeping by her side- refusing to simply 'follow' behind her. And that, was grating on her nerves. As if the anxiety from before wasn't so horrible, than was the feeling of uncertainty. She had no idea how to handle this, and it made her feel out of her depth, inadequately prepared.

Eldwin didn't comment to her silence, he could just tell the girl was struggling to keep herself composed, keep herself centered. Confusion plagued her, no doubt expecting a dumb or illiterate creature to be at her beck and call, not a man like him.

And so was their trip in silence, moving towards winding stairs that brought them into the higher sections of this stone place of an Academy. Torches lighting their way in the darker halls and wooden doors leading to dorms. They entered one, being presumably Louise's quarters and Eldwin had to admit, it was rather nice. Very vintage.

Extravagant silk sheets covered a four-corner bed with curtains around it for privacy. A well maintained smooth desk was to one side, neatly placed books and parchment ready for use and a few notes could be seen. A nightstand was near the bed as well, even a nearby vanity and a nice looking Dresser that no doubt held all of the girls cloths. There was even a nice table with chairs in the room and a small balcony at one end.

Though with a glance, Eldwin rose a brow at the pile of golden straw. Yes, she certainly was expecting a animal, not a Guardian. Mentally nodding to this little thought, Eldwin turned his focus back to Louise, the girl have moved to slightly jump up and sit on her large bed, arms crossed and having a sort of cute pout while she glared at him.

Reaching back and closing the door behind himself, Eldwin moved to the center of the room, both staring at the other. For a moment, he thought himself back at the tower and having a staring contest with Iroka Ray, if the women was annoyed. Which, was rather rare, but the connection was slightly there.

Still, the silence that dragged on was not making any progress. So, Eldwin decided to start things off, hands once more clasped behind his back. "Ghost." Making Louise blink some at his adressing words, "Helmet." And much to the girls jarring shock, watched as his helmet seem to fanish in a fading light.

Louise watched her Familiar raise a brow at her, his face near exempt of any emotions. The little show of a vanishing helmet surprised her, but what made her mind tremble even further was when he spoke, "I think we should start things anew. As you know, I am Eldwin the Knowing." Then held out his hand, before a slight wisping of light formed out a small black… thing with a glowing eye. "And this, is my Ghost."

I summoned a Noble!? The youngest Valliere felt her panic suddenly skyrocket and her heart almost stop. Then it dawned on her, I bound a mage, I somehow… no, no, it can't be. But…. th-that…

Trying to calm herself, even though shock was on her face and her nerves making her body tremble, Louise asked, "I-Is that a… Familiar?" Hand raising slowly to point at the 'Ghost' as Eldwin called it.

There was a odd sound that came from the odd construct as it blinked and shifted with it's triangular edges. "No, but the term would be rather close with how my Guardian and I work with one another." Speaking in a rather frank and even polite manner as it floated towards her.

Louise wasn't scared, a bit put off, but not scared when it approached her, looking her over while telling, "But it's not a Master and Servant sort of relationship. Partnership is actually closer. Like what my Guardian is offering to you, young Valliere."

"Guardian?" Louise asked in a hopeful tone, "Does that mean, he isn't a Noble?"

With a light chuckle, Eldwin spoke, "No, not at all." Seeming to wave the very thought away while smiling some. "Though I've had some refer to me as a Noble, Bingo the most."

Louise scrunched up her face and wanted to ask who 'Bingo' was, but wasn't given the chance when Ghost spoke up himself. "Nobility is something of a past history form the area we live in, Valliere." Making her head snap at the floating creature in shock. "Our society had to readapt rather quickly, and any real nobility has since fallen out of use. Though it can be argued a few still hold the title, in some from or manner."

"That's impossible!" Louise immediately denied, "How can you not have Nobles? Who leads or safeguards you all?" The mere idea of no real nobility being something out of her concept or grasp.

With a slight thoughtful tilt of his head, Eldwin told, "Leaders can be debatable." Causing Louise to once more look to him. "There are a few that hold weight, but it ultimately comes down to a few, such as the Vanguard who help coordinate us Guardians to protect our home, or the Speaker himself. A sort of wise man many respect." Though the last part was generalized.

While it was all odd, Louise decided to leave the crazy idea of no nobility leading, and targeted something else. "So what are you?" Thinking back and going with, "Your… 'partner' said you were a Guardian." Wondering if that was some from of job a Commoner took. Oh she hoped he was a commoner, the idea of having a noble being bound to her…

"It is as it sounds." Told the Guardian. "A defender, protector and keeper. I, with my fellow brethren and sisters, protect the City with our lives." Moving in a slight pace while speaking on, "There are many of us, and we all strive for the same thing, more or less." He paused to give Louise a glance and told, "When your magic touched me, I was drawn to it. More out of curiosity than anything else."

"You felt my magic?" This little tidbit interested the young mage, only confirming even more that she had magic. "And you followed it, leading you to me by the Summoning?"

With a small smile, Eldwin told her, "Yes. It was interesting magic. It sparked my interest and I felt the need to study it." Though this only made the young mage contort her face into confusion.

"But how?" She asked, "How would you.. Study it?" But thinking on it, the only way he could was by magic. But he said he wasn't a noble, so how else would he?

Ghost seemed to speak up with, "Well, I first scanned it." Making Louise turn to look to the small thing, "It was very strong for a portal. I was unsure of where it lead, but my Guardian insisted we go through after he told me that his own magic felt the need to correspond."

"His magic!?" She didn't mean to scream it, but Louise did. "You- he has Magic!?" This wasn't good, if he was really a noble-, or even magical, Eldwin might as well be a noble. And while she wanted to panic, Eldwin still spoke in.

"Yes Louise, I have Magic." He seemed to say this with a touch of amusement. "I'm well versed in quite a bit, and it would be expected of a Warlock like myself." Then continued to walk on, moving around the bed and towards the balcony that was blocked off by glass doors.

Looking out, the Guardian looked over the academy for the new vantage point. It was a nice place, ancient by his standards, but nice. "Does the idea of my ability to use the acrain ways frighten you?"

Gulping, Louise told with a firm voice belaying how she really felt, "Only Nobles have magic, and you said you're not one- so how can you have Magic!?" Though her voice did rise from just the sheer knowledge she learned. It couldn't be true, even if he had a familiar it couldn't be true!

"By a great amount of study, of course." Told Eldwin quite simply. "That, and some aptitude in the subject. It's not impossible to learn it, you merely need to know the proper knowledge." Though he filed away what she said, nobility having magic. No, only Nobility having access to magic.

"You lie!" Came the defiant voice of Louise, "You, you must be!"

Turning to her, Eldwin only looked to her before removing one hand away from his back, holding it up and letting dark and pulsing energy well there. Dark and cold was the sphere that formed over his palm, and great was the shock that formed on the young mage's face seeing him hold the ball of impossible power in place. He let it slip, fading into nothing as he asked, "Do you now believe, young Louise?"

He was giving a slow and numb nod form her head, still unable to comprehend what she saw. He let out a low breath and placed his hand back to where it last was, turning to speak on. "I will not claim the title Noble, even if I have magic. That is simply a skill a Warlock possesses among the Guardians. My position is a man of knowledge and truth, to seek out facts and uncover secrets."

It took a while, and much longer than Louise wanted, but slowly she did settle herself, trying to just… just bare with what she was suddenly given. "So.. you're a… a Scholar?" She needed something to bring her out of her shock, something other than knowing her Familiar had magic of all things. "A Scholar and protector?"

With a single nod, Eldwin gave, "Among other things. But those two are the most common of tasks for myself." Then said, "But now that we have gotten that out of the way, and shaken you off that overly proud air around you, I think it is time we both layed down some parameters and rules." Making Louise stiffen.

"First, I think you know now that I am not simply a servant." Told the Warlock, "I'm doing this because from what I can understand, the Summoning Ritual that brought me was out of your needs. Needs that apparently, no simple creature could do." That made Louise feel both good and bad, in a odd way. "So I will not simply take orders from you, and be expected to follow."

"Second, I have questions of my own." Eldwin went on, "I will investigate and ask, but I don't wish to be too intruding. Let me know when I press too much, but my learning of things is something I don't wish to leave behind me." Then added, "Thirdly. I will protect and aid you, but in turn I expect you to uphold your end on allowing my freedoms. If you have need of me, ask politely and if I reject, you have to accept that." Then asked, "Is this fair for you?"

While it was not what Louise wanted, the girl felt a huge amount of doubt that she could restrain the Warlock before her. He demonstrated his magic before her- and all without any focal point! It made her worry, and realize that she had no way of stopping him. So, with some dejection, Louise nodded almost bitterly. Rule of Steel. Rule of steel. She chanted in her head, just to keep herself stable.

Eldwin seemed to judge her from under his stare, but gave a firm nod in turn at her acceptance. Yet, Ghost shifted and moved, floating near Louise's side and spoke. "If you do not mind, miss Valliere?" Gaining her attention, "The professor mentioned form before, while I was keeping out of sight, that Familiars have a corresponding meaning to the mage?"

While she did not want to talk about it, Louise decided to answer. "Yes. They are to match a Nobles power, personality and even affinity to their magic." And like a sudden snap of realization, Louise turned to Eldwin and asked, "Fami- Eldwin!" She hastily corrected, not sure if she could call him Familiar now. "You're a mage, you have magic- what is your affinity?" She could possibly learn what her's was, maybe it could help hint her the right way of using her magic!

Tilting his head, Eldwin considered Louise's sudden burst of desperation. It puzzled him at first, but spoke, "While I don't center on one aspect, I would hazard that I'm rather particularly skilled with using Void." And that was when Louise spluttered in place, nearly choking on her words.

"VOID!?" Ghost actually flinched back a few feet, and Eldwin also romanced by just how loud and shrill her voice went. "Are you- what are you implying!?" Mixed anger and shock mixing into her voice. "That's even more impossible than the lack of Nobility in your lands!" Then wildly gestured, "Wherever your lands are!"

Calmly, Eldwin let the ringing in his ears subside while telling, "Whatever the reason for your yellowing, Louise." Giving a slightly sharp look to her, "It is the truth. While I have a large mastery in Sol and Arc, Void is where my true talents lay."

Mind nearly stopping, Louise asked, "Sol… Arc?" Starting to feel a new headache mount in her mind. "What… what about.." Taking a breath, she composed herself, with what little patients she had left, and asked, "I think we're getting… You only have three elements." It was hard to organize her thoughts, with how conflicting everything was. "There are five elements. Earth, water, wind, fire- and the lost element of Void that only the Founder himself possesses." Then glared, "What you're suggesting is blasphemy!"

Raising a brow, Eldwin said, "Then it's possible that the magics I know, follow a different set of rules than your magics." Not once raising his voice above normal speaking levels. "The only thing that matches is Void. So, either you element is to line up with either Arc or Sol, or it is being complemented by my real skills in Void."

He could see it, the denial in her eyes. The fiery resolve to shout and scream and say that he was wrong. But Eldwin was not going to have any of that. "If you are so displeased by the answer, why did you ask in the first place?" Watching her snap her mouth shut before she was able to speak, and looking almost frighten. And not of him.

They once more stared, one waiting for a response and the other unsure if she wanted to respond and shame herself further. Between them, Ghost turned his robotic eye left to right, watching the standoff before speaking, "You should tell him." His assuring tone only jaring the young girl, but explaining, "Eldwin is a very experienced Warlock. And a wise one at that. If you are having trouble with affinities, he might have a answer."

Louise looked from odd eye to Guardian, Eldwin giving a simple nod, but not speaking further to Ghost's words. So, with a gulp, Louise said, "I… I don't know my Element in magic." Sounding more ashamed for admitting it. With a slowly lowered head, she told, "My magic doesn't seem to… react well, or work at all with any spells I use. Most of the teaching staff have… given up trying to help me, thinking I'm unable to truly perform magic."

But then she told, "But my element can't be Void, it's… it's just not possible!" With a groan, Louise rubbed her head with both hands, and asked more to herself than them, "Why am I even telling you this?"

Letting the girl be for a moment, Eldwin thought to what she spoke and concluded, "Because you want to know what I can offer." Knowing she was listening, even if it seemed like she wanted to ignore him in favor for reliving her headache. "And from what I can tell, you need a teacher." Making her stop. "Deny the fact you might possess Void as a element. The fact that you have summoned me through a void, used a magical chant to make me your Familiar, only shows you have potential the teachers gave up on much too easily."

Her head rose to that, not seeming at all sure how to take his words. "But perhaps these are things we should speak in length at a later time." Eldwin nodded to himself while moving around the bed, Ghost seeming to know what was going through his mind and following. "It will be late, and I have things I must do myself. I will be around, young Louise. But for now, rest your weary mind. It seems you need it." Walking past the table and to the door before excusing himself…

Thus, leaving Louise to her thoughts, the girl trying very hard to… keep herself together. It was hard, oh so very hard. How was she supposed to handle this? For once in a long time, Louise felt very lost. It was all just too much in one day. The anxiety, the worry, the explosion that almost shouted out her supposed failure, the jeers, taunts and barbs that day. And now to top it off, a Familiar that was a mage, claimed to have no Nobility in his lands, had his own Familiar, spoke of the idea of different magics and suggested her using Void Magic and him using it too!?

She didn't care if it was early and the sun had not reached the horizon just yet. Louise wanted to go to bed, go to bed and just pretend none of this happened. She got up and began to undress, yearning for the sweet, sweet bliss of sleep and warm comforting blankets. It was better than stewing with these conflicting thoughts!