Chapter 5:

He said I could visit any time. But it doesn't feel right being here. And they all keep staring...

"Can I help you?" A green robed figure said, walking nearer to him.

"Err, yes. Um... I was told.. - by a magician - that I could see my friend at any time.. She, uh, was the girl who almost lost control of her magic." Cery's eyes widened as he realised he realised he was squeaking. Living the namesake well Cery. Well done. The magician smiled warmly at him and pointed off to the right.

"Ah yes, her. She is currently being kept in Lord Rothen's room, which is in the Magicians' Quarters. If you'll follow me I'll take you there," she said and began to lead the way.

"Thank you," he managed to say in a less squeaky way. As he followed the magician he eagerly gawked at the towering buildings all around him. In front of him was the University, a place he had wanted to visit for many years, however the magician chose the path around it, and Cery had to bite his lip to stop cursing. The outside route did not displease him, and seeing the wonders of the Guild appearing only a arm stretch away made him feel twice as small as he really was. Soon they stepped into a long corridor filled with doors and servants. This must be where the magicians live. I can't believe there are so many people here at the Guild! Cery almost walked straight into his guide as she stopped abruptly and he jumped back hastily, pink spots on his cheeks appearing. She knocked on the door politely and a familiar face greeted them.

"Thank you for showing me here," he said to the magician quietly.

"No problem," she nodded and left brusquely. Rothen opened the door wider and let him enter.

Akkarin sighed heavily. Lorlen had fed him countless cups of bitter sumi to try and sober him, and it had left a horrible taste in his mouth. He had then dragged him along to Rothen's room twice – as he had ran back the first time – and now he had threatened to cut off his wine supply. Not that that would stop Akkarin getting wine, but Lorlen needed to think he was getting somewhere with him after all.

"Why won't you see her? It's not going to kill you, it'll probably be over as soon as you scare her off with one of those intimidating looks, and then you won't have to worry about it ever again."

"Because," Akkarin nodded.

"That is not a reason, you know."

"And you shouldn't keep sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong."

"Go on, knock, they are expecting you."

"I can't."

"Are you trying to tell me that you are physically and magically incapable of hitting that door at least once to make a reasonable amount of noise?" Lorlen hissed irritated.

"Yes."

"That's it. I give up. Go drink yourself to sleep." Turning abruptly Lorlen left, leaving Akkarin standing with a smug grin on his face. As he turned to leave himself, he heard a thump beside him, a tiny dark smudge marred the wooden door and Akkarin cursed. Before he could run away it opened and Rothen looked at him oddly. Looking down the corridor he saw Lorlen standing with a wide grin plastered across his face.

-Have fun. He called mentally, sending waves of amusement.

-Just you wait.

"I'm glad you came," Rothen greeted him. "Sonea has been eager to meet with you for a while."

"Err yeah, so Lorlen told me." Peering inside he spotted a young boy and stopped himself, "ah, she already has company so maybe I should come back-"

"Akkarin?" He winced as a young girl appeared beside Rothen. Looking down at her, she smiled broadly at him and he instantly took a step backwards. That is one creepy smile..

"That's me."

"You aren't leaving are you?"

"Apparently not."

"Good!" She replied and returned back inside. Rothen frowned slightly, but let him pass with an inward sigh. The room was plainly decorated and one wall was adorned in books, all heavily worn and some even were bound with string due to heavy deterioration. Sonea sat relaxed in one of the chairs talking in a hurried hushed voice to her guest, and as she saw him looking at her, she stopped and stared at him. Feeling awkward, he slipped into the furthest chair away from her and looked at the floor.

"Would you like a glass of wine?" Rothen offered.

"Yes please," he replied eagerly. Alright lets hurry this up so I can get out of here quickly and do something useful. "You wanted to talk to me?" He said pointedly at Sonea.

"Yes," she smiled, "I am very grateful for what you did the other day. There-There was nobody else nearby and if it wasn't for you- I'd be dead."

"Yes, well you are very lucky I happened to be there. And now you have a second chance once you have learnt control."

"A second chance," she breathed and stared at the floor. "You are right." Jumping up she walked over to him and grabbed his hands within her own. Yelping he tried to pull away but her grip held fast. "I owe you my life. And I promise you I won't waste it. Not in the slightest." Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him almost adoringly and Akkarin cast a glance at Rothen in hopes he'd stop her. He stood mouth slightly agape and a heavy frown upon his head.

"Sonea, you should probably say goodbye to your guests now as we need to speak with Vinara shortly."

"But-"

"That's ok," Akkarin said pushing her away and standing up. "I have an important meeting with the Administrator which I shouldn't delay." Or I will do in a minute. This girl is crazy. "Thank you Rothen, and good day to you all." Striding across the room he grasped at the door handle desperately and exited as quick as his feet would go. With a shudder he carried on down the corridor to find Lorlen.

"Akkarin, you saved her life. Of course she likes you."

"But you should have seen her face! It was.. creepy."

Sighing Lorlen shut his office door and returned to his seat, "I'm sure she was just being nice."

"She grabbed my hands and left fingernail marks cause of how hard she held on. See this is all your fault, I didn't want to see her for this reason!"

"Because you are afraid that someone other than me will like you?"

"No," he said firmly and glared at him.

"Yes it is!" Lorlen exclaimed, ignoring the glares. "Ever since you came back from your travels you have been a reclusive, anti-social drunkard. The only reason you pester me is because you'd get lonely otherwise."

"That's not true," Akkarin said gently.

"Yeah, you're right, you do go out. When you go prancing round the city without your robes. If you don't want to be a magician then fine," he said calming down. "Just- tell me, at least do me the favour in knowing what the hell this is all about. I don't understand, Akkarin. And I want to."

Akkarin rested his face within his hand, long fingers pushed against his forehead and dark eyes veiled by soft eyelids, "I certainly don't prance," he sneered.