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Part two of the not-so critically acclaimed series. Come on people, if you like it, tell me so, dammit! I would like to be told what I can improve, now more than ever. I'm pouring myself into this trilogy. Gimme some feedback. I beg you. In any event, comments or no, I hope you enjoy this part of the Hydromancer's Trilogy. You can find the whole series at: http://yiffstar.com/index.php?pid=6609

• Protector Meridian

Training in Hydromancy

Training for Dosner progressed at a smooth rate after his initiation, though the otter found it hard at first to grasp the sheer size of the complex within which he studied his art. Faora explained that the confusing nature of the crystalline academy served a purpose; it caused one to focus their mind on their destination, as each of the students must do during their time at the school. The otter barely accepted this, but continued on anyway, eventually learning the layout of the hallways.

Of far more interest to the otter was the dragon himself. They had been in the same quarters for nearly two months now, and yet Dosner still knew very little about his companion, despite the bond they had shared.

Sitting on his bed one night, Faora shrugged. "There really isn't much of me to tell," he said, leaning on the backboard, "I'm just your average student here. I excel at my classes, learn fast, and I'm known to help out everyone I see."

Dosner cocked his head to the side, shifting slightly on the mat he'd insisted remained his sleeping space. "I meant more of your life before you came here to the school," he elaborated, "Where did you grow up? Tell me about your home."

The dragon gave a hearty laugh and lay back. "You, my friend, are looking at it."

For a long moment, Dosner looked confused, then he got it. "You mean, here in Syrina?"

Faora laughed. "Technically correct, but only worth half points. I grew up here, in the academy. In the very room, to be precise. As I said, my mother was a powerful hydromancer. She taught here long before I was born. When I was, her work could not allow her to leave. She set aside this room for me." He laughed again. "I am the only student here who can claim to call this place home longer than almost any of the Masters."

Dosner gave a snort. "No wonder you know this place so well. I'm still getting lost from time to time."

"Oh, don't worry. You'll get used to it. I still don't know the geomancer or aeromancer sectors too well; I mainly stay here, with other hydromancers." The dragon lay down slowly on the bed more properly, resting his head back on a large, fluffy pillow. "You know, you don't have to sleep on that floor. It must be incredibly uncomfortable."

Blushing, the otter looked down. Had he been that obvious? "It's not so bad," he replied quickly, "I'm rapidly growing tolerance for pain, what with the ice lessons I've learned of late. The floor is nothing."

Shrugging, Faora turned to a small stand and reached out to the candle that was there. He slowly ran a talon through the bright flame, and it vanished with a small puff of steam. "Very well. But know that the offer is always open if you'd like a bit more comfort."

Sighing inwardly, Dosner lay back on his mat and settled himself as best he could against the unyielding ground. Even in the short time he'd known the dragon, their friendship had practically bloomed. They were close, very close, and yet the thought of what 'comfort' he actually wanted frightened the otter. Was he really willing to risk loosing that friendship, that bond, over something else?"

"What is it, Dosner?" came Faora's quiet voice above him, "I sense your mind is in turmoil. You won't rest well as such."

Blushing again and thankful of the darkness, the otter shook his head. "I am just thinking about tomorrow's lessons, how eager I am to learn some attack magic."

Smiling in the dark, Faora rolled back over onto his side. "Very well. Try to calm your mind though; you will need to be well-rested for the trials of tomorrow."

Dosner nodded and lay back down again, closing his eyes. He fought to achieve a state of calm, gently pushing images of the dragon out of his mind. And slowly, surely, he drifted off into peaceful sleep.

* * *

The otter awoke slowly the next morning, strange sensations rushing over his body. He sat up on his mat, wondering exactly why the room was so humid, and why it was so dark. It took him a moment to realise that his eyes were still closed, and he opened them slowly.

Dosner gave a surprised gasp. Faora was there, back to him as usual, up to his waist in water. The air was filled with a fine mist, swirling coolly through the room. The dragon's body glowed with ethereal light as he stood stock-still in the water, his lower section distorted by the flow and ripples of the liquid.

Slowly, almost without being conscious of what he was doing, Dosner moved forward, closer, trying to get a better look at the dragon's body. He recoiled in shock and fear as he saw Faora turn around to face him, a smile spreading slowly across his roommate's face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

The dragon just shook his head and smiled wider, extending a clawed hand. "No, it's quite all right. In fact, join me. I insist." He held up the hand again to signal pause as the otter moved forward again. "If you are to do so, you will wet your clothes. Disrobe, then come in."

Dosner watched the dragon turn back around again. Had he seen a hint of mischief in those eyes? Regardless, he wasn't about to pass this opportunity up. Quickly he slipped out of his own robes, before slipping into the water just behind the dragon. "Wow," he said softly, wriggling his hips in the water, "It's so warm..."

Slowly, Faora turned about again, and there was no mistaking the glint in his eye nod. "And the water is not the only thing," he replied softly, wading in right up to the otter. He wrapped his arms around Dosner slowly and pulled the other against his body, leaning his head in close.

The otter released a quiet whimper as their lips met, his own paws reaching around to encircle the dragon, holding him fast against his furred form before he regained control of his senses. He lost sense of time in the kiss, the room fading away to a narrow scope of awareness, where all that existed was the dragon holding him.

Slowly, inevitably, reluctantly, the otter pulled back from the kiss, panting slowly. "How... how did you know I...?"

Faora grinned wide and stretched, rubbing his body against the otters. "Are you joking? You've been hinting at this quietly for some time... almost since we met. I've just decided now to give in to your wants... and to mine."

Dosner looked surprised. "But you... you wanted me too?" he asked. When the other gave an affirming nod, the otter slid back close to him again, nuzzling into his cheek. "Wow, I never thought that you would be interested... I guessed you'd all ready have a mate, or not want to-"

The dragon silenced him with a soft kiss to his lips, slowly kissing over his cheeks and along his jawline, before leaning up to nibble on one eartip. "Sshhh," he hissed gently, his hands stroking over the otter's chest. The steam in the room seemed to increase, fogging their view of each other, even so close as they were. "Don't worry about it now...

Dosner felt the dragon's hands sliding up along his body again, stroking over his shoulders, gripping him tightly. The steam overwhelmed his sight for a moment, and he lost sight of Faora. Grunting slightly, he reached out-

"Ow!" cried the dragon, recoiling back in surprised pain.

Confused, the otter opened his eyes. He gasped at the sight that appeared before him.

The mist and steam was gone. The water was calm, flat and featureless. He wasn't even in the water; he was still lying on his mat. And as he looked around, he could see Faora leaning on the side of his bed, one hand over his left eye.

The dragon glared over at Dosner. "So, I shake you awake and I get a poke in the eye for it. I suppose you're welcome; all I wanted to do was ensure you were not late for your lessons."

A shamed blush spread across Dosner's face. "A dream," he breathed.

"And a fun one it must have been, to assault me for breaking you from its grip." Faora stood up and walked to the edge of the water, moving down to all fours and washing his face in it.

Dosner glanced over at the dragon, his blush growing as he caught sight of the dragon's robed rump. He quickly looked away and shook his head. "It's not a dream I have often," he admitted, quickly covering up the physical evidence the dream had left on him, "I don't know why it happened."

Faora rolled his eyes and turned back around, the temporary burst of pain-driver anger now gone from his features. "I could smell your musk, Dosner; you need not hide yourself from me."

Wincing, his whole face turned red as he dropped the sheet he'd been tightly clutching, watching it drape over his erect otterhood. Even Faora, who'd known what to expect, gave a blush at the sight of it.

"I'm betting you have someone back home to dream of... I envy you for that." The dragon reached onto the end of his bed and grasped at Dosner's adept robes, tossing them to the otter. "I'm going to go prepare for the day's studies. Get ready fast, you're required at the training room very soon."

* * *

After taking a few minutes to allow himself to 'cool off' as it were, Dosner made his way quickly towards the training room in the hydromancer sector of the school. He'd been there many times since he'd started, mostly to watch the duels between students that took place within the room.

The training room was different from all of the other rooms in the academy. Where most everything else was made of the same translucent crystal, the training room was built of steel walls and stone floor, roof open to the sky. It was about thirty meters from side to side, built in a rough square shape. Water flowed down the walls of the room, into a deep trench that ran the full length around the room. In the corners of the room was each a fur-sized crystal; these the otter had learned, were there to maintain the health of any combatants entering the room.

He looked about himself, eyes falling on Ryshan and, much to his surprise, Faora as well. The otter walked forward, bowing to the master. "I am here, Master Ryshan, ready for the day's lessons."

The wolf smiled and nodded. "I am aware. I can sense your eagerness, and Faora too has told me of your willingness to learn attack magic at last. Now, you will get your chance." He waved a hand. "Please. Take your place in the North-Western corner."

Bowing again, Dosner moved as instructed. He turned back around to face Ryshan, noting Faora moving to the corner directly opposite of him. He frowned and turned to the wolf. "Master... may I ask what I am learning today?"

He smirked in response. "Of course," he replied, "You are learning attack magic. Hydromancy is not normally the primary attacker of an elementalist group; mostly we leave that to the pyromancers and aeromancers. But sometimes, we are required to join the attack. And mere water is not enough for that."

Faora took a step forward and raised his hands. A faint blue glow surrounded his talons for a moment before, with a twist of his wrist, a stream of water leapt up from the channel behind him. The dragon weaved his arms again, and the bolt of water solidified in an instant into a sharp spear of ice.

Crying out, Dosner ducked quickly. The spear slammed into the wall behind him, shattering with shards of frozen water and splashback from the liquid running down the walls. He looked up with surprise. "I thought we were friends!" he called out.

Faora shrugged, tendrils of water swirling around his body slowly. "There are no friends in a training match, Dosner. In combat, there is no sense in feeling for your opponent. You will not hesitate to strike down a demon charging at you with blade drawn. And so you must train yourself to attack as he would."

Ryshan nodded and smiled. "Faora phrases it well. Water alone though, is not enough to slow down a demon. Ice though... ice is hard. Ice is sharp. Ice can cut through enemies as easily as flame or lightning. Hydromancers are underestimated often, and you will show them how powerful we can be as fighters."

The wolf waved a hand. "You've learned how to solidify water. You've learned how to channel water. What Faora just demonstrated was a blending of the two skills. Gather up the water around you and throw it at him. Solidify it as you do so, and you will strike him firmly."

Nodding, Dosner looked down into the trench beside him. He reached out with his mind, raising his hands as he summoned the water to rise. It followed his commands, a stream of liquid arcing up into the air towards Faora at speed. The otter twisted his hands the other way, incanting the words to freeze the water, but he was too late. The stream of water struck the dragon in the chest, evoking nothing more than a chuckle from Faora.

Growling with frustration, the otter tried again. Once more he lifted the water out of the ditch and hurled it at the dragon, but this time he began his freezing incantation before he fired. He watched as the water hardened into ice-

-And winced in sympathy as the spear slammed into Faora, driving through the dragon's shoulder and knocking him flat on the ground.

Crying out is shock and surprise, the otter ran across the room to the fallen dragon's side. Surprise spread across his face immediately as he skidded to a halt, dropping to his knees beside his friend only to hear a loud laugh.

"Well, I'll be damned!" crowed the dragon, looking down at the spear lodged in his shoulder with another laugh, "Only his second attempt!" Faora reached up to his shoulder, still laughing, and ripped the spear of ice clear of the wound with a grunt.

Dosner winced again as he watched the flush of blood from the wound. But before he could do anything, the dragon placed a single hand over the gaping injury. The palm of his hand glowed with a coronal blue light, and the wound started to close itself. As the otter watched, the crystal behind Faora began to glow brightly, speeding the healing process. He turned with confusion to Ryshan, cocking his head.

"You will soon learn the powers of healing as well," he said, waving towards Faora, "Where Faora himself is very accomplished across many subjects of hydromancy, healing seems to be his strong point. Healing is especially potent in the hands of hydromancers and geomancers, and Faora looks set to become quite adept at this skill."

"I take pride in the ability," Faora put in quietly, moving his hand aside. Through the hole in his robe, the otter could clearly see perfect and unmarked scales. "There, to me, is no more honourable pursuit than that of the healer." He shrugged and stood up. "It's my hope to one day become the most potent healer in Renthani," he said, eyes sparkling with ambition, "To be able to cure any ailments, mend any wound, to save someone on the verge of death... it is a noble mission."

Ryshan nodded as he glanced at Dosner. "Though the gods grant such incredible powers to us, the ability to restore life from death has eluded us. Many consider it an impossibility. Demonic necromancers dabble in the art, though no one in Renthani would even consider their ways acceptable, much less civilised."

Dosner nodded, before letting his gaze flick back over to Faora. "Did... did it hurt?" he asked tentatively, "I mean, I can assume it must have, but assumptions are dangerous in a place such as this."

The dragon shrugged and gave a nod. "I suppose the answer is yes. It hurt. It hurt a lot, as much as any sword lodged in my body would hurt." He smiled. But within moments the healing crystals dampened the pain, and I was content to glow with pride at the way you are progressing."

The otter gave a bright blush as he bowed his head. "You speak highly of me, Faora. I only hope I can- GAH!"

Dosner fell back with a yelp, a dagger of ice jutting out of his leg. He hit the ground hard, pain flashing up his thighs. He wrapped his paws around the weapon and gripped it tightly, pulling it free of his leg with another cry. He gazed down at the blood-slicked ice, before turning accusing eyes up at Faora.

The dragon shrugged. "You weren't looking at your target," he said calmly, "In battle, it would have been fatal." He gave a wink. "Besides. If I'd wanted to make sure you'd not be getting up again, I'd have struck you in the face."

Growling slightly at the dirty trick, Dosner stood shakily up. The crystal behind him began to glow, dulling the pain flaring along his nerves. The wound began to knit itself closed, and water rose up behind him threateningly. "You're going to have your work cut out for you, Adept Meridian," he growled between clenched teeth, and attacked.

* * *

For the entire day Dosner was taught different methods of attack using his hydromancy; basics like forming water into ice projectiles being mastered early, while storms of ice shards and forging of ice weapons took a lot longer to learn.

Eventually though, Ryshan called a halt to the day's training. Dosner and Faora stood side by side, both drenched in sweat, bowing to the master. "Adept Brooks. Outstanding performance today. I can see you quickly becoming skilled in water attack magic." He turned away from the otter's growing smile to look appraisingly at Faora. "I know attack is not a skill you've devoted much time to. But you've demonstrated sufficient skill today that we can move you both onto the next phase of study."

Eyes wide in surprise, Dosner turned to face the dragon. "You hadn't completed the basic attack training?" he asked.

Faora's cheeks flushed violet. "As I said, I prefer to study in the fields of healing hydromancy," he replied, more than a little defensively. "I only possess the attack skill of a first year student, but my healing abilities are far beyond what my studies should have taught me by now." He looked down. "Many masters have become... well, disappointed in me, because I refuse to demonstrate an affinity for attack spells."

Ryshan stepped forward and placed a paw on the dragon's bowed head. "I am the only hydromancy master left in this academy that young Meridian here has not yet alienated, though he's been here but two seasons. I like his spirit, his willingness to sacrifice in one area to excel in others. My dedication to him has also made me somewhat disliked by the other masters, but I defend myself by taking on other students and teaching them as well as any other here."

Dosner shrugged. "I can assume that they believe a broad understanding of all topics will give a hydromancer more versatility." He narrowed his eyes. "But to condemn an adept because he takes one path rather than another is madness. How can they be so narrow-sighted?"

Faora looked up and smiled. "Do not worry about it. Most hydromancers learn at their own pace, across all topics. I'm an exception to the rule, that's all. While I'm as strong in attack as any other adept here, I choose not to exercise that strength." His smile turned dark, sinister. "And those that call me weak soon find out that I'm not as pacifistic as I appear."

The otter gave a smirk and nodded. "I feel I'm taking a liking to attack magic, myself. I would appreciate learning more on this skill, honing it to its full capabilities. With the war building, I can do damage out on the front lines better that way."

Ryshan nodded to the otter. "If you take the path of a Guardian Hydromancer, you will likely be made to study attack spells, yes. But there are other classes you can choose to take on."

Dosner appeared confused for a moment. "I'm sorry... classes?"

Nodding again, the wolf sighed. "Ah, I apologise. I forgot for a moment that you were not a second-year student. Once a student reaches their second year, they are made aware of the different classes of elementalist that one can aspire to, to better serve Renthani."

He waved a paw. "There are really only three classes, but endless sub classes in each. Before the war most were, like what Faora aspires to be, Protector Elementalists. The healers, the defenders. People rarely seen on the battlefields, an scorned for their 'weakness' in battle. Guardian Elementalists are the fighters of Renthani, taught blade and bow and all the attack spells of their element. And Master Elementalists, which only the most powerful become. They teach the power of the elements to the next generation."

The otter nodded slowly, thinking for a moment on it. He looked up slowly and bowed again. "Thank you for the lesson today, Master Ryshan. I feel the need to return to my quarters now, if I am to be well-rested for tomorrow's trials."

Faora gave a snort. "I still think that it's a bad idea," he offered.

Ryshan though merely shrugged. "It is his decision to participate in the contest, Faora. You yourself are entered in the same contest in the group competition."

The dragon winced and shook his head. "Only because the Elemental Challenge requires each team to have one healer. I would rather not compete in such an infantile test of strength, but others are depending on me for success. I could not turn them down when they needed me."

Turning to Dosner, the wolf gave a cautious smile. "I know you wanted to study attack magic before you participated in the Challenge tomorrow, Dosner. I know you signed up for it long before you knew how you could use water to attack." He arched an eyebrow. "I will not be present for the Challenge, but I will hear of your results. I wish you luck."

His gaze fell once more on Faora. "Your team mates will indeed be relying on you, Adept Meridian. See that they are not disappointed. The Challenge means little to you, but to some that compete, like Dosner, it is something much more than a mere battle."

Faora bowed swiftly and nodded. "I understand, Master Ryshan. I will not fail them."

"I know you won't, Fae. Now both of you, return to your quarters for the night." Ryshan gave them both a quick bow and a thin smile, before turning and walking out of the training room.

As he left, Dosner turned to the dragon. "Fae?" he asked.

Faora blushed again. "A pet name that I've picked up here. Others perceive me as feminine in manner, and my name does not help matters. The abbreviation to 'Fae' was originally mocking." He smiled slightly. "Most honour me by speaking my full name. Those that call me Fae are displaying either unforgivable arrogance or a deep friendship." The dragon's smile twitched. "As a result, only Master Ryshan calls me Fae, and even then, very rarely."

Dosner smiled and gave Faora a nudge. "For what it's worth, I like it. It sounds cute, for lack of a better word." He smiled wider at the dragon's expanding blush. "Now, come on. I feel a need for a swim after today's work. Care to join me, Fae?"

* * *

The hydromancy sector of the academy, like each other sector of the dome, housed one facility that was unique to that element alone. The geomancers possessed a lush garden, aeromancers had use of a large, open air room where even those species not given wings could take flight, and the pyromancers made use of an artificial volcano built into their center, the heat better focussing their power.

The hydromancy sector though was filled with a large, artificial lake. The waters of the lake flowed through the entire complex, filtered, purified and refined as it travelled from place to place. It was here that it also flowed into a smaller lake, and this was where many hydromancers came to unwind, bathing in the clear water.

It was here that Faora practically ran to, racing Dosner to his favourite place in the whole complex. The dragon paused as he looked around the room, darkened for the night. As he saw no one else around, he pulled his robe off quickly, leaving it by the bank of the lake before leaping into a wing-assisted dive right into the deep end.

Dosner finally entered the room, panting and out of breath. He looked around as well, more for the dragon than any one else. "Gods, Faora," he panted, "Your wings... give you an... an unfair advantage..." He trailed off as his eyes narrowed, unable to see the dragon anywhere. "Faora, where are you?"

The water in the center of the lake rippled and Faora's head broke the surface. "I'm right here," he replied with a grin, water dripping from his horns, "I am sorry, but I could not wait for you. It's been some time since I've been here."

"And I can see that you were certainly eager enough to return to this favourite place of yours," Dosner commented as he walked to the lake's edge, gazing at the dark water tentatively. "I can see why you like this place so much... this water is enchanted."

The dragon nodded and smiled warmly. "Yes. It is always the perfect temperature, it is always perfectly clean and clear and pristine, and it is always perfect. This lake is my favourite place in all of Renthani, not that I've seen anything outside Syrina." He shrugged and leaned back, floating on his extended wings and looking up at the crystalline ceiling, and the moon beyond. "I would love to see the marble city of Merosa, or the royal palace of Derinor..."

Dosner smiled as he sat at the bank of the water, prodding the surface with a foot-paw. "I always wanted to see Syrina, and now I've come here. The sight was every bit as spectacular as I expected it would be... I wish to see more, travel across Renthani and see it all."

"As a Guardian Hydromancer, you may yet get that wish," Faora replied, standing straight up in the water again. He smiled at the otter and waved him forward. "Come on Dosner; remove your robe and come in."

The otter gave a bright blush, hoping that the dim light of the lake hid his face enough. It seemed so close to what had happened with that dream... And like in the dream, he found the opportunity far too great to pass up. Slowly, and with Faora looking on, Dosner slipped out of his robe, placing it delicately down beside the dragon's. He waded into the water of the lake, standing beside Faora. "There. Happy?"

"Very much so." Faora smiled and moved forward, wrapping the other in a tight hug. "I feel the need to congratulate you. Attack casting is one of the more difficult skills to learn, even at the beginning. You passed the basic tests with ease, and through our bond, I felt your rapture at your success. Well done."

Blushing brighter, Dosner returned the embrace. He felt his malehood stirring with the close contact, and broke the hug before the dragon could feel it against him. "Thank you, Fae. I appreciate the gesture." He smiled and looked around. "It's truly beautiful, this place. So serene, so quiet."

Faora looked up as well, admiring the glow of the moon shimmering through the crystal roof. "There is a very good reason why this place is my favourite in the whole school," he said softly, leaning back in the water again, "And so few come out here this late. I have the beauty all to myself."

Blushing and gulping inwardly to himself, Dosner saw a chance and decided to speak up and take it. "Well, tonight you have someone to share that with. And I get a beautiful view, and more beautiful company."

A quick ripple of the water was the only sound in the entire room for a moment. Faora stood stock still after the jolt that gave him, before turning to face the otter. His face was flushed, and he gave out a girlish giggle to the air, despite himself. "Well, I don't know about that," he replied, covering his face with a hand, "All I know is what I see."

The otter reached over and gently pried the hand away from Faora's face. "You can trust in what I see then," he said, churring deeply, "Because I see beauty standing before me."

Slowly, Faora pulled his hand back out of Dosner's grip. "I have heard stories of this happening," he said, looking down at the water, "A bonding between two people all ready somewhat close. The mental link forged at your initiation. There are three aspects to every person; mental, physical and emotional... and now I sense you've grown an emotional bond to me."

Dosner's heart seemed to sink. "You have a mate."

The blush spread faster across Faora's face. "No, my study leaves little time to find a mate of my own. I just... I guess I never considered you in that light before. I still see you as a friend..."

Sighing heavily, Dosner turned away and started to walk back towards his robe. "I am sorry, Faora," he apologised quietly, picking up his robe, "I did not mean to cause you discomfort. I will sleep elsewhere tonight."

"No... Dosner, it is quite all right." Faora followed him quickly, but didn't bother to pick up his robe. "If you feel we need to be separate for this night, then I will sleep here. You remain in our quarters."

For a second, it seemed like the otter was about to argue. Giving a faint nod and another sigh of sadness, he walked out.

Faora released an exasperated sigh of his own as he slid back into the lake's water. Emotions flared through his head as he recalled what he'd just heard, filling him with thoughts he'd never had before. His sense of Dosner faded to a quite background ache as the otter grew further and further away.

Sadly, the dragon worked at pushing the emotions out of his mind, clearing himself of all thought. He focussed on the water, using it to sooth his mind, before he submerged into the lake and fell into a deep sleep.

There it is... please, any comments please direct to [email protected] or you could just hit a number beneath this or be done with it. Hope you liked, the next one comes soon!