Apprentice Ferondir of Mira ~ Veneficus's Study ~ Day 7, MorningFerondir relaxed.
"Oh good. It's the Journeyman's test, you of all people should know. You're one of the judges."He slipped the book into his bag.
"I'll be sure to take care of this, but I need to go and get ready. It's only a few hours away!"He ran to the door, and stopped.
"Oh."He turned around.
Who was his apprentice going to be?
He had to have a prospective one at the beginning of the test.
His first thought was Zeph, but his life long friend had rejected the Guild long ago. Ferondir respected that choice, after all. Magic born are not treated fairly there. More is expected of them, and jealousy breeds ridicule. He wouldn't be able to learn in those conditions.
No, his best friend would be happier forging his own path, and it's not like Ferondir wouldn't be able to guide him as usual, was it?
Next, he thought of Della. She'd proven to have the enthusiasm it takes to be an apprentice, but she was just a girl, and showed no magical potential.
No, she was better off at the school in Arbor Harbor.
The next person to cross his mind was Shia. She was clearly capable, he'd felt her aura when he'd healed her back in Mira Village.
As powerful as his, maybe a tad wild. He remembered when he had spoken to her about this:
"You know... Once I pass, if I pass, I can take an apprentice."
"An apprentice?"
"Yeah.
Once I'm a Journeyman Wizard, I can choose to teach someone.
Take them under my wing so to speak.
I always thought it'd be Zeph, but it makes less and less sense every time I think about it.
He's too interested in the forbidden magics.
His path doesn't match the way of Nayru.
I can't be his Mentor, but I know you're always looking to understand things."
"What I mean is, I think you'd make a great student.
You always seem to ask the right questions."
"Is that an offer?"
"Well, yes.
But I have to pass first."
"I just don't know if I'm ready.
What if I'm not strong enough?"
"I don't know as much about this as you, but it sounds like you still have a lot to learn.
So we can learn it all together.
I'm your age, and I'm not useless.
I can help you if you need it.
I know you won't be perfect, but you'll be close enough for me.
If you fail, you can wait another year.
The test isn't the only thing you can do, you can have fun and practice harder while you wait.
I'm sure they have protective measures to keep you from blowing up the city.
And as for making it to Castle Town..."
"If I have any say in the matter, you'll make it there just fine."
"It's all going to be fine, Ferondir."
"And I thought I worried a lot."
She was the obvious choice.
Curious, intelligent, eager to learn, and able to hold her own. Kind too; the first thing she did when they got back was comfort the Zora.
And, let's face it, she reminded him of Freya, his dear mother.
He chuckled a little, how had it taken so long to figure that out.
"Shia, you've got to be there too," he said.